How to fix a couple Keel rivets?

[PlayD0h]

Hi
I just picked up a 16' SS and its got a couple (2) broken rivets at the stern most end, both on the starboard side. The last two are busted and the lip of the keel is just slightly separated from the hull. I think I'd be able to get at it without pulling up the deck, from the inside, but I'm not sure how to fix it.

I plan on doing a full restoration next winter, although I'm considering doing it before spring. Its in good shape, yet at the stern end of the hull, someone used Silicone to seal up a few bottom rivets. I was amazed to see how well its bonded to the hull and to hear its been there for 3 years or more.

I've only used a hand-riveter so I'm not sure how to install a rivet like the ones on the boat. I thought I might be able to use a couple stainless steel bolts till I pull the deck and do the resto. I plan on using Gluvit when I resto, but I don't know if how long of a shelf-life it has. I'd just buy enough to do the whole hull and my patches at once, but again, I don't know if it will 'go bad' like epoxy resin, that I just read about.




These are of the Silicon 'patch' to seal rivets.


Sorry for the 'newbie' questions that I'm sure have been answered before, yet I've just started to read through the tons of material.

Thanks
Paul

 

[Starman8]

Re: How to fix a couple Keel rivets?

Your 2nd picture is an example of a debate had here on this site
where anything attached to the main hull by drilling holes into it makes that
attachment part of the main hull and subject to BREACH.

The damage appears to be on the starboard strake.

After you drill them bad boys out, you have options, and multiple methods.

I'm not qualified to give advice, but if you are considering a restore, then consider
pulling the floor.

The strake, if bent, would need to be straightened a tad, and upward pressure
on it using a jack to hold against the hull when adding new rivets or using SS nuts and bolts.

I will let the others chime in first.

 

[PlayD0h]

Re: How to fix a couple Keel rivets?

Thanks Starman8,
I don't see any 'bend' or damage to the Strake, and I'm sure even small bolts would close up the gap. If I had to do it now, without advice, I'd use SS bolts, with a plastic washer on both sides. I'd actually even consider putting some silicone in there before tightening, as it seems to do the trick. Again, I'm only thinking temporary fix.

When I do a resto I'll be pulling the floor out for sure. Its not soft anywhere, but I'm sure its got damage. I'd guess 5/8's glassed wood is what I'll use, as I'm not going to cut any corners. I want her to look brand-spank when I'm done. I just want to save up and have everything I need, ready to go.

I'm kinda confused at your first paragraph,

where anything attached to the main hull by drilling holes into it makes that
attachment part of the main hull and subject to BREACH.

Would that suggest 'some' think that the whole riveted strake is a "Flaw" which could cause the hull to breach. As in, the hull pop/split apart at speed? I'd be afraid to have it welded, since one mistake would equal weak spot in the most vital spot of the hull. Yet if I had to build a boat from scratch, I'd weld it rather then rivet. Lesson learned from Titanic. lol

 

[dozerII]

Re: How to fix a couple Keel rivets?

Hey Paul, you could just use SS bolts with some 3M 4200 on them till you do your restore, then replace them with the proper rivets.
Glen

 

[Starman8]

Re: How to fix a couple Keel rivets?

Hey Paul, you could just use SS bolts with some 3M 4200 on them till you do your restore, then replace them with the proper rivets.
Glen

dozer, agree on your method, but Play said he isn't pulling the floor just yet, needs a temp fix, but with nuts and bolts, you gotta pull the floor

Play, riveted strakes are not a flaw in design, strakes are vital, as you know, for performance

the original debate had to do with them being a point of water entry, which they are

if you do a search, you will find the discussion

TEMP FIX, blind rivets with maybe 5200

PERM FIX, dozer method is AOK

 

[PlayD0h]

Re: How to fix a couple Keel rivets?

Thanks guys.

I think I can get my hand back there through the access hole in the back, and don't need to pull the floor up. At most, I'd have to cut a small section out, extended from the opening in front of the battery perch. I'm good at getting in to hard to reach places, so I have faith.

By the product description (below) I'd use 4200 on the bolt temp fix and 5200 on the permanent rivet repair?

3M 4200 Fast Cure
Forms watertight, weather-resistant seals on joints and boat hardware above or below the waterline. Paintable and sandable. This product is approx. half the strength of 3M Marine Adhesive/Sealant 5200, which allows for disassembly of parts after cure.

3M 5200
The seal is extremely strong, retains its strength above or below water line. Stays flexible too - allows for structural movement. Has excellent resistance to weathering and salt water.

 

[dozerII]

Re: How to fix a couple Keel rivets?

Hey Paul, both 4200 and 5200 are available at most Crappy tires.

 

[barato2]

Re: How to fix a couple Keel rivets?

you can always cut a circular hole and install a threaded 4 or 6" access port to cover it...these are cheap at any marine store and sit pretty flush

 

[PlayD0h]

Re: How to fix a couple Keel rivets?

Barato2
Thanks, thats a good idea.