tracker 17' with electrolisis pinholes

[osborn159]

I am in the process of helping a bud rebuild a 17' tracker, as well as working on mine, the issue with his boat is it was used extensivley as a shrimping boat in mosquito lagoon, the lights in the water with an aluminum hull create a reaction with the metal, i guess the hull is atracted to the current from the lights, anyhow there are pin holes about 2' from and all around the stern, any ideas on a repair, I was a metalsmith in the navy and was going to lap patch some 1/8" aluminum sheet with a good grade of silicone (5200)behind it before riveting in place, wish i could post a pic, not smart enough yet.
anyhow any input would be appreciated.
D

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: tracker 17' with electrolisis pinholes

aluminum, salt water, electrolysis does not mix. it needs several; sacrificial anodes. boat and motor.

 

[osborn159]

Re: tracker 17' with electrolisis pinholes

understood,
best way to repair? lap patch?

 

[cc190cc]

Re: tracker 17' with electrolisis pinholes

I am dealing with the same exact thing on mine right now and have read about 100 hours worth of these threads on repair. You are going to want to fill holes with Marine Tex epoxy, then glue that patch on with the 5200 and alot of rivets. I am putting a coat of gluvit epoxy on all rivets and seems (this step may be overkill but it is alot easier than pulling the floor back up later). Make sure the patch is made of aluminum or you will have a bigger problem with corrosion on your hands. Steel + Aluminum = Disaster. I am putting the patch on the inside of the hull and coating patch area with gluvit on inside and out. Clean all aluminum really good with sand paper, its gotta be shiny, then clean with acetone.

Good luck.

 

[osborn159]

Re: tracker 17' with electrolisis pinholes

sounds good we're on the right track, with the exception of the gluvit. we figured out the anode plate thing prior, wasn't sure if there was a better repair scenario.
D

 

[cc190cc]

Re: tracker 17' with electrolisis pinholes

No i think this is really the only way. The marine tex puddy is not joke, i have used it on repairs before. I have heard of people using it to fix cracked water jackets on engine blocks. The gluvit is expensive but it really does work the best on rivets and seems and over holes. It stays pliable so wont crack if the hull flexes.

 

[osborn159]

Re: tracker 17' with electrolisis pinholes

ive seen marinetex fill 1/4" cracks in fiberglass and last for years, never thought of using it on an tin boat, will try it sounds like it should work