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Old November 14th, 2006, 12:32 AM
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BLLDOGG BLLDOGG is offline
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Default fixing little holes thoughout aluminum boat

Nothing that will bring in water, I just can't stand looking at the little holes made by the previous owners. Besides professional welding, what else could I do that would look nice? Maybe epoxy, sand roughly smooth and paint?
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Old November 14th, 2006, 07:10 AM
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Bond-o Bond-o is offline
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Default Re: fixing little holes thoughout aluminum boat

Do a Google Search for "Closed- End" Pop-rivits.......

They can be used both Above,+ Below the Water Line........
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Old November 22nd, 2006, 08:13 PM
crazy charlie crazy charlie is offline
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Default Re: fixing little holes thoughout aluminum boat

I have used automobile bondo which was specifically for aluminum.It was a long time ago and may not even be available any more but it worked great.I also use marine tex which also worked great.Charlie
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Old November 26th, 2006, 12:38 PM
Terry Olson Terry Olson is offline
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Default Re: fixing little holes thoughout aluminum boat

I know just what you mean. My current boat had holes all over the place for things like those swiveling drink holders that don't work, extra cleats in places that aren't helpful, and all kinds of other add-on accessories that went right into the trash when I bought it. All of those screw holes were above the water line so I just closed them off with regular aluminum pop-rivets. I repainted the boat as part of the renovation project so those within the painted areas blend in and those in the natural aluminum areas blend in as well.

It doesn't look GREAT, but it's much better than before and was a relatively cheap and easy way to improve the boat's appearance. It's the kind of thing that isn't noticed by those who aren't looking for it.

I used a body dolly and hammer to flatten the ugly side of the rivet in places where both sides can be seen. Once you do this they look very much like the factory rivets. In fact, a few of the panels on my boat were secured from the factory with pop-rivets so they look right at home for the most part.
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Old November 26th, 2006, 08:49 PM
paulie0735 paulie0735 is offline
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Default Re: fixing little holes thoughout aluminum boat

simple repairs can be made with jb weld
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  #6  
Old November 30th, 2006, 09:40 PM
arthat arthat is offline
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Default Re: fixing little holes thoughout aluminum boat

I have fixed several loose rivets and other holes in my 1969 Starcraft Aluminum boat by using a product from Starbrite: It's called "Epoxy Aluminum Putty Stick". A 4oz. stick from Boat US is $17.99. You can sand the putty after it dries and it is easy to work with. A putty knife and rubber gloves is all you'll need. Copy and paste this link into your browser to get a full description.
http://www.boatus-store.com/webapp/w...002/96/11160/4

Good luck and Successful boating to you

Art
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