Patching A Hole in Metal Boat

[Chris]

I have come across a nice older metal row boat that I can have for free. Boat is about 12ft long and is vshaped. The only problem is it has a crack in the bottom about 1/8" wide by about 3 ft long. How would I go about filling it so it will withstand being dragged on shore? I was thinking fiberglass but that wouldnt withstand the where and teer so maybe welding? What other cheap and practical solutions are there?

[Toad]

Chris....try this link....there is a whole discussion going on about patching leaks in aluminum boats, materials, techniques etc.

http://www.ctfisherman.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/ubb/get_topic/f/9/t/002616.html

[Chris]

K Ill have to check that out Toad. Hopefully I will be getting this boat then my friend Jay and I can go out in it.

[tuna]

Have you never heard of the following items: Duct Tape, Bondo, bubblegum?

Don't laugh until you see my car!

I've used the plastic tube of epoxy for my canoe ends and it lasts a couple years, 3 feet of crack is a little different though. Maybe melt some lead and pour it on both sides?

As you can see, I'm not an expert and look for a cheap way to fix things. They may sound stupid, but I think they would work.

P.S. If you use any of my ideas to save some cash, use it to get a GOOD life jacket.

[Matt]

Chris maybe you can saulder something in there. Dont know how good it will hold up. Make sure that the seal is tight before you go out in it. We wouldnt need someone from the site drowning.

[noresman]

Go to the hardware store and get some heavy guage aluminun flashing and a couple tubes of clear silicone caulk. Cut the flashing a couple inches wider than the crack smear the whole thing with the silicone and pop rivet it down both sides of the crack. The flashing will be flexible enough to follow the contour of the bottom of the boat. Hammer the rivets as flat and tight as you can then use the other tube of silicone to seal the edges and rivets

[Toad]

I love your last line. What bail out. You should be selling insurance or stocks!Tongue

P.S. If you use any of my ideas to save some cash, use it to get a GOOD life jacket.[/quote]

[tuna]

Funny you should call my line a bail out...many cheap boat repairs end up the same way - bailing out. Just wanted to add some levity, and if he tried the bubblegum trick he'd probably need the vest!

[kurt000111]

If God had wanted to have metal boats, he would have grown aluminum trees..... heh heh

[arlow]

I personally would spend a few bucks and have it welded.