aluminum boat repair with pics

[atownbasser]

Hi guys. This is my first post on this board and I'm from colorado. There is a ton of information on this site!
Well I got a 12 foot aluminum from the grandson of a deceased junk collecter and it has not been used for a while to say the least. Got it for $50 with a perfect trailer. He just wanted it gone.
The top of the rail (is that whats it's called or rubrail?) on both sides from bow to stern is very flimsy from lack of support. You can see in the pictures that the wood support is gone in large sections. How should I go about repairing it the best way? Is there something I can do besides wood there? I searched the forum and read about 200 threads last night and couldn't find the answer, but they were all interesting
By the way this isn't my only boat. I just got it for a project figuring that if it sunk(but it won't because I am going to gluv-it the seams if it leaks), the trailer alone would be worth the the 50 dollars and I could look for another project boat that didn't have a trailer. But it would be nice to have a little boat to go out in when I'm by myself on small local reservoirs.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: aluminum boat repair with pics

Welcome to iboats! We can always use another project

I imagine you can make a new rub rail from hardwood ....... depending on how creative you want to be you can put a piece inside, one outside and even cap it with hardwood. If you hide your bolts or screws then epoxy the wood to insure it is sealed.

You got a good buy for $50

 

[atownbasser]

Re: aluminum boat repair with pics

Bob, thank you for that advise. I didn't even think of capping it. That would look nice I believe.

I assume I need a at least a single piece of wood for each side of the boat. What size wood would you guys recommend?

Upon further inspection I believe I need to replace the wood transom as well.
So heres my list:
1. Replace the rubrail to provide structural support.
2. Replace the transom.
3. Gluv-It the seams on the bottom of the boat.
4. Paint it inside and out.

Did I miss anything? Would I need any aditional supports connecting the hull and rubrail?

 

[Bondo]

Re: aluminum boat repair with pics

Did I miss anything? Would I need any aditional supports connecting the hull and rubrail?

Ayuh,... Your Plan sounds pretty Good...

But,..
With the limited pictures the rest of the questions are hard to answer....

Usually, the Seats provide Alot of the necessary support...