Rivets popped out on my boat

acdc96

acdc96

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 23, 2013
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412
last night I went out on my boat to do a little fishing. While heading out to my favorite I noticed I started taking on water. I stop take a look around a saw that 3 rivets popped out and let water in. Never good to have holes in a boat. I beached my boat and whipped out what everyone should have... DUCT TAPE. dried the area with my lighter and a towel before putting the tape on. Fished on for a couple hours before heading home. I plan on keeping the boat in the water for another month. Had a tree fall in my backyard and go across the brook that's back their so got to use the boat for that. I want to order some new rivets for my boat. Preferably Pop rivets. I don't want to use my dial calipers because of the saltwater. It looks like a little less then a 1/4 inch hole, maybe a 3/16 inch. Anyone ever replace the rivets in their aluminum boat before? 1991 14ft Sea Nymph
 
Greg Mrozinski

Greg Mrozinski

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Joined
Aug 17, 2009
Messages
941
I am a bondo guy...but I do know you will need to use solid rivets. You might be able to get away with a blind pop rivet, but I think most tinny owners will advise against that on the bottom or structural portions.
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Staff member
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Apr 17, 2002
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71,353
Ayuh,.... Google up yerself some All Aluminum, closed-end pop-rivets, in 3/16", by whatever grab ya think ya need,....

I've been usin' 'em for years, with No problems,....
 
Tnstratofam

Tnstratofam

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Aug 18, 2013
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Stupid i phone! Let me try this again. I had a few rivers shear off and cause a leak in the spring. I drilled them out. Installed some 3/16 rivets with some 3m 5200 on them. Closed end blind rivets that is. No more leaks.
 
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Tnstratofam

Tnstratofam

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Rivets rivets rivets! There i can spell. I'm going over to my corner now to swear at my stupid phone.
 
Tnstratofam

Tnstratofam

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Aug 18, 2013
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At least I can laugh. When I'm trying to type on this phone it's trying to spell for me. Then I forget to check before I post. Then I sound like the hillbilly I'm trying not to be! Just ignore me while I go find some crayons.:facepalm:
 
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64osby

64osby

Admiral
Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Messages
6,826
Depend on how many layers of the hull and/or if there is a rib where the rivet is. 3/16" would cover most, but you might want to order two sizes.

Sounds like might need to stock up and keep the duct tape handy unless you spend some time to inspect the whole hull and replace anything questionable.
 
R

robert graham

Admiral
Joined
Apr 16, 2009
Messages
6,908
On my old aluminum riveted canoe I've replaced a few loose/missing rivets with 3/16 inch stainless steel Phillips head screws with nyloc nuts and washers on the inside of the hull....length would depend on requirements but I think mine were about 1/4 or 5/16 inch long.....these screws work great and are very easy to install....maybe carry a few extra in your boat tool box for future/leaking rivets....
 
Y_J

Y_J

Cadet
Joined
Oct 2, 2014
Messages
6
Personally I would recommend the solid rivets and as tnstratos mentioned, don't forget the 3M 5200. That's the real sealer. Just put a dab around the shank of the rivet, pop it, you're good to go. I'll be putting a few in the bottom of my hull here shortly. Had to drill a few out to get the bench seats out, so I can put in a flat floor in my aluminum boat. All riveted except where I've done a little bit of brazing. Good luck.
 
acdc96

acdc96

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 23, 2013
Messages
412
Having a hard time finding some closed end rivets. Last month I even used Rustoleum leak seal on the hull and that peeled off. Tried brazing the stern but couldn't get the alummiunm hot enough, only had a small hand held torch with mapp gas. Bolts with cap nuts would work but I don't want to step on the nuts. I go barefoot on that boat. Anyone know a good place to get these rivets?
 
Tnstratofam

Tnstratofam

Commander
Joined
Aug 18, 2013
Messages
2,679
I ordered mine from here. I got 4 different lenghts when I redid my transom. When i get home I will try to post the sizes. Having different lenghts handy was a big plus.
 
C

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,534
Maybe you should add the Pop Riveter and some rivets to your boat's tool chest.
 
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