How do i find and repair a leak on an aluminum boat

[Case450]

i have a leaky aluminum boat. It's a 16' crestliner i think...it's an older boat...so anyways when i'm on the water it takes some water...not a whole lot but i would prefer a water tight boat....i was thinking of pulling the boat into the shop and putting a couple of inches of water in the bottom under the floor with some food colouring and see where it leaks out then jb weld that section.
I guess what i'm asking is if there is a better or more effective way to get 'er buttoned up.
Thanks for your time!! Happy boating!!

 

[HopeSheFloats]

Re: How do i find and repair a leak on an aluminum boat

Don't think there's such a thing as a water tight boat the water always seems to find a way in, rivets leak as well as seams, swimmers, waves, rain thru leaky covers etc etc....
Your idea is one way to see where, but remember, some of these older boats have flotation that like to soak up a drink now and then, so you may be adding to you troubles...you could coat the bottom from the outside with 'gluvit', but aesthetically that falls on the uhgg side imo, and any gluvit exposed to uv will need to be painted....hopefully the more experienced will chime in with other thoughts and plans for attack.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: How do i find and repair a leak on an aluminum boat

My suggestion may be a little extreme. My tinny was due for a refit anyway. I stripped it and coated all seams and rivets with Gluvit. Now I'm putting it back together.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: How do i find and repair a leak on an aluminum boat

Many aluminum boats will leak from the outside in.

Don't waste your time doing the water test.

Do a visual inspection and you will see rivets that may be loose and cracks.

Gluvit from the inside is the recommended fix

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: How do i find and repair a leak on an aluminum boat

Many aluminum boats will leak from the outside in.

Don't waste your time doing the water test.

Do a visual inspection and you will see rivets that may be loose and cracks.

Gluvit from the inside is the recommended fix

I disagree... if I hadn't filled mine with water I would never have seen the leaks along the seems. I would just make a weekend of it and pull the deck. Its not expensive to replace and it will give you a chance to get any old foam out and replace it with betterf stuff. With the deck out, pressurewash and coat the rivets and seams with gluvit.