Aluminum Welding Work Needed

[Stevie Boy]

We have a aluminum jon boat that has a small "gash" in the bottom. Thew "gash" looks to be no more than an inch long. Ideally, we'd like to get it welded up as a permanent repair. Potential problem is that it's located directly under the center seat and therefore, presumably, there's flotation foam on the inderside of the hole.

Can it be repaired? Anyone know of a welder that would do this kind of work? The boat is located in the Laurel/Bowie area.

Open to suggestions. Well meaning ones anyway.

Edit: Having a problem posting a pic. Will keep trying.

 

[K31]

If you can get the flotation out of the way:

http://durafix.com/

 

[Stevie Boy]

If you can get the flotation out of the way:

http://durafix.com/

Should have mentioned, seat is permanently attached to the boat so no easy way to remove the foam. But, thanks for the suggestion. Looks promising otherwise.

 

[K31]

Should have mentioned, seat is permanently attached to the boat so no easy way to remove the foam. But, thanks for the suggestion. Looks promising otherwise.

The stuff on a jon boat I previously worked on was pop-riveted in. I just had to drill out any rivets pop a new one in when finished. I also flattened both sides afterward using a person on one side with a auto body "iron" and me on the other with a hammer.

 

[Ranchero50]

Yeah, shouldn't be a huge problem to fix. I do a couple a year for folks. Foam should be a couple inches up in the seat so it doesn't risk fuel contamination from a leaking tank. Fire risk is actually pretty low. I did one a couple years ago that the PO had used spray foam under the floor. Guy whacked a rock up the Monocacy and tore a nice gash on the front corner. Pried the gash open, dug out some foam, pinched it shut and it welded up fine even with the foam weeping water.

Another one from a couple years ago. Had to work overhead in the gravel so it was a little ugly but solid and held water.

Mine showing some of the fun I've had building it.
http://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=8385

If you want to run up to Hagerstown I can fix it.

 

[ROBAR35]

If you can leave it with me for a week at my shop in Ellicott city I will gladly do it for you.

 

[madmantrapper]

I fixed one 20 years ago with a two part epoxy. The epoxy was a material that you tore off a huck and kneaded it in you fingers til the color was consistant. It was like a thick putty. Smashed to both side of tare. It is still holding.

 

[deerhtr]

we have a few of those each year in the shop the best way is to make a patch piece bigger than the hole then it easy to weld up.

 

[ROBAR35]

we have a few of those each year in the shop the best way is to make a patch piece bigger than the hole then it easy to weld up.

 

[mopar92]

No flex seal?

 

[moojersey]

No flex seal?

Damn beat me to it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Stevie Boy]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Will look into them all and let you know how we work it out.