Leaks at the rivets

[jimsbuddy]

Hello all, I found the cause of the 50 gallons of water in the boat while on family vacation... at the rear of the main rib of the boat bottom, there is a rivet that is loose and leaking, pretty good leak at that. Found it by washing out the boat inside with the plug in... Almost a steady stream of water coming out around it around it… What are my options…?
1) Take it to a aluminum welder and have it welded shut
2) Shear off the head, push thru the body and insert a new rivet
3)????????

[Coastalfisherman]

go with option 2. Maybe ad some sealant prior to install.

[fishncliff]

If it is on a rib or support, you probably want to remove 2 to 3 rivets on either side of the bad one, clean out underneath the rib or support, apply some sealant and reinstall.
If it is in an open area, drill and punch it out. Have someone hold a block of wood next to the rivet when you punch it out. This will reduce chance of bulging next to the hole, causing new rivet not to seal.
Check the hole for corrosion and deterioration. You may have to go to a larger or slightly oversize rivet to get the hole to seal.
Once you do the repair, check for leaks as before, again.

[Orca]

Rivets loosen, comes with the territory. Smack it with punch and it will be good as new. You will want sombody on the bottom side holding a sledge against it.

[jimsbuddy]

Darn, :frown: I was hopping you all would say to just weld it up.... Ive a floor in the boat... Looks like I need to pull the fuel tank and seats to get access to the rivet... thanks all for suggestions