Aluminum boat repair

Boat repairs are a part and parcel of a boat owner’s life. The repairs can be classified into Hull Damage Repairs, Rig Damage Repairs, Sail Damage Repairs and Trailer Repair.

Aluminum is widely used in the boat industry because it is lightweight, easy to fabricate, and is corrosion resistant. Hence, aluminum boats do not need frequent repairs. According to Steve Daigle, Chief of Daigle Welding & Marine Ltd, aluminum boat technology is relatively new. The market saw the emergence of aluminum boats in late 1960s. Riveting was a standard method of fusing aluminum sheets on boat hulls, and small boats made of thinner gauge aluminum still use this technique.

Aluminum boats are used for many purposes like commercial fishing, recreation, crew boats, pilot boats, patrol craft and are even made into yachts.

Aluminum Boat Repair Kit: An Aluminum Boat Repair Kit consists of epoxy sticks and a stainless steel brush. The kit is useful for repairing small holes, cracks and leaking rivets in aluminum boats, with a propane torch. Aluminum boat repair kits start from . There are also hub kits that use rubber bushings instead of plastic inserts, rods or springs. Many shipyards repair aluminum boats. You can call them to get small repairs done on-site. However, if the damage is big, you will need to tow the boat to a nearby shipyard.

The Role of Transom in Aluminum Boat Repair: Transom is a vertical flat surface that forms the rear part of a vessel. Generally, the motor is mounted on the transom in smaller vessels. Since the stern tends to be lower than the other part of a boat, the engine is located just next to it. There are various repair techniques, which may or may not require removal of transom. This depends upon the position of transom in the aluminum boat.

Aluminum boats are highly corrosion resistant: The alloys used in marine applications are made of aluminum tempers. Traditional marine alloys like 5083, 5086, 5456 and the newer ones like 5383 are all corrosion resistant, both in fresh and salt water. In addition, aluminum holds paint very well with the application of proper primers and undercoats. A new standard has been developed to help in using suitable aluminum alloy temper products. It is known as ASTM B 928, which refers to High Magnesium Aluminum Alloy Sheet and Plate for Marine Service.

In the past, aluminum boats were leaky, riveted runabouts. However, with the development of welding technology, they have become stronger and more durable, and are popular with boat owners. Aluminum is also used to make folding boats, which are smaller, ranging between 8 and 12 feet. These days, aluminum boats are being designed with software like CAD and Solid Works.

Aluminum Boat Repair: Aluminum boats are easier to repair compared to the other kinds. Besides, they are not subject to leaks and rot. The metal pieces on these boats are welded along their seams, so the joints are stronger, and cannot come apart and let in water. If any puncture should occur, it can be easily fixed by using a new welded patch, and loose rivets can be replaced quickly. Faults like a cracked engine, castings leaks, and damages to aluminum and zinc parts, however, need to be taken care of properly. Some repairs can be done onsite. For example, hi-tech brazing rods can be used to repair holes, cracks, threads and leaks effectively. Troubleshooting kits for aluminum boats repairs are available online and in the market too. However, aluminum boats with rivets may tend to leak, but this can be fixed using marine sealants. Although the initial cost of these boats may be steep, in the long-term they turn out economical.

Rivet and aluminum boat repair: Leaks and other problems in Aluminum boats can be quickly fixed with rivet repair system. Loose rivets can be replaced with new ones with easy rivet repair tool kit. Rivet is a mechanical fastener. Rivets are used in wooden as well as aluminum boat building and repairs. Rivet repair kits for aluminum boats are unique and affordable.