Hull Damage 1977 Starcraft Supersport 16

[1stmatekate]

Hello all, I have a 1977 16 ft Starcraft Super Sport which I've owned for 8 years. The previous owner had hit a submerged stone wall at speed and damaged the bow just below waterline, he had repaired the damage with a marine based bonding agent and all was well until last summer when it started to weep from the inside causing blisters and a whitish discoloration when it drips on the trailer. I removed most of the repair on the outer hull last fall and will open up the flooring in the bow this spring. My question is what do I use to repair the damage after it is all cleaned out? The marine bonding agent worked well enough but snooping around the internet I saw several versions of aluminum brazing rods advertised. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[jbcurt00]

Better repair suggestions possible when pix are posted too....

@ iboats rebuilds of aluminum boat topics, several different brands of aluminum brasing rods have been posted.

Wide disparity of results. Some reported worked as advertised, others not at all happy w results. Few middle ground between those 2 results.

Operator error/technique, various weather/temps, actual intended repair site and brand/composition of rod probably all a factor in poor results...

 

[racerone]

I have used those aluminum brazing rods.---Bought some in 1980 or so , with the " they are only a $1.00 each so why not " and quickly ran out of that supply-They worked as advertised for me !

 

[jbcurt00]

I have used those aluminum brazing rods.---Bought some in 1980 or so , with the " they are only a $1.00 each so why not " and quickly ran out of that supply-They worked as advertised for me !

What'd ya use 'em on?

 

[racerone]

Props and outboard crankcase repairs.---Gearcase crack repairs.---No problem.

 

[1stmatekate]

Thanks for the responses, I'll take a few pics so you can see what I'm up against.

 

[jbcurt00]

Props and outboard crankcase repairs.---Gearcase crack repairs.---No problem.

Most tin boat builders asking about using those rods were asking about fixing hull damage (thin metal) and trim pieces (transom corner caps & etc) and most werent happy.

Never used them, but I'd bet the stuff you used them on, is a much better use....

 

[racerone]

I believe you can use those rods on thin metal.---Fellow demonstrated it on beer cans.-------I used it once on a back to back seat hinge.-----Owner said " thank you very much for helping me "

 

[jbcurt00]

Great, as I listed originally operator/technique error is likely to have contributed to poor results.

 

[1stmatekate]

Here are a few of photos showing the damage. My plan is to open up the inside of the boat and attempt to reshape the damaged area. Preview attachment IMG-3987.JPG

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[GA_Boater]

Pics were left on the dock. And I'm not making a Gmail account to view pics.

Click on Forum Help in the sig below and look at the Photo Tutorial.

 

[1stmatekate]

here are a couple more that I attempted to resize. hope you can see these? We upgraded to a new computer (window 10) and it's quite confusing. Thank you for your patience

 

[racerone]

It will take more than a bit of buffing.----I know I would be replacing some of that old metal.------New keel piece too.----Any aluminum fabrication shops in your area ?

 

[gm280]

WOW, you have a lot more work then any Alumiweld Rods are going to fix. Once you get to the point of having everything else removed and secured for new aluminum covering, then maybe Alumiweld can help. But there is way more work ahead before that is ready to seal up. Bare in mind, that is only my opinion!

I have used Alumiweld rods and while they did work, two issues you have to understand. First they did seal over some cuts in a transom cap I was working on, but when fairing the welds out, there is a discoloration with them. Second as fairing the welds out, as I got closer to the initial aluminum, I could see the Aluminum Weld peeling up on some edges. So you have to make sure you clean, clean and clean again for them to work correctly... JMHO

 

[classiccat]

Yeah man, I hope you didn't expect some over-the-counter medication for that one ...with 2nd day Prime shipping. :lol:

you're going to want to start by delayering that interior to really assess the extent of damage...raised bow deck removal and front main deck bow piece.

it looks like the bandaid may have lead to some corrosion as it probably sponged-up water and held it against the aluminum.

 

[1stmatekate]

Thank you all for your input, when I REALLY look at the damage I was pretty sure I'd have to bring it to a shop, you've all reinforced that, I'll post pics as I strip away the layers. (As an aside, the previous owners son lost a tooth going through the windshield when they struck the wall). T