10' Welded Aluminum Jon Boat - Cracks on bottom - Gluvit? JB Weld? Rhino Liner? HELP?

SHG79

Cadet
Joined
Apr 1, 2019
Messages
6
HELP, I have just inherited a great little 10' custom welded aluminum Jon Boat. I've been told it was based off of the Marlon 10' specs. It seems super sturdy but it needs a little TLC. The gent that passed this down to me says: "When built, the welder should have used a thicker gauge of aluminum on the bottom". Since he didn't, where the bench seats (2) are welded to the bottom, there is now little stress cracks due to the movement of the benches. For the last 6 years or so, the previous owner said that he would simply JB Weld the areas every 2nd spring prior to putting the boat into the water. MY QUESTION: To all you experts, is there not a better solution? I took this to a welding shop and they told me that they would not touch it as the benches are filled with Styrofoam. Their solution was to get a local truck place to Rhino-Line the bottom. I can get this done for no charge due to a family connection but a lot of what I have read on this forum is that its a bad idea. The product "GLUVIT" is mentioned a lot, so is that by best solution? Would I JB Weld the little areas first, and then Gluvit the whole bottom side? Is there a better product that will ideally seep into the cracks and then be flexible, unlike JB Weld? Any insight would be amazing! Appreciate your help!
 

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Bondo

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For the last 6 years or so, the previous owner said that he would simply JB Weld the areas every 2nd spring prior to putting the boat into the water.

Ayuh,...... Welcome Aboard,...... I suggest you do as the last guy did, 'n carry a bailing bucket,.....

No matter what you do,.... you can't make a Cadillac out of a Yugo,....
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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51,141
pull out the foam
re-weld
re-foam

AND

rhino line or Line-X
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Jul 23, 2011
Messages
51,141
take it to a welder

most radiator shops can weld that (after the foam is gone) for about $50
 
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