13' Gregor Repair Question (dent)

[Pantherdustin]

Scored a super deal on this 1976 Gregor 13'4" aluminum boat recently. The boat just needs exterior cleaning and is almost perfect on the inside. The one issue with it is a large bend on the port side. No creases or fractures of any sort, just where the curve is about midway the aluminum took a hit when the person was turning it upside down for storage reasons. The bend is shown in the pictures right above the YR. I was planning on putting it next to my fence and using a ratchet strap to see if I can get it to bend back, but I would hate to wreck the other side or cause more damage to it. I was checking in to see if anyone has any advice in straightening this out?

I would love to have the extra space due to growing family (hopefully replacing a 12' klamath).

Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 13' Gregor Repair Question (dent)

HI Panther. Cool boat. I love the lines of those Gregors. A ratchet strap may work, but don't be afraid to give it a few "love taps" with a small sledge against a 2x4, if need be as well. That's one of the best think about these tinnies, they can be persuaded back into shape with simple tools and lots of grunting. What kind of motor/set up are you looking at?

 

[Pantherdustin]

Re: 13' Gregor Repair Question (dent)

Thanks for the quick reply! Thanks for the advice I will keep clicking around and see what other people have done before I try to straighten the curve out. I can handle the small dings but this one being in the line of sight 95% of the time would need corrected before I would use it. It would bug me too much.

This Gregor package included a 9.8 '83 Merc, like I said it was a super deal even if the boat is scrap. Ill stick with the 9.8 this year, we have our newborn (6 wk) fishing with us and cant go fast while he's on board. Will be a trolling summer!

Thanks again

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 13' Gregor Repair Question (dent)

You may also find that it's easier to straighten everything out by first removing the rubrails by first drilling out the rivets. You can then try to straighten the hull and rails separately then reattach them. Are you on the West Coast? I've never actually seen a Gregor in real life "back East" as they say out there

 

[Pantherdustin]

Re: 13' Gregor Repair Question (dent)

It doesnt have any rivets. All welded. I beat on it a little bit yesterday along with the ratchet strap. It doesnt want to move. I am going to take it somewhere this week to see if its fixable. Thanks