how to seal rivits on aluminum boat

D

dsujen

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 16, 2004
Messages
252
I just bought a 1978 starcraft 18 foot gutted aluminum boat. While the floor is gone and all the rivits are exposed, is there something that can be painted on the inside of the boat to keep the rivits from leaking. I haven't put it in the water to see how bad it is yet. Before I buy a motor and trailer I want to make sure the leaks, if any are fixed. I used to smear bondo on the rivits of my old leaking jon boats on the outside of the hull and it worked good. On the 18 footer the bottom has already been painted so I don't want to have to booger it up on the outside. Also do you think I can get away with putting a tiller on this boat? It had a 70hp rude with controls and steering. I'm not looking to go fast. I just want the least amount of maintanence as possible so I can take her out crabbin and drinkin a few times a year. I don't want to put pourable foam in it because once it gets wet, it gets heavy. That's why I sold my fiberglass boat. Do I need to put foam in it? If so, what can I use that can get wet? I plan on making the plywood floor removable so I have no rot issues while it sits in the yard.
 
Part-time

Part-time

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 5, 2011
Messages
536
Re: how to seal rivits on aluminum boat

I use driveway sealer. A 5 galon pale is under $15 and it's worked good for me so far.
Use the blue or pink high dencity foam (what is used around concrete forms, basements...) I get them in 2'x8'x3" and cut to fit.
My father helped my uncle turn his 16' starcraft from a runabout with a deck to a great little fishing boat.
They took out the old splashwell, added knee braces and made a new, much smaller splash well. About 8" by the full width of the stern.
They also cut the deck out and made a plywood casting deck about a foot below the gunnals.

The splashwell looks like the one in this princecraft.
digi40506993_l.jpg
 
jigngrub

jigngrub

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 19, 2011
Messages
8,155
Re: how to seal rivits on aluminum boat

To do the job right.

Replace any leaking rivets, then use the Gluvit on the inside.

Check your transom wood for rot now and replace if needed.

Replace your foam with the polystyrene sheet foam from HD or Lowes.

When replacing your decking, seal the top side with epoxy resin, exterior grade spar urethane, or porch and deck paint... which ever fits your budget. Then install your carpet, vinyl, or whatever else you want. If you're going to use your boat for crabbing I suggest using vinyl or non-slip paint for your deck finish.

Keep your boat covered with the drain plug out when not in use and you won't have to worry about rot. Rot comes from being exposed to the elements and your boat filling with storm water.
 
M

mattevans24

Cadet
Joined
Feb 22, 2012
Messages
11
Re: how to seal rivits on aluminum boat

jigngrub said:
To do the job right.

Replace any leaking rivets, then use the Gluvit on the inside.

Check your transom wood for rot now and replace if needed.

Replace your foam with the polystyrene sheet foam from HD or Lowes.

When replacing your decking, seal the top side with epoxy resin, exterior grade spar urethane, or porch and deck paint... which ever fits your budget. Then install your carpet, vinyl, or whatever else you want. If you're going to use your boat for crabbing I suggest using vinyl or non-slip paint for your deck finish.

Keep your boat covered with the drain plug out when not in use and you won't have to worry about rot. Rot comes from being exposed to the elements and your boat filling with storm water.
Click to expand...

Is the polystyrene sheet foam at marked as flotation foam, or is its marketed use for insulation? I am new at this and when I went to HD, I couldnt find anything marked as flotation foam. This is the link to my project. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=533681

Thanks.
 
jigngrub

jigngrub

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 19, 2011
Messages
8,155
Re: how to seal rivits on aluminum boat

mattevans24 said:
Is the polystyrene sheet foam at marked as flotation foam, or is its marketed use for insulation? I am new at this and when I went to HD, I couldnt find anything marked as flotation foam. This is the link to my project. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=533681

Thanks.
Click to expand...

It is the rigid pink or blue foam insulation board. The pink is made by Owens Corning and the blue is made by Dow.
 
Jet Mech 71

Jet Mech 71

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 27, 2010
Messages
42
Re: how to seal rivits on aluminum boat

Not sure if this would work, but since it is gutted, what about using a roll on or spray on truck bed liner? You could even use that for the front deck. Just a thought. I know that stuff can take a beating. I have a Line X in my truck bed and let me tell ya, it get used and it is 12 yrs old and no missing patches.
 
kfa4303

kfa4303

Banned
Joined
Sep 17, 2010
Messages
6,094
Re: how to seal rivits on aluminum boat

Most folks tend to regret using bedliner as it tends to trap a lot of dirt/water and it makes and future repairs kind of a PITA. New rivets followed by some gluv-it will seal it up real nice. However, Gluv-it does need UV protection so you'll need to either paint over it, or install a floor. The pink/blue insulation foam is great and so are the pool noodles. Sometimes you can get them for cheap at the Dollar store. You an even dip the rivets in a bit of 3M 5200, or JB type epoxy prior to installation just to be safe. Here's a vid that may help:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0MA1-5NXjs
 
Jet Mech 71

Jet Mech 71

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 27, 2010
Messages
42
Re: how to seal rivits on aluminum boat

That is good info. Thank you for the link as well.
 
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