Filling holes in my Aluminum Jon Boat

[bigdee35]

I have a few holes in the side of my Jon Boat. 2 that are the size of a pea. Wanting to see the best coarse of action to filling them. One of them has a bolt with rubber washers on both sides right now. Only one will actually be under water, the other is above the waterline. I have access to some medium duty body filler (Bondo) not sure if that will do the trick or not. And while we're at it, I'm going to be painting the boat this fall. Here are the steps I plan on taking. Please advise if neccessary:
1. Sand entire boat using 50 grit sandpaper
2. spray bottom with Flexseal (https://www.getflexseal.com/?tag=im|sm|go|tm&a_aid=011&a_bid=a4cc8494) I have a very slow leak somewhere
3. Apply Duplicolor Self Etching Primer
4. Apply Durabak18 Smooth (http://www.durabakstore.com/durabak18-smooth-quart)
5. Spray on licence number
6. any advice on a clear coat? or do I need one?

I also will make sure that I clean the boat really well before and during this process. Any suggestions on cleaner for aluminum?

Thank you all in advance!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Filling holes in my Aluminum Jon Boat

A better repair for your holes would be to put rivets in them like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0MA1-5NXjs&feature=related

This will work on 1/4" diameter and smaller holes. A rivet tool (gun) and an assortment of rivets is a very handy thing to have when you own an aluminum boat.

Forget the flex seal on the bottom of your boat. Do a leak test instead and find your leak(s) and repair it/them, then use Gluvit or Coat-it on the inside of your boat to prevent future leaks. This way you can paint your boat up nice and have a leak free boat that you can be proud of.