Will this work?

[Starcraft Tony]

Hey Guys, I posted a question similar to this once before but didn?t get any responses. I am trying to repair a tear in an aluminum hull. I was going to just get it welded until I got a quote to do it, plus I have read that welding melts the sealant and you end up with more problems. So after much reading I thought up a plan to use fiberglass cloth 6oz (since I have a ton of scraps laying around the house) with epoxy on both the inside and outside to do this repair. Will this work? I have read my epoxy container and it says it will bond to metal, but when I when I asked the question at the local shop I was told epoxy won?t stick to aluminum?

Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Tony

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Will this work?

Where is the tear? How big? Is metal missing or is it just a tear with some deformation? How thick is the metal? Does the tear touch a riveted seam?

If you can offer up some photos, that would help, too.

Fiberglass is not a good way to repair a tear in an aluminum boat. It will eventually, or shortly, fail, leaving you in worse shape than you started.

If you can give us more information, plus photos, if possible, I'm sure we can help you figure out the best way to get your boat fixed and back on the water.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Will this work?

glass ain't it.

 

[J. Mark]

Re: Will this work?

I would suggest bending/hammering the metal back into shape, (Less is more here, Aluminum work hardens and becomes brittle very fast- do just enough) Hammering a piece of similar gauge aluminum to fit against it and coat both with gluvit and rivet the patch in place. You might even patch both sides.

If you must try glass, prepare to be unhappy when the patch fails. Aluminum oxidizes very quickly after cleaning. The bond will be to the aluminum oxide primarily and the oxides will pull away from the metal easily enough to make your patch fail.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Will this work?

Forget the fiberglass.

I looked at your photos. I would get it welded then get the broked rib welded too. Once you have it welded you are almost there....... I would suggest using gluvit on your seams and rivets..... put a coat or two over what you had welded too.

Try to figure out why the hole is there..... you might need something to make that area stronger...... then you can go with a patch of aluminum and have that welded too.

The primary reason everyone says "gluvit" is because it takes the flex better than any other repair. Google Marine tex and read up on it on the web site.

 

[Starcraft Tony]

Re: Will this work?

Thanks for the input guys, I guess I'll just have to part with the $200 and get it welded.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Will this work?

It really is the smart way to go and possibly they can install some extra strength aluminum so that area is braced. Good luck!

 

[J. Mark]

Re: Will this work?

If you can get it welded for $200.00 I say go for it, it will be the best possible repair.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Will this work?

Man if you were any closer I would set you up and do it at the shop for a case of beer.

How close are you to Elkhart Indiana?

If you can get it there I will do it for you and you get the nickel tour of the Bennington Marine weld shop.

 

[North Beach]

Re: Will this work?

Yeah Tony. Please get those stringers repaired as part of this process. Good luck!

 

[Starcraft Tony]

Re: Will this work?

Hey 5150abf thanks for the offer I'm about 4hrs away but with my 10yr old gas guzzler It'd probably cost more to drive there. I'm on a tight budget but I only want to do this once, so I might as well do it right the first time.

Thanks again for all the input.