View Full Version : Sealing a Aluminum Boat


iamskippy
09-19-2010, 11:25 PM
I was wondering if anyone could recommend a shop that would seal the bottom of a aluminum boat, and the put the saltwater paint on it?


Thanks in advance for any info
Skip

Raven
09-20-2010, 06:02 AM
i'd be interested in knowing what it is that they use to seal it also.:uhuh:

workin on mine in the driveway....of late

iamskippy
09-20-2010, 07:10 AM
i know they use a epoxy, but i dont have the ability to get the boat off the trailor with out causing more damage. i can send you some of the info.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Raven
09-20-2010, 07:34 AM
don't know what kind of issues your having or "damaged" areas

but i do allot of repair work on mine :point: myself ...

i scratch up the aluminum surface so its gritty and then put on a thin layer of bondo
for "auto's" filling dents because its " resin " based....just as it sets up,
i scratch it up, like i did the aluminum.... then you can fiber glass cloth and or fiber glass resin right to the bondo for a solid patch.

otherwise i use 20 year "good " silicone for all seams and cracks

always looking for an easier way tho .... of course :grins:

iamskippy
09-20-2010, 09:14 AM
the problem we are faced with is the seems and rivots that need patching are where the boat sits on the trailor. its a bung ( spelling ) trailor. unfort since my last relationship ended ( fishing was a factor )i dont have the tools or area to even attempt such a repair.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Raven
09-20-2010, 09:20 AM
Got-ya there.... Skip

Nebe
09-20-2010, 09:25 AM
got a propane torch?

Repair aluminum, cast aluminum, pot metal, any leak, crack, hole even thread repair (http://www.aluminumrepair.com/aluminum_repair.asp)

WoodyCT
09-20-2010, 11:26 AM
How big is the boat? Can you get it off of the trailer?

You can grind it to bare aluminum, clean it with acetone and then fix it with epoxy and fiberglass or, I've been told, a product called Gluvit by Travaco.

Raven
09-20-2010, 01:27 PM
How big is the boat? Can you get it off of the trailer?

You can grind it to bare aluminum, clean it with acetone and then fix it with epoxy and fiberglass or, I've been told, a product called Gluvit by Travaco.

I've been waiting to hear about other sealants :happy:

this one looks good...
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/ravenob1/Gluvit.png

WoodyCT
09-20-2010, 02:42 PM
WEST Systems makes epoxy products especially formulated to work on aluminum, but they are not cheap.

Remember, epoxy and regular marine resin are different animals, with epoxy being more money, but having many properties better suited to marine usage, especially those engineered for the brine.

iamskippy
09-21-2010, 07:45 PM
How big is the boat? Can you get it off of the trailer?

You can grind it to bare aluminum, clean it with acetone and then fix it with epoxy and fiberglass or, I've been told, a product called Gluvit by Travaco.

i wish i did Woody, its a 18' well craft with a 75 hp evenrude, and CDC trim. just dont have the tooks available or the space

Scrounger
09-21-2010, 07:46 PM
How big is the hole?....I fixed a hole in my 12 ft puddlejumper with a product called "Pig Putty"....it comes in a plastic tube.....just tear a piece off and squeeze it in your hands until it gets warm, then put it where you need it....it hardens like rock. I fixed a hole 3/4 x 2 with it and fished 5 minutes after I put it on.....that was at least five years ago and its still watertight. Hope this helps. Tight Lines.

iamskippy
09-21-2010, 07:48 PM
How big is the hole?....I fixed a hole in my 12 ft puddlejumper with a product called "Pig Putty"....it comes in a plastic tube.....just tear a piece off and squeeze it in your hands until it gets warm, then put it where you need it....it hardens like rock. I fixed a hole 3/4 x 2 with it and fished 5 minutes after I put it on.....that was at least five years ago and its still watertight. Hope this helps. Tight Lines.

I should have mentioned the leak needs to be found, its a center counsol, should have mentioned that as well lol.

Gary
09-21-2010, 09:54 PM
Bite the bullet, Line-X it the best 500 bucks you will ever spend. Ill post some pics of mine later on.

Raven
09-22-2010, 03:30 AM
I should have mentioned the leak needs to be found, its a center counsol, should have mentioned that as well lol.

you can't fill it with water and look for where it drips? :confused:

wrench
09-22-2010, 02:28 PM
Ship ShapeTV had an episode about repairing an aluminum boat using the Westepoxy system for Aluminum boats. These two links are to the west site.

WEST SYSTEM | Metal Boat Repair - Patch holes in aluminum boats with G/flex Epoxy (http://www.westsystem.com/ss/patch-holes-in-aluminum-boats-with-g-flex-epoxy/)

WEST SYSTEM | Metal Boat Repair - Fix leaking seams in aluminum boats with G/flex 650 (http://www.westsystem.com/ss/fix-leaking-seams-in-aluminum-boats-with-g-flex-65/)

Mike

Fishoholic
09-25-2010, 09:51 PM
Ship ShapeTV had an episode about repairing an aluminum boat using the Westepoxy system for Aluminum boats. These two links are to the west site.

WEST SYSTEM | Metal Boat Repair - Patch holes in aluminum boats with G/flex Epoxy (http://www.westsystem.com/ss/patch-holes-in-aluminum-boats-with-g-flex-epoxy/)

WEST SYSTEM | Metal Boat Repair - Fix leaking seams in aluminum boats with G/flex 650 (http://www.westsystem.com/ss/fix-leaking-seams-in-aluminum-boats-with-g-flex-65/)

Mike

I did this on a friends boat and it worked well.