patching holes in aluminum boat

[scully222]

What is best way to patch up holes drilled into boat for old downriggers and other various equipment uses? I want to repaint boat this spring. I've read epoxy works. This is for above waterline.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: patching holes in aluminum boat

marine JB weld works great.

 

[JB]

Re: patching holes in aluminum boat

Depends on how picky you are on cosmetics, scully.

There are aluminum brazing rods available that will fill those holes with a propane or MAPP torch, and dress off to be virtually invisible on even unpainted surfaces.

 

[JimMachinery]

Re: patching holes in aluminum boat

Scully:

I've used Marine JB weld, HTS2000 brazing rods and Marine-Tex Flex Set Epoxy on aluminum for various repairs with good results. I also have some interest in a product from Cabela's that some prople seem to like, green fusion bondage epoxy sticks that are applied with a torch.

For larger diameter holes, you may want to epoxy an aluminum backer plate behind the hole and then fill flush from the outside and sand smooth.

Good Luck!

Jim