Tinny hull repair

[san dimas]

OK guys. I checked the rivits and seams on my 14' Valco using water in the boat (not too much water). I found 5 or 6 leaky rivits and 2 or 3 seams that are leaking. I also found a crack in the bottom about 1/2" long that leaks the most. The gluvit I ordered from Iboats should be here on monday. I hope this will solve my leak problems. It was leaking about a gallon in 2 hours. I'm going fishing up in the Sierra mountains next month and don't want to be standing in a wet boat

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Tinny hull repair

Before you Gluvit you should have the crack welded or patch it yourself and replace or rebuck the leaky rivets.

 

[boatnut74]

Re: Tinny hull repair

Also be sure to drill some small holes on each end of that crack to keep it from getting any bigger. If you get it cleaned up a welding shop may not even charge you for it.

 

[san dimas]

Using gluvit

Using gluvit

Can I use Gluvit on the outside of my leaky rivets and seams or does it need to go on the inside. 14' Valco.
Thanks.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Using gluvit

Re: Using gluvit

Usually on the inside but have seen/heard of people doing both. No UV protection so do what needs to be done.

 

[san dimas]

Re: Using gluvit

Re: Using gluvit

Thanks woodonglass. I've been told to buck the rivets before applying Gluvit. What's the best way to do this? Thanks.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Using gluvit

Re: Using gluvit

You and a friend. 2 lb sledge hammer used as the "Back Up" Regular Hammer on the inside as the "Hitter" Couple a Whacks and they should tighten up, or so I'm told. I'm not a tinner. Just passing on what I've read here on the forum.

 

[andyrmilwaukee]

Re: Using gluvit

Re: Using gluvit

I have fixed up two old aluminum fishing boats, not the fancy kind but the kind with bench seats. rebucking rivits is really easy and is just like woodonglass said, I applied the gluvit on the inside after rebucking and then painted to protect form UV rays. If I understand correctly the inside is the proper way to do it, but I am far from an expert.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Using gluvit

Re: Using gluvit

This is an easy one man method to replace leaking rivets:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0MA1-5NXjs&feature=related

Rebucking will work for a while, but that rivet is old and already weakend and will leak again in the future.

 

[san dimas]

Another aluminum hull repair question

Another aluminum hull repair question

Hello everyone.
I have six rivets that leak on my 1979 aluminum Valco. I have bucked the rivets and was getting ready to to put Gluvit on them. Some of the rivets go up under the seats and I don't want to take the seats out to get to the rivet, so I would have to apply the Gluvit to the outside only which doesn't seam optimum. I found some closed-end rivets from McMaster-Carr. If I drill out the leaking rivets from the outside and install the new rivets with a dab of Gluvit on them would this be the best thing to do? Also, I have some leaks on the port side seam below the water level. I have the same problem with the seam on the inside being hidden by the seat bench so I could only seal the outside. I could drill out these rivets also and do as I said before but I don't know if this will seal the seam. Any input from you guys would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Another aluminum hull repair question

Re: Another aluminum hull repair question

I have consolidated and merged your repair threads to make things easier to follow. You can continue to add to this one

 

[san dimas]

Re: Another aluminum hull repair question

Re: Another aluminum hull repair question

Thanks Bob VT. I wasn't sure how the forum works. Now I know

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Another aluminum hull repair question

Re: Another aluminum hull repair question

You can grind or drill the rivets holding your benches in and remove them, then use the closed end blind rivets to reinstall them for a better job.

You could probably dip the end of the rivet in Gluvit and then install it, may not be as good as a thicker/quicker setting epoxy... but will be better than nothing.

It doesn't take long to get a "feel" for the blind rivets, and once you do you'll wonder why you weren't using them before... they really do come in very handy when you own a riveted boat.

 

[san dimas]

Re: Another aluminum hull repair question

Re: Another aluminum hull repair question

Took boat out yesterday and no leaks after a little welding and Gluvit. Thanks to you all for your help.