small hole in aluminum boat

[fastwater]

I'm in the process of repainting my aluminum boat and found a small hole about 1/8 inch in bottom.<br />I guess I found that slow leak I had.<br />Does anyone know what would be the best way to repair this?

 

[JB]

Re: small hole in aluminum boat

No. Nobody knows. Everybody does have opinions and almost all of them work.<br /><br />I would braze it with special rods that can be used with propane torch or MAPP torch.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: small hole in aluminum boat

you can always drill it out, put a bolt and nut, lockwasher thru it, with rubber washers. it's the easiest way.

 

[Solittle]

Re: small hole in aluminum boat

Marine Tex will do the job without drilling holes. I would sand the area lightly to assure a good bond.

 

[surlyjoe]

Re: small hole in aluminum boat

I think I would just drill it out till its clean and put an appropriate size rivet in it with some goop on it, even a closed end pop rivet would work. bonding doesnt really like the way aluminum is flexible.

 

[Speedwagon]

Re: small hole in aluminum boat

Could always take the boat to a welder, and have them weld it closed I'd imagine.

 

[Bondo]

Re: small hole in aluminum boat

Originally posted by Speedwagon:<br /> Could always take the boat to a welder, and have them weld it closed I'd imagine.

While this is Generally True,.......<br /><br />I've run accross Many small rowboat size boats that have an Alloy with Too Much Magnesium in it..........<br /><br />We Tried to weld 1,.............<br />And,.... It turned into the BIGGEST Bon-Fire You've Ever Seen...............A 14' 4th of July Sparkler

 

[fastwater]

Re: small hole in aluminum boat

JB<br />Where can I purchase these rods that can be used with low heat?<br />Having a hard time to find these rods.<br />Thanks.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: small hole in aluminum boat

Princess Auto carries them under the Bernz-o-Matic name. You need a lot of heat to make them flow, but when they do they work great. There's one in Moncton if you're anywhere near it. MAPP gas helps a lot, and if you were doing something heavy pre-heating it in the toaster oven or BBQ is a good idea.<br />For a thin skin on a boat, mapp will work fine and propane might too. Clean the aluminium really well with sand paper to get to fresh metal before you use it. It doesn't stick to the anodized layer so that will have to come off.<br /><br />I don't think I ever saw them at Canadian Tire.<br /><br />Durafix.com will send them to you too. Same thing really.

 

[fastwater]

Re: small hole in aluminum boat

Thanks paul,I'm in northern N.B.but go to moncton on a regular basis.<br />Will check it out.

 

[EZLoader]

Re: small hole in aluminum boat

I found a product that should work well for you...<br /><br /> Easy Aluminum Repairs

 

[fastwater]

Re: small hole in aluminum boat

I purchased some of those low temp. aluminum brazing rods.<br />Just used a propane torch and these rods work great.<br />Took a few minutes to get use to but when you do,you'll fix anything made of aluminum.<br />Good permanent repair for holes in aluminum boats.<br />thanks for all the help.

 

[garrett61]

Re: small hole in aluminum boat

We have a 12ft aluminum for duck hunting. <br />We have used the repair kit for cabelas its a little green stick you melt and smear on after its sanded well. Anyway it has lasted 5 years+ of use . and cost about 10 bucks,, It usually can be found at the local hardware store also its alot like JB Weld<br />Good Luck

 

[imported_bjs]

Re: small hole in aluminum boat

i welded a alum.raditor one time with some welding rod got at welding store worked great.welded with gas welder.

 

[jch7450]

Re: small hole in aluminum boat

I agree useing the stuff on the page EZLOADER posted, The only problem is it's a little pricey if you don't have a lot of uses for it

 

[wvstriper]

Re: small hole in aluminum boat

Originally posted by garrett61:<br /> We have a 12ft aluminum for duck hunting. <br />We have used the repair kit for cabelas its a little green stick you melt and smear on after its sanded well. Anyway it has lasted 5 years+ of use . and cost about 10 bucks,, It usually can be found at the local hardware store also its alot like JB Weld<br />Good Luck

I've also used the Cabelas kit and it worked great!