Aluminum boat repair questions

Here is my situation, not sure how to go about repairing my boat. Ive been told to just junk it, but if I do that I wont be fishing out of a boat this season.
The holes in the back are from whoever owned the boat before me. They put screws all through it to attach a piece of plywood to the inside, Im not too worried about fixing those, I think it will be easy enough.
My biggest question is how can I go about reinforcing the seem between the back and the bottom of the boat. Its fairly beat up, and started to leak last year. I patched it with JB weld after a few failed attempts at braising it, but now I need to do something more reliable. I have thought about fiberglass, but after reading around here it seems it will not hold to aluminum. 3m 5200 was also recommended, using it on the inside and outside. Not sure how strong that stuff actually is though. Welding may fix all my problems, but given the cost, and the value of my boat, I just dont think its worth it.
Is it fixable, or should I scrape it. Thanks for any input.

Re: Aluminum boat repair questions

It can be fixed but it all depends how much you want to invest in it. For the time and cost that would be involved you might be better off scrapping it and finding a different boat but thats my .02.

Re: Aluminum boat repair questions

Welcome to iboats.

Welding is really not that much money when you consider the results. You can have some knee braces added (made form aluminum) even w/o welding.

Essentially 3m5200 is a strong sealant. Your best bet may be to replace that plywood and use stainless steel bolts and 3m5200. Your attempts to braise it will be useless but the boat is FAR from junk.

The first step I would take in your situation is to use the phone and find out who does aluminum welding ........ usually the independent guy is the cheapest and easiest to work with. Check around for a replacement hull and weigh that against the welding and the repair will always be cheaper.

Gluvit is the best epoxy for sealing aluminum hulls and that is around $55 per 2 lb (quart size) can, aluminum street signs make great repair pieces........ You are in good hands here. We have had more aluminum restorations then found anywhere on the internet. We are "tin" junkies here in the restoration section. I have done a few and been involved in many.

Re: Aluminum boat repair questions

Thanks for the info guys.
I started to look around online for some welders, didnt find much. Not surprised though, up here in Maine the small guys dont advertise online so Ill have to resort to the phone book.
I think I still got some street signs from my highschool days...

Re: Aluminum boat repair questions

Go to a few body shops and ask about who welds. Metal fabrication...... truck repair shops....... ask around....they are out there

Good luck.