How to repair a leak in a aluminum boat
Dec 28, 2020 14:31:29 #
hal.benedict
Loc: Manteca Ca
I have a 14 foot Klamath aluminum after two to three hours of trolling there's about 3 inches of water in the back of the boat.Was wondering if anyone know a good fix
Dec 28, 2020 14:39:27 #
Riveted or welded hull? you can get some rit dye. fill boat...might not need dye. look under it and follow the drip. It will run down hull usually to back or what ever lowest point is.
Dec 28, 2020 14:40:41 #
hal.benedict wrote:
I have a 14 foot Klamath aluminum after two to three hours of trolling there's about 3 inches of water in the back of the boat.Was wondering if anyone know a good fix
Well, first off you have to determine WHERE the leak is. Is it a riveted boat or welded boat?
Dec 28, 2020 14:41:27 #
Dec 28, 2020 14:42:38 #
Dec 28, 2020 15:00:31 #
agatemaggot
Loc: iowa
Ruff up area around leak and use 2 ton waterproof epoxy on area , or silicone rubber roof repair that is guaranteed for 10 years ! Either one should get you thru a couple seasons or till you can find someone that can (BRAZE ) the leak. Yes, I said braze , that operation can be done with a torch and takes less skill than actual welding. Check with local welding shop to find someone that does it ! Better yet, if you have a torch, do it yourself, because that is basically what it is ! You clean the area to be welded and then add flux and heat until flux changes color then add the filler rod just like solder. Keep the torch moving so you don't over heat and it might help to get some scrap metal to practice on
Dec 28, 2020 15:04:46 #
bobber22
Loc: Ocala, Florida
hal.benedict wrote:
I have a 14 foot Klamath aluminum after two to three hours of trolling there's about 3 inches of water in the back of the boat.Was wondering if anyone know a good fix
Get a tube of that black stuff you see on TV. Once you know where the leak is slap on some of thaqt stuff on both sides of the leak. If the boat is on a trailer try turning a hose on inside the boat and look for the leak underneath.
Dec 28, 2020 15:05:18 #
Quick fix is loc tite 5200 Marine adhesive.
Find the leak and coat with this stuff
It is brutally strong
Find the leak and coat with this stuff
It is brutally strong
Dec 28, 2020 15:27:59 #
woodguru
Loc: El Dorado Ca
agatemaggot wrote:
Ruff up area around leak and use 2 ton waterproof ... (show quote)
If you are going to "weld" on aluminum you better be good...just sayin
To set the record straight, brazing rods have a higher melt point close enough to aluminum if not higher that you'll get big holes blown in the aluminum trying to get the heat up to the right point.
The idea of an epoxy or rubberized roof or leak repair material is way safer. Cleaning and drying and doing the whole seam makes more sense, should last for years as was said with the 10 year guaranteed materials. Cheaper than a new boat too.
Dec 28, 2020 15:53:14 #
Pete the welder
Loc: Guerneville ,ca
I m a welder and I recommend something like flex seal or good epoxy a aluminum boats are a pain to weld .
Dec 28, 2020 15:55:59 #
woodguru
Loc: El Dorado Ca
Pete the welder wrote:
I m a welder and I recommend something like flex seal or good epoxy a aluminum boats are a pain to weld .
Word...Lol
Dec 28, 2020 16:34:32 #
I have welded a lot of Aluminum. TIG and wire. There is even stick for DC Reverse Polarity. Yes boats have hollow places. But what is so hard about welding Aluminum? Practice Makes Perfect. Spent a lot of time in school for it. High Frequency start up is what you need. DON'T touch the project with the tungsten. get to prep another if do.
Dec 28, 2020 16:41:04 #
Lowescatfish18
Loc: Wesley Chaple florida
Get it done right go to a weld shop or your nearest boat repair they can weld it up.It is no fun fishing to worry about a 100.00 bill if my boat is taking on water. FLEX SEAL WITH a screen door ya hold that though.
Keep the line tight.
Keep the line tight.
Dec 28, 2020 18:28:14 #
A buddy of mines lil boat leaked, you can find the leak in the dark 🌑🕶️. Lay under the boat in the dark have someone with a good light on the inside . You might have to lift it of the bunks to see the crack. But you will see where it leaks better with light. Unless you have like a 300 Mercury and use this boat for high speed racing or running drugs. A good epoxy will do the deed just fine. Unless you can weld an aluminum pop can together I wouldn't weld the boat unless a fish can swim thru the crack.
Dec 28, 2020 20:39:46 #
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