1986 Gregor Hull Repair

[Igor_Gregor18]

Hi everyone. I’m new to this forum and was wondering if I can get some guidance on how to repair this dent on my aluminum boat. It was hit right on the side where the folds are. I’ll attach a picture so that you can see it. Any help is very appreciated.

 

[gm280]

Well lets get things settle first... :welcome: to iboats. Great to have you as a new member...

Depending on how perfect you want to make this, it can be repaired. IF you have access to the inside where the dent is, then SLOWLY use a easy touch with a hammer (body work hammers are the best, but plastic heads or even rubber heads can be used) on the inside while either you or someone else is holding something solid and flat on the outside. Then tap all around the outside edges of the dent and work your way into the center.

DON'T start in the center of the dent or you will be working on the dent forever. You always start on the edges and work into the center. Slow and easy 'til you get the hang of how the metal responds and if you are persistent with the hammer, you can make it look like it never happened. But you work patently and slowly and no pounding, only light taps... And even use a piece of wood to tap against on the dent edges can work as well. JMHO

 

[Igor_Gregor18]

Thank you for the reply and for welcoming me to the forum!

I would like to get it as close as possible to perfect. However, I understand it probably will never look perfect unless I do some major cosmetic work. I just want to get rid of the dent and straighten it out as much as possible. I might be able to get to the dent on the inside if I remove the custom 2-tier work tray that is mounted right beside the dent. Another question, the inside is painted and before I start working the dent with mallets and hammers do I need to sand down/strip the paint? Does it matter at all? I’m probably going to need to touch up the paint after I straighten the dent out anyway because it cracked at the center of the dent after the crash. Not to mention repetitive tapping will chip the paint away. I’m mainly asking to see if working the dent with paint on or bare metal makes a difference.

I just restored a 12’ aluminum boat and it had small dents that I put a hammer and a metal plate on the other side and banged it out. That was easy because it was a small cheap aluminum boat and a lot thinner gauge aluminum. This is a beast compared to my 12’ boat and my prized possession so I want to make sure everything comes out good. So, no heating it like other articles say to fix aluminum boat hulls?

 

[Scott Danforth]

you need to learn how to hammer and dolly. easy work for an experienced body man (not a bondo hack, however a true hammer and dolly guy)

a good body guy can knock that dent out without too many marks on your inside paint.

 

[GSPLures]

If there is not a crease on the edges and it is thinner aluminum you can try a heat gun (keep it moving so you do not blister the paint). Then use your hands and try to get it to pop back closer to shape. Once that is done, if you can get it to move, use a hammer and dolly to finish it.