How to fix a hole in a aluminum boat?

Question

i have a john boat that has i small water leak and a small crack on a side i don't have an aluminum welder so what other ideas are out there that work great and long lasting

Answer 1

If it's has a crack patching won't last take to a welding shop and get repaired correctly as it will be worth the price>1 time done>>

Answer 2

All of the above are pretty good solutions, but... The biggest problem with the JB Weld technique is that JB Weld (as with other 2 part epoxies), is that they tend to be brittle and are sensitive to UV breakdown due to sun exposure. The hull of a Jon boat tends to flex a lot and may crack or break the epoxy. You should also evaluate what caused the crack. If it is indeed a "crack" and not a tear is is likely from fatigue induced by flexing that "cold worked" the aluminum where it failed. Welding can be a bit tricky and I would totally avoid that unless you have a professional do it, otherwise you'll have a much bigger mess than when you started. Here is the solution I propose: Cut a coupon of aluminum of the same gage (11ga-14ga) large enough to cover the crack plus some extra. Sand the surface of the cracked area of your hull very well (bright metal) to remove any paint and oxidation and to provide good adhesion. Apply a semi heavy layer of 3M brand "5200" polyurethane sealant to the boat and to the coupon and clamp. Allow this to cure for at least a couple of days. 5200 is a very flexible sealant for use above and below the waterline and I assure you, you will not be able to remove that patch without tearing a hole in your hull. So, make sure it's right the first time. This sealant is excellent for leaks with seams, rivets, cracks, pinholes etc. It is available in black or white and is a heavy, thick paste.

Answer 3

I have had great luck with JB Weld. Just make sure the surface is super clean and rough it up a bit.

Answer 4

tig welding is the best answer, next best is use an expoy glue like araldite

Answer 5

Gutter sealer works well on small cracks and holes.

Answer 6

JB weld for a small crack - great stuff

Answer 7

ive cut a piece of aluminum and rivited it over the hole or crack -get a tube of silicone and goop it up good before you rivit it on

Answer 8

Clean the surface real well and apply silicone sealer to it. I've used a product in the past that you can weld/braze aluminum with called Alumaweld....you can fix aluminum parts with just a propane or Mapp gas torch.

http://www.aluminumrepair.com/?src=yahoo

Answer 9

JB WELD, ALSO A FIBERGLASS REPAIR KIT WORKS GREAT.