[Steve Mahler]

So I bought my first project boat, a 64 Starcraft Jet that apparently hit a submerged object creating a football sized shallow dent (less than 1/2 inch indent) near the centerline towards the rear of the boat. The keel joint is missing several rivets, and obviously leaks...so I am thinking I need to take the boat to someone experienced welding aluminum.

Am I correct in this course of action? Or should I re-rivet the section back together (never tried that)

Thanks, and many more questions to follow on this project:love:

[KRS]

Bent aluminum doesn't bend back well... it's too prone to cracking (too brittle). It's better to have the piece cut out and a new one patched in by a qualified welder. The rivets can be replaced though.

Someone with an alum boat should jump in here to give more advice.

Just a note... the more prep work you do for the weldor, the less the job will cost.

[Bob_VT]

Welcome to iboats! We will guide you through getting this fixed right up.

"Closed end aluminum rivets" is the key. These are rivets desiged for boats. Replace the missing rivets.

You could bent back the dent but, I doubt it will stay that way. You could rivet a piece over the dent or have it cut out and a new piece welded in.

The items that you are going to be friendly with are: Pop riveter with closed end rivets, 3m 5200 sealant, and your best friend will be Gluvit.

Gluvit is a 2 part "flowing" epoxy made to be applied to the inside AFTER your repairs are done. It will seal the seams and tiny leaks.

Got any pictures of the dent and the hull? Look at this link to post pictures http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi...7;gtid=1179789

[tashasdaddy]

bob's got you one the right track. gulvit is the aluminum boats best friend.