Alumunimum Boat Repair - how??

[nike54_la]

Can anyone tell me how to repair a hole an alumunimum boat? We have 3 that are in need of repair from one exetent or another.

I'm interested in "do-it-yourself" if it is really easy. If it isn't, is there any place that would do the repairs for us? By "us", I mean Girl Scouts. What kind of $$ would I be looking at?

Any information you can give me would be great! Thanks!

Linda

[Donald]

A weld shop may be able to repair the hole, not sure how much though. Another option would be a fiberglass patch. By the way since you have aluminum canoes, let me take this opportunity to let you know that the USCA Aluminum canoe National Championships are in Arkansas this year on the White river at Calico Rock and there is a Women Junior Class, 18 years and under. give me a holler if you have any questions. donwalls@hotmail.com

[paddledog]

The only repairs I have ever seen on aluminium have been
an aluminium patch pop riveted on. Some goo between the
patch and the boat to seal.

OR

http://www.cabelas.com/boat-care-appear ... ch-1.shtml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

OR

Recycle it, take the money and buy roylex.

[Jim Krueger]

Hey Linda!

I've made some repairs to my uncle's 1945 homemade alum. boat over the years and agree with the others recomendations. If the damage/ punctures are on flat portions of the boat, and in areas that can be accessed from both sides would be the easiest to repair yourself if not too large. For any of us with repair advice to offer, it would really be great to have some photos of the damages to
better tailor our suggestions.
I was in the welding supply business for many years and serviced both the general welding shops as well as several boat-building companies. There are some very talented welders out there who could make the most permanent repairs, especially in more difficult areas of the boat. If you decide to go this route, I'd make some photos of the damage and visit with them first to get an estimate. Dan-O is one of our members in the Ft. Smith area who is a welder, if you PM him, he may be able to recommend a welder who works on alum.
Depending on the scope of the repair, it could be more or less expensive but I'd be willing to bet that quite a few welders would make some consession to help the Girl Scouts.

Best Regards
Jim

[Jim Krueger]

Dan-O posts as Danimal, sorry for my senior moment

Jim

[Deuce]

I've been fishing out of jon boats for years and have punched holes in every one I've ever owned. I've had really good results with JB Weld. Once I ripped the bow eye over halfway out of a Duracraft and repaired it with JB. It was stronger than before. If you decide to try "cold welding" I'd suggest only trying it on one boat to see how it goes, because if you're not pleased with the results removal will add man hours which of course = more money.

[perspective7]

We found a17' aluminum canoe on Bull creek a couple of years back on a kayak trip that had been bent in half backwards and I decided I needed it. My buddy paddled it out of the creek flooded and I brought er' home. I cut out 4 ft from the middle and put it back together with liquid nails and self tapping screws. I used the scrap metal from the middle to make patches for the numerous holes and gashes in the boat. I cut the screws off on the inside with a grinder and covered all the seams with Sani-tred. I now have a 13.5' solo canoe that doesn't leak! Cost about 12 bucks in materials.

[george-dy]

Well, there are many online shops providing mobile services also with expert mechanics. I also knows one online service provider who repairs boats at very low costs. I also hire them and thy make me complete satisfaction.

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[alice559]

All boat owners new or old faces a problem of maintenance but You can easily get repairs done at low cost.

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