View Full Version : Hole in aluminum hull...need advice
ISeeFish
08-08-2003, 11:04 AM
I'm looking to purchase a sled and have come across one that hit an object and put a hole in it. I have not looked at it yet, so I don't know specifics other than the hole is near the bow.
My question is, How well can this be reaired? and How expensive? Thanks
Iseefish,
I speak from experience repairing my 11' cartop aluminum boat. I completly rebuilt the ridge in the middle of the bottom, with Marine-tex (I think thats the name), an epoxy. You mix it up and it will harden to any shape and adhere to aluminum no problem and its permanent. If its a big hole you can add fiberglass cloth, kinda like using the tape when you apply drywall mud. I used that to patch a couple big holes in my wooden driftboat but it'd work as well on aluminum.
k9jeff
08-09-2003, 02:58 AM
Before ya buy it, take it to a pro and have em give ya an estimate. WELD it, o patch it.. I should not be too bad of a price...
It depends on many factors. Where is the hole, how big is it, is there any other damage, has the boat been in saltwater for any length of time.
Listen to k9's advice before you buy.
Pickles
08-11-2003, 12:09 AM
Is this a welded heavy guage sled or is this a thin riveted boat. If this is a heavy guage non riveted boat, then repair is easy just find a good tig welder. If this is a riveted boat, I would have some serious concerns about repair. and would definetly get an apraisal done first of the damage from a hull specialist.