jon boat leaks HELP!!

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im_tawd

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Sep 2, 2002
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Hello, I have a 14ft aluminum V hull jon boat. I am trying to get it fixed up and make it worth putting it in the water. The back of the boat leaks a little. Im not sure where its coming from. I think its the rivets that hold the corners of the boat together. I just built a new transom for it and sealed the bolts good so it shouldnt be coming from there. I guess my question is, what is good to use to seal up the boat from the inside? Fiberglass resin? Also, what is a good type of paint to finish the inside and outside of the boat that wont flake off? plz email or post if you can help! thanks alot!!
 
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crab bait

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Feb 5, 2002
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Re: jon boat leaks HELP!!

a product called 'GLUVIT'.. check it out at any marine center...
 
K

Keith1

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Re: jon boat leaks HELP!!

I had a 14' Aluminum Jon Boat years ago that leaked like crazy. I bought the bought new but over the years the rivets actually will loosen up on you and slowly leak water. I took a heavy -VERY HEAVY - piece of solid steel and a heavy steel flat head hammer and re-tightened EVERY rivet in the boat and it totally stopped the leaking, the boat was dry after that. What you do is turn the boat up-side down on the trailer or wood horses. have someone hold the solid poece of steel on a rivet while you go under the boat and smack it with the hammer. Do this to each rivet and it should take care of the water problem. One hint though, it would be a good idea if you both wore some kind of hearing protection, it gets loud.
 
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im_tawd

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Re: jon boat leaks HELP!!

Thank you all for your replys!!! This forum is GREAT!!!
 
snapperbait

snapperbait

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Re: jon boat leaks HELP!!

AS for Paint Go to wally world & get ya some green & brown spray paint.. CAMOFLAGE IT... :D
 
snapperbait

snapperbait

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Re: jon boat leaks HELP!!

Seriously though paint that will adhere to aluminum can get quite expensive even for a small amount...Their difficult to use and require all kinds of reducers, accelerators, and who knows what.. Heres what worked for me... I used a product called HAMMERITE to paint my old jonny..WORKED GREAT..It's kind of a metal flake lookin stuff... Several colors to chose from too.. You can spray it with a gun or even roll it.. Use the aluminum primer for that product.. I think rustoleum bought them out so look for that brand too.. SAME STUFF.. It's availible at home depot "my second home" and lowes... Probably cost ya $30 bucks for every thing ya need.. :D
 
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im_tawd

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Re: jon boat leaks HELP!!

Thanks snapperbait. I painted it with aluminum siding house paint lol, and its peeling right back off. I will look for that stuff you mentioned. Thanks a bunch!!!
 
K

KCLOST

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Re: jon boat leaks HELP!!

im_tawd,<br /><br />If you want to find the leaks this is the best way to do it..... Assuming your boat is out of the water and on a trailer, all you have to do is fill it up with water up to the water line. If water leaks in from the outside it will surely leak out from the inside... Take a look under the boat and mark each leak and you'll correct each after the boat is empty and dry.<br /><br />I can't believe someone hasn't suggested this yet....
 
N

Navigator

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Feb 6, 2001
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Re: jon boat leaks HELP!!

Before you go filling it up like kclost says, you need to make sure the boat is properly supported on the trailer. That much weight in an aluminum boat can actually cause it to buckle if the weight is not fully distributed on the keel and the bunks. It could actually do more harm than good if its not set up properly. <br /><br />Other than that, hey top it off and invite the neighbors over for a dip in the "New" mobile "Hot tub" :D <br /><br />Nav :cool:
 
Scoop

Scoop

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Jul 19, 2002
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Re: jon boat leaks HELP!!

I have heard the tightening the rivets works. When I have worked straightening dents out, I have used my 2 pound hand sledge as a backer. It is easy to hold on to and you don't get the vibration. Here is an aluminum boat and repair board that you can look through or post to find other tips. I have read about the zinc primers there etc. They also mentioned another product from Walmart that is just like glov-it, works and is cheaper.
 
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Capt. Bob

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Apr 14, 2002
Messages
308
Re: jon boat leaks HELP!!

When all else fails......... :confused: <br /><br />For less than $5 you can get a tube of gutter seal...not silicone. It will adhear to the aluminum and seal the leak for years. Silicone is not paintable. <br /><br />You may find gray Vulkem at a local ACE hardware store for about $6.00 a tube. <br /><br />Home Depot has a gray gutter seal (no silicon) Home Depo - Seam Mate by Amerimax. It is very thin and flows into the seams well. Try using a technique of laying down two strips of masking tape with the seam area between them, applying a length of sealant, and then pulling the masking tape away very soon after applying the sealant (before it skins over). It is also very important to clean the seam area as well as possible before sealing.<br />Another good product is Alcoa gutter seal. <br /><br />The Vulkum is very thick and fills gaps well. It is also rougher in appearance and more difficult to work with. The Amerimax (or Alcoa Gutter seal is very thin and smooth and finishes the seams very nicely.<br /><br />Alcoa Gutter Seal<br />Rocky Mountain Wholesale Inc.<br />1901 Broadway<br />Alameda, CA 94501<br />800-339-9262<br />I believe it was $3.95 a tube.<br /><br />Your mileage may vary....... :D
 
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im_tawd

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Sep 2, 2002
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Re: jon boat leaks HELP!!

Thanks to all of you for your replys!! This forum has been a great help!! I will take all your suggestions into consideration and should have no problem fixing my leaks now. THANKS AGAIN!!
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: jon boat leaks HELP!!

im_tawd,<br /><br />Painting.<br /><br />I just finished painting an aluminum boat.<br /><br />Several tricks.<br /><br />1. The primer should be zinc chromate. You do not need a lot. You just need to cover the area with a very thin coat. One quart should be plenty.<br /><br />2. Before you paint, wash the entire boat with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water.<br /><br />3. Apply a primer compatible with your topcoat.<br /><br />4. Apply top coat.<br /><br />I prefer paints from Pettit and Interlux. Both are available at West Marine. One quart of primer and one quart of topcoat will do the job.<br /><br />I prefer the one part epoxies, they dry very hard and are chip/scratch resistant.
 
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cgrivois

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Dec 27, 2002
Messages
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Re: jon boat leaks HELP!!

as far as filling the boat up with water on the trailer, I would bet money on that idea. I did the same, stopped all the leaks so I thought, put the boat in water, and sure enough, she leaked. I think has something to do with preasure greater forcing water in from outside. Any way dont trust the filling up technique, put her in the water, make sure she's dry, then paint it.<br /><br />Craig<br />Columbia SC
 
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