What to do for jagged screw holes in aluminum?

[Old Gamefisher]

I was given a 14' aluminum boat that had a swiveling seat screwed to one of the thwarts. The seat was old, broken, and dorky-looking (just like me!), so I took it off, leaving four 1/4" holes in the aluminum. How do I take care of the holes? I would just smoth them off and leave them be, but the thwart has a foam block in it, and I'd like to avoid water leaking on top of them (though yes, water will splash up from underneath inevitably anyway). Replace screws? Silicone sealer? I don't weld aluminum.

 

[halas]

Re: What to do for jagged screw holes in aluminum?

I would add 3/4" thick wood to cover the top of the seats.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: What to do for jagged screw holes in aluminum?

True you can make a full size cover for the seat but adding big pieces of 3/4 may not be needed. Plywood is a great idea but consider thinner due to weight.

You can consider patching the holes with JB weld but that might pop out.... or jbweld with a tiny piece of cloth...... find the largest pop rivet available and see if it will grab in the hole with a dab of sealant..... or you can use a ball peen hammer and make sure no sharp edges are going to cut people when they sit there and leave the holes open

 

[Old Gamefisher]

Re: What to do for jagged screw holes in aluminum?

Thanks, guys. Being a minimalist, I'll probably just leave them open, with the rivet/sealant idea a close second.