Replacement Aluminim Boat Ribs?

[Pusher]

I read the epoxy gluvit has to be replaced fairly frequently... is that only if it gets exposed to sunlight or does it not flex and so breaks away from the boat?

I have 5300 and lime it but don't know if this is the best route even though I like that it would flex.

I read coat-it is better than Gluvit but is more expensive. Why is it better if anyone can say.

 

[Pusher]

Sorry, last bump. I haven't taken it out without the floorboard, so I dont know which rivets are leaking. There aren't any breaks to speak of. I think it's all from rivets.

I've seen the aluminum brazing rods and am interested in these, but don't see it practical to braze the rivet heads... or am I wrong?

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

Perhaps it's just me but Gluvit (or the likes) seems to be the answer for leaks @ the seams and leaky rivets should be re-bucked/replaced.

You can fill it with water to find your leakers. If you tilt the boat you can save some water and weight on the trailer. Recently when I did mine re-bucking got 11 of 16 to seal. The other 5 (if I ever get the time) I'll smear with a dab of 5200 during the replacement process just as extra insurance.

Not that I've looked all that hard but I hadn't seen anyone that had problems with life span other than perhaps from poor bonding due to initial prep. I can tell you that all it took was a few hours in the sun drying after a leak re-test for the Gluvit in mine to start yellowing so I can see where to much sun could degrade it quickly. I now know better and it won't get anymore sun until it is top coated with some protection..