21' starcraft center console

[tylerr83]

I have a '73 starcraft cc with some leaking issues. i have a crack in the bow area just below the waterline that i had originally repaired (more of a band-aid) with pc-7 epoxy but it has started to leak again. i'm thinking about having this welded. the crack is so thin that i think just a bead done with a tig welder would do the trick. but i'm not sure, i've never had to have a hull welded before. Is this the best bet here, and are there any other issues that i should be aware of before i go ahead with it.....i should mention that the crack is dead center in the piece that the hull sides are joined to.
Also, theres some water coming in through the stern on the keel line. i was going to have this welded to, but then i realized that this isn't really a viable option because of the gasket here? would gluvit do the trick...i've used it before on a smaller tinboat but that was just to take care of some leaky rivets. any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Gnarly]

Re: 21' starcraft center console

stop drill the crack at the end with a minimum 1/8" drill bit to stress relieve it, do a riveted doubler repair over the affected area and beyond with 5052 sheet alloy ,one inch rivet spacing and prime with zinc chromate , use a quality sealant on the faying surfaces (dont be shy) use a minimum 2 1/2 diameter edge spacing on the rivets from the edge of your doubler and of course dont get too close to another existing rivet hole 3 diameter minimum.
If you dont stop drill it , it will most likely run to the nearest rivet hole and stop itself but flex and cold work the metal. Welding probably isnt your best bet but if its in a difficult place to fab a doubler for might just get you out of a pickle though , youre boat youre call.


Pro seal (PR 1422 B2) is what you want to use for sealant, forget gluvit. The proseal is rubber based with a chromate process used to seal the inside of wet wing aircraft fuel cells - available at your local aviall

 

[tylerr83]

Re: 21' starcraft center console

i never thought to repair it with a riveted patch....that does seem like it would be a pretty practical fix. the only other thing i had come up with is trying aluminum brazing rod like hts 2000. but again my concern there is heating an area so close to the gasket there. i just checked out that proseal though...i'm assuming its the filleting compound you're referring to? i'd never seen that before but i think that is probably a better bet than the gluvit, seems like it would be more durable and longer lasting .

 

[Gnarly]

Re: 21' starcraft center console

It'll last , remain flexible and waterproof and is designed to work in temperature extremes on aluminum.
B 1/2 = 1/2 hour pot life/working time
B2 = 2 hour pot life / working time
mix it well and exactly as per the instructions and you'll have a bullet proof repair.
cheers