[alandchris]

I search the site and did not see this question...

I picked up an aluminum boat - '01 Tracker - the Prev owner says the rivets leak. After reading thru a number of posts it looks like Gluvit is the best choice - however - it seems that you should put this on on the inside of the hull.

Question is - can this be put on the outside of the hull - and afterwards - can I bottom coat the entire bottom of the boat to go over the Gluvit to make it look 'presentable'. Currently there is some type of epoxy brushed on the rivet lines... I'd prefer not to rip the entire boat decking/ steering console etc if possible - hey, but if I have to... I can.

Also if this is possible - is there some type of regualation for freshwater where you cannot use a bottom painted boat (in NJ or anywhere).

Thx for any advice.
Al

[Chinewalker]

The "best" choice is to fix the rivets. Gluvit is a band-aid solution... Call around and find a marina that does hull repairs. If you do most of the disassembly (remove floor, etc.) yourself, it shouldn't cost much...
- Scott

[chris0061]

My first boat was a old alumacraft aluminum hull and had several leaking rivets and a rip in the side under water line, I used dura fix aluminum Brazing rod. It's very easy to use like a solder you just have to make sure everything getting Brazed is clean. Search " Dura Fix Aluminum Welding Aluminum Brazing Aluminum Soldering & Repair Rod " and check it out.

[rolmops]

There is a way to fix every last rivet on your boat by replacing them with truss headed stainless steel philips bolts.
These bolts have the same external shape as rivets and you can replace every last rivet in your boat with these small bolts.You need to drill out the loose rivets and replace them with the same diameter bolt with a washer and a nylon coated nut on the inside of your hull.
after you have removed a number of rivets you should insert some sealant in between the aluminum parts (marine sealant 5000)and dip every bolt in the same sealant before inserting it in the rivet hole.Then,just insert the bolt and have a friend inside the boat put the washer on, screw the nut on and tighten it down. Do that until you have replaced every last rivet you wanted to replace.
Good luck.

[DJ]

A lot depends on how bad they are and how many. If they are loose you have to try to tighten them up or replace with screws.

I have used Gluv It (sparingly) on the outside with good success.

[Benny1963]

my cajun special had rivet probs but there werent that many tried everything
nothing lasted so i tiged every last one plus pretty much every other crack in the boat ,
bennyb