Help with transom weld on painted aluminum boat

[papakevin]

I have a 2006 Tracker Fishin Deck aluminum boat and noticed the inside rear transom weld appears to be cracked. The boat has never leaked but concerned this may be the start of some big issues. I’ve not noticed this before so not sure if it’s new or has been there awhile. My question - what the best way to address? Do I need to find someone to weld, or can I use the JB marine weld to patch? Do I need to remove the paint from this area before repair? Can I put JB weld over the existing? Thanks.

 

[Scott Danforth]

get it welded. cracks are common on tracker boats

and yes, the guy welding it will grind away the paint to weld.

 

[papakevin]

get it welded. cracks are common on tracker boats

and yes, the guy welding it will grind away the paint to weld.

Any suggestions on where I should take it? Is this a machine shop type or repair, an auto body shop, etc? To repair, will they need to take the outboard off or think it can be welded with it in place? We have a Bass Pro in town so plan on calling them tomorrow when the service shop opens.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I call my buddy. however in the past, my local radiator shop guy (guy that builds my hot-rod radiators) always has a boat or two in there to weld up.

so either call a mobile welder, or call around to local fab shops and radiator shops. your local marina shop that does skeg repair can also weld that.

only some body shops will do boat welding, most will not.