Tightening Aluminum Boat Rivets: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you have a leaky aluminium boat, you can tighten the rivets yourself without having to take up the whole floor. First, find the leaking rivets by filling the boat with water and circling any that leak. If you don't want to fill the boat with water, use a small suction cup-type dent puller. Once you've identified the leaky rivets, dry and clean the boat. You can then repair the rivets with an epoxy-based sealer, such as West System G/Flex 650-K, TotalBoat FlexEpox, or TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Leak Sealer. Alternatively, you can try to tighten the rivets by holding a hammer against the flat side and giving a couple of good whacks on the head.

Using a hammer to tighten rivets

To tighten rivets on an aluminium boat using a hammer, you will need a helper and a large hammer. First, fill the boat with water to identify the leaky rivets. Once identified, one person should hold the hammer against the bottom of the rivet, while the other person beats on the top of the rivet to snug it up. This method can also be done with the boat out of the water, but it is important to ensure that the rivets are tightened before applying a new coat of paint.

Alternatively, if you have access to the top of the rivet from inside the boat, you can use a long rod (approximately 3/4" in diameter) to reach the rivet and strike it with a hammer while your helper holds the large hammer against the rivet on the outside of the boat. This method provides instant results as the water is still in the boat.

It is important to note that old aluminium rivets can split or break if struck too hard, so it is recommended to avoid excessive hammering. Additionally, make sure to use a buck (any anvil-like hunk of steel) and a ball-peen hammer or a carpenter's hammer to tighten the rivets effectively.

Applying JB Weld to a rivet

To apply JB Weld to a rivet on an aluminium boat, you must first strip, sand, clean, sand and clean the rivet to ensure it is bare and ready for the application.

Once the rivet is prepared, you can begin the application. It is recommended to start with a thin coat of JB Weld, allowing it to dry before applying another coat. After the second coat, you can sand the rivet to your desired smoothness.

If you are concerned about the appearance of the rivet, you can apply a primer or paint over the JB Weld. If the rivet is in an area that will not be visible, such as the interior, you can simply dab some JB Weld on the tip of the rivet and let it "melt" down to form a seal.

It is important to note that using JB Weld on a rivet is considered a temporary fix. For a more permanent solution, you may want to consider rebucking the rivet with a couple of hammers or replacing it with an air hammer.

Using an air hammer to tighten rivets

To tighten rivets on an aluminium boat, you can use an air hammer rivet gun. This tool is used to cut holes and penetrate tough surfaces like metal. It uses compressed air, a cyclic valve, a barrel, and a piston to push the piston with enough force to penetrate the material.

Preparation:

First, identify the loose rivets and plan the repair. Determine the appropriate tools and materials needed, such as a hammer, punch, and drill.

Rivet Removal:

To remove the old rivet, use a drill to create a hole in the centre. This weakens the rivet and makes it easier to remove. Then, use a punch to knock out the centre of the rivet, and pliers to grip and twist out the remaining parts.

Rivet Installation:

Place a new rivet into the hole and use a hammer to drive it into place. A ball-peen hammer is ideal as it has a rounded end that is perfect for shaping the rivet head. Ensure that the rivet is properly aligned and seated in the material.

Maintenance and Restoration:

Regularly inspect and maintain rivets to prevent corrosion and ensure durability. Keep rivets clean and dry, and apply protective coatings to prevent moisture.

It is important to note that the air hammer may lack the precision needed for riveting, as it is a powerful tool designed for penetrating hard surfaces. For a more precise job, a rivet gun with a regulator to adjust the power may be a better option.

Additionally, always follow safety precautions when using power tools, and ensure the boat is properly supported and stabilised during the repair process.

Epoxy-based sealers to fix leaky rivets

If you're looking to fix leaky rivets on your aluminium boat, there are a few methods you can try. One quick fix is to get someone to hold a large hammer against the outside of the rivet while you use a long rod to strike it from the inside. This will tighten the rivet and stop the leak. Alternatively, you could try using a gas soldering gun and a plastic bottle to heat and seal the rivet area.

If you're looking for a longer-lasting solution, you might want to try an epoxy-based sealer. These products are designed to repair leaking rivets and seams in aluminium boats. One such product is the TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Leak Sealer, which comes in a convenient cartridge with a mixing tip that dispenses the exact 1:1 ratio of resin and hardener with no measuring or mess. To use this product, you'll need to sand the metal within a 1/2" radius of the repair until it's completely shiny, remove any sanding residue, and etch the area with an aluminium boat etch wash. Then, simply apply a bead of the leak sealer around the leaking rivet and smooth it over. Allow the epoxy to cure for at least 24-48 hours before use.

Another option for sealing leaky rivets is to use a product called "Marine GOOP". This sealant has been praised for its toughness, elasticity, and strong adhesion to aluminium. It flows well, seeping into fine seams and rivet holes, and it is also more shelf-stable than other sealants, lasting indefinitely after initial use. To ensure the long-term success of your repairs, it is recommended to over-coat your rivets, seams, and seals with a good, high-quality boat coating like "Wetlander". This will create a double-protected waterproof seal and help to protect against future leaks.

Using a gas soldering gun and a plastic bottle to fix leaky rivets

If you have a leaky rivet on your aluminium boat, you can fix it cheaply and easily with a gas soldering gun and a 2-litre plastic Coke bottle.

First, heat the rivet area with the gas soldering gun. You don't need to heat it up too much, just a little. Then, touch the plastic bottle to the heated rivet and you're done! This method is fast and effective, and it's much quicker and easier than welding.

If you don't have access to a gas soldering gun, there are other ways to fix a leaky rivet on your aluminium boat. One way is to use a product like Glovit, JB Weld, or Gluvit. These are sealants that you can apply to the rivet to stop the leak. You can also try tightening the rivet by getting a friend to hold a large hammer against the rivet on the outside of the boat, while you use a long rod (about 3/4" in diameter) to strike the rivet from the inside. This method will tighten the rivet and stop the leak.

Another option is to replace the leaky rivets entirely. This may be the best option if you only have a few leaky rivets, as it will ensure a tight seal and prevent further leaks. You can also try using a spray-on sealant or a product like JB Weld Stick, which is a harder sticky tack that you can roll in your hands and stick to the bottom of the boat to seal the leak.

Frequently asked questions