loose rivets but don't want to rip up my carpet

tasbrus

Cadet
Joined
Apr 5, 2002
Messages
9
Hi, <br /> I have a '82 fisher marine bass boat with loose rivets. Is there anyway I can tighten them up ,or at least stop them from leaking without ripping out my deck and carpet? silicon sealer lasts about 3 1/2 mins.<br /> Thanks, Steve :confused:
 

ODDD1

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jan 23, 2001
Messages
1,054
Re: loose rivets but don't want to rip up my carpet

easiest way is to fill the bilge up with water before launching.....you wont notice the leaks! seriously, the only way to tighten them up is getting access to BOTH side of them....
 

sony2001

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 17, 2001
Messages
607
Re: loose rivets but don't want to rip up my carpet

I had enough sucess with a marine grade caulking that is waterproof, comes in a variety of colours, cures in water and can take the speed of a hull in the water. It may need a week to cure for the last feat though. :cool:
 

Ross J

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Nov 30, 2001
Messages
1,119
Re: loose rivets but don't want to rip up my carpet

Two questions for you sport - <br />1 - can you get access underneath the deck? Even just a few inches will do.<br />2 - are you prepared to use a centre punch or a pin punch on the rivet heads thru the carpet?<br /><br />If yes to both then place a very heavy weight under the rivet, touching it. Then use a punch and a heavy hammer. Give the rivet a good bang till it takes up the tightness. Just enough to tighten, no more. The strength is in all the rivets togeather, not just a few. Seal with whatever you can buy locally.<br />Good luck<br />Ross
 

wdknox

Seaman
Joined
Mar 21, 2002
Messages
54
Re: loose rivets but don't want to rip up my carpet

Just a thought, I've used (JB WELD) on engine block freeze plugs and it was still holding tight when I sold the truck about three years later.
 

tasbrus

Cadet
Joined
Apr 5, 2002
Messages
9
Re: loose rivets but don't want to rip up my carpet

Thanks everyone, This web sight is the best :D
 

tasbrus

Cadet
Joined
Apr 5, 2002
Messages
9
Re: loose rivets but don't want to rip up my carpet

Thanks everyone, This web sight is the best :D
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: loose rivets but don't want to rip up my carpet

If you can reach the inside, that's the best way to apply a sealer. I use a product called; "Gluv It". It is available at: www.westmarine.com. You can also apply it to the outside. It won't look so good, but it will stop the leaks.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: loose rivets but don't want to rip up my carpet

Just a thought, A-man.<br /><br />Those rivets hold the boat together. As they loosen they compromise the structural rigidity. If you simply seal them without tightening them the flex in the boat will simply loosen them more and give you a double dose of grief later.<br /><br />I think you should do it right the first time, as one of our site buddies says in his signature.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB :)
 
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