Leaky rivit repair that failed

[elkhunter338]

I tried last winter to seal a couple of leaky rivits from the outside since I was not going to pull my floor up. The leaky rivits are not leaking bad but wanted to seal them up, so I used acouple of coats of gluv-it from the outside.
Results after 1 year. The gluv-it appeared to seal the leak from the outside, but with bilge water in the boat the water/salt leaked so the gluv-it blistered from the inside because a pocket of salt developed under the gluv-it from the bilge water.
So I cleaned the gluv-it off and I will leave the boat bare alum. around the rivit.

If I ever pull the floor up again, which I hope not to ever have to do I will install new rivits to replace the leaky ones.
What also appears to be happening is the foam under the floor is not soaking up with water but keeps moisture trapped under the boat and does not let the bilge dry out.

 

[Starman8]

Re: Leaky rivit repair that failed

"The gluv-it appeared to seal the leak from the outside, but with bilge water in the boat"

Sounds like several leaks are present? What model boat?

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: Leaky rivit repair that failed

No not a lot of leaks, bilge stays dry for a long time unless the bilge gets water in it from 3 main points.
1. rain while at dock.
2. sea water from washing down the floor to get the blood and slim off the floor. I put two drains in the floor and there is no carpet in my boat.
3. rough weather sometimes gets some significant spray over the back of the boat.
1986 chieftain, 21 foot the one in the picture

 

[v8mgbal]

Re: Leaky rivit repair that failed

could you use 5200 and some pop rivets to replace the leaky rivets.

 

[Starman8]

Re: Leaky rivit repair that failed

Keep in mind a boat a hull is like a bowl and water pressure comes from the outside, not inside.

Most experts will say the repair must be done on the outside of the boat.

That said, where are the leaky rivets located?

 

[Casey G]

Re: Leaky rivit repair that failed

I have a 2 rivets that are in a hard spot to get and i dont want to rip the floors up to get to them. I was going to try Bull Frog rivets to see if they will work. I will let you know how they do. Has anyone else here used them?

 

[Starman8]

Re: Leaky rivit repair that failed

Where are they located? What model and year of boat?

I ask because fix it methods depend on where without a desire to open the floor.

 

[Casey G]

Re: Leaky rivit repair that failed

They are located about 1/4 of the way back , 15" off center. My boat is a '87 Islander Hardtop. Basically in the nose of the boat under the beds

 

[Starman8]

Re: Leaky rivit repair that failed

Well, I'm no expert, also an SS owner not an Islander, but there are open hull pictures in the resto threads.

Based on common hull pics, the rivets either apply to the longnitudanal strake(my guess not), the ribs running port to star(probable), or the longnitudanal ribs in the bow.


I would still Gluvit the bad rivets if you choose to keep the deck intact. There are additional stop-gaps available in addition to using the Gluvit.

Maybe a couple Islander guys can chime in as to hull design.

 

[LastDollar]

Re: Leaky rivit repair that failed

I was in Tobermory Canada and found a missing rivet. I used my emergency repair kit consisting of some stainless sheet metal screws and some wet suit cement (neoprene glue) to plug the hole. A number of years later when I redid all the wood and the inside was exposed I replaced the screw with the next size rivet. There where no signs of leakage or corrosion around the screw. Caveat I run the boat in fresh water most of the time. Good luck.