How much does it cost do have the rivets replaced in an aluminum boat?

Question

I have an 18ft aluminum boat. What is a fair price to pay to have the rivets replaced? How do I fix any leaks?

Answer 1

You must first find the leaking rivets.

Then get someone to hold a large hammer over the inside as you tap them tight from the outside.

Quite labour intensive, but not much for parts.

Answer 2

go buy the rivets and rivets gun  and do it yourself, most of the labor is drilling the old ones out.

Answer 3

Use a product called Gluvit or Coat It from the marine store.  It is a thin epoxy.  You can paint the bottom of the boat with a gallon and get many more years of use.

Paint the seams from the inside if you can get to them too.

If some of your rivets are leaking they all will sooner than later.  Just hammering them probably won't do the trick for long.

Answer 4

The existing rivets can usually be tightened up by hammering form the outside while somebody holds another hammer against the rivet from inside.

Gun inserted, or "pop" rivets are the wrong type to use.