What to use to patch hole on hull of Aluminum Boat

[Tinjum]

Recently bought a boat and couldn't figure out why part of the front of the boat was getting wet, and last time taking it out seen water coming out the front and realized there is a very circular hole on the bottom of the hull. This is the first boat I've owned and not sure what i should use to patch it, was thinking of Marine-Tex putty but not sure how it is with aluminum, any recommendations? the hole is around the size of my pinky diameter, still not getting much water in the boat though.

 

[Grub54891]

Put up a picture of the damage. Other than that, taking it to a good aluminum welding shop is the best option. kind of hard to figure out what you have going without a pic or two.

 

[harmanoff]

if you can get a quarter or half dollar size piece of aluminum then get that Jb weld steel stuff it would hold it fine for several years I'm sure. If you can't find an aluminum welder near you

 

[ScottinAZ]

A proper way to repair would be to either have it welded, or have a patch riveted over it with a permanent sealer (probably 5200) between the two pieces. You can bandaid it with other methods, but you will have to monitor it.

 

[stresspoint]

+1 rivet a aluminum patch with 5200 sealant. it will still be there when the boat has corroded away .

 

[Scott Danforth]

without pics we're guessing

could be a thru-hull fitting missing, could be a rivet missing, could be a bullet hole, could be someone loaded treated lumber in the hull and used the hull as a ground source

 

[airshot]

Yes...why is that hole there should be important !! If a lost rivet, no problem....if caused from corrosion, then that could be a bigger issue !!

 

[silverbul]

quick fix, nut and bolt with flat washers on both sides with some sealant. jmo.

 

[Tinjum]

Recently bought a boat and couldn't figure out why part of the front of the boat was getting wet, and last time taking it out seen water coming out the front and realized there is a very circular hole on the bottom of the hull. This is the first boat I've owned and not sure what i should use to patch it, was thinking of Marine-Tex putty but not sure how it is with aluminum, any recommendations? the hole is around the size of my pinky diameter, still not getting much water in the boat though.

 

[Tinjum]

Put up a picture of the damage. Other than that, taking it to a good aluminum welding shop is the best option. kind of hard to figure out what you have going without a pic or two.

I replied to the post with pictures if you'd like to take a look

 

[Tinjum]

without pics we're guessing

could be a thru-hull fitting missing, could be a rivet missing, could be a bullet hole, could be someone loaded treated lumber in the hull and used the hull as a ground source

I replied to the post with pictures i could get, in a awkward spot on the trailer

 

[Scott Danforth]

Take a pic of the inside

Looks like bullet hole or drain hole

 

[Tinjum]

Take a pic of the inside

Looks like bullet hole or drain hole

I would have to remove the interior wood to get to it and front casting deck

 

[flashback]

I agree with bullet hole theory but no matter what caused it unfortunately it's in a tough area for repair..5200 for sealer and a shaped aluminum patch riveted on is the best I can think of..

 

[airshot]

Looks like it could be a drain hole for the strake. Can you see the hole from the inside ?? Often they put a drain hole in the strake, but after time the water in the strake finds it way up thru the rivet heads and into the boat. If it is in the strake not sure you want to plug it, instead seal the rivets.

 

[Grub54891]

It sure looks like a bullet hole being not centered on the strake. I’d have a welder touch it up As it’s below the water line.
on my duck boat, it has bullet holes from before I bought it. But mine are above the water line. The po sealed them with tar and a screw. Maby I’ll fix them properly someday but they don’t leak and I’ve had it 30 years.

 

[racerone]

Machine a custom plug.-----Threaded shank.----Install with washer / sealer / nut on the inside of boat.