Fixing 3" tear on side of Aluminum boat

Chris&Heidi · #1 February 17th, 2009, 09:44 AM

Any ideas what could be used to fix this?

tashasdaddy · #2 February 17th, 2009, 09:51 AM

where is it on the boat. i used some duct tape on the inside as backer, and filled one like that with JB Weld Marine, never had a problem with it. it took several applications to build it up.

Chris&Heidi · #3 February 17th, 2009, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tashasdaddy

where is it on the boat. i used some duct tape on the inside as backer, and filled one like that with JB Weld Marine, never had a problem with it. it took several applications to build it up.

Thanks! It is on the left side right above the rear bench seat.

tashasdaddy · #4 February 17th, 2009, 10:03 AM

should fix it right up. mine was below the water line.

Chris&Heidi · #5 February 17th, 2009, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tashasdaddy

should fix it right up. mine was below the water line.

just put a picture to my previous post what color does the welding stuff turn when dry?

tashasdaddy · #6 February 17th, 2009, 10:39 AM

gray. you can paint it.

fixmyevinrude · #7 February 17th, 2009, 02:45 PM

You could take it to a weld shop and they could weld it. I don't have a clue to the cost. Take a picture of problem and ask them for a ballpark estimate.

Chris&Heidi · #8 February 17th, 2009, 04:14 PM

Thanks for the suggestions!!!!

Nandy · #9 February 17th, 2009, 05:39 PM

Tig welding is going to be very costly compared to using jbweld or marinetex. Both should work. I did many repairs with marinetex and jbweld in my johnboats, lots of it under the water line, with no problem...

JB · #10 February 17th, 2009, 06:13 PM

Just begs for aluminum brazing with a propane torch.

kg5388 · #11 February 17th, 2009, 07:21 PM

call the local prop repair guy I had a 4 inch gash and used a hammer and 2x4 to get it back together and he charged $30 to weld it up.

I also had Him weld a Toyota 22-R timing cover when the chain rubbed a hole in it.

Nandy · #12 February 17th, 2009, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB

Just begs for aluminum brazing with a propane torch.

I got them rods for alum brazing and still have to get temps right and get a good "puddle" going. It is just that detail that darn alum dont glow when it is at the right temp plus I need to practice a bit more. But if the OP can manage it rods are available at homedepot, lowes, harbor freight and others. All you need is a propane torch. It will be money well spent if the OP plan to keep that boat for a few more seasons.

bugman1964 · #13 February 17th, 2009, 09:14 PM

Aluminum melts at a little over 400 deg F. Soot up the aluminum with the flame of a lit candle, or acetylene from torch, turn the aluminum black with carbon. The carbon burns off at a little under 400 deg F. This is a good pre-heat temp for the aluminum when torch welding/brazing. Once pre heated focus the heat on the rod get it melting and braze/weld the repair area.

Nandy · #14 February 17th, 2009, 11:10 PM

I thought I heard/read that somewhere but it slipped my mind. My only question is what will that soot do to the brazing quality? I mean, wouldnt that be contaminating the work area? Is an hones question... Im trying that anyway...

fishrdan · #15 February 18th, 2009, 12:26 AM

I like TD's JD Weld idea. The dried epoxy is a medium gray color that might not match the aluminum too well, but it you sand the shiny top layer off, it turns a light gray color that will blend much better with the aluminum if you are worried about aesthetics.

The aluminum brazing rods (Durafix) would work nice too, but you should practice a bit with them before attempting a repair like this, if you want it to look good. If you braze that area you should roll the boat over so the area is horizontal as the brazing rod goes from liquid to solid quickly,,, it will run and drip off a vertical surface. Maintaining the right temp is critical since the rod melts about 100* (or something like that?) less than the aluminum base material, you wouldn't want to melt a bigger hole in the boat. All you would need is the brazing rods, MAPP gas torch and stainless steel brush,,, MAPP gas to get that big of an area hot enough, all at once. Google Durafix and watch a few of the videos.

slasmith1 · #16 February 18th, 2009, 12:41 AM

It is just a 4" bead of tig any reputable welding shop should be able to do it for less than $100 worst case.

5150abf · #17 February 18th, 2009, 07:02 AM

the problem with JB is if the repair fails and you decide to weld it you have to try and get all the jb off first, done it, not fun.

You should be able to get that welded for cheap and then it is done.

Chris&Heidi · #18 February 20th, 2009, 01:16 PM

Thanks so much for everyones suggestions. They were very helpful. Have a great day!