How to Fix Holes in Aluminum Boat {EP-22}

During my boat build, I encountered a bunch of old rivet holes that I needed to fill. I wanted to make a good video to share with others on how I filled the holes in an Aluminium Boat. This process can be used on many other applications--not just a boat! Huge shout out to Tiny Boat Nation for all the videos we watch for guidance and examples!

[@theone4929]

Good job thanks for posting this

[@mikewest712]

Similar method used to stop a crack in glass. Scribe perpendicular lines will sometimes work.

[@yezhongwelding5602]

Great video! Our company produces this aluminum flux-cored wire used for brazing aluminum materials, including boats.

[@Atreju98050]

does this also work for boats used in saltwater?

[@kh2140]

What wire is that?

[@jonathanj0jopabatil32]

I want to learn to use that but there is that here in the Philippines👏👏👏👍👍

[@atiaaatiaa56]

Goud jobe

[@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel]

Thank you!

[@njseashorechas2698]

No explanation on the type of gas??

[@mtcowboyblue]

Blue is propane.

[@SandmannOZ]

Hey there. I've got a bunch of holes all over my boat from where a previous owner has mounted then removed stuff (no idea what), especially all over the vertical walls of the splash well. I was wondering, is it possible to braze a surface that's close to vertical? I really don't want to remove the inboard tank and outboard motor to try to get my boat on it's side. And if it's a larger hole... say 5/16"... could you braze that? Or should I put an aluiminium patch on the inside as backing first?

[@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel]

That is pretty tough! Brazing on a vertical wall can be very difficult. I would braze the smaller holes the best you can and use large rivets to fill in the larger holes. You can always grind them down some for final finish!

[@caliisbtk]

Hey, do you have to weld the other side as well? Thanks

[@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel]

Yes but you have to be careful about getting it to hot and melting the other side!

[@MrSticks9999]

It's not welding.

[@MrSticks9999]

@@Orlosthedruid I taught it.

[@wrench6122]

Hello! Question for ya: How is the crack repair holding up? I have a few small holes that I would like to fix, considered JB weld, but not crazy about it.

[@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel]

The crack repair is holding up VERY well! I am very pleased with the repair, however, some areas of the boat were thin due to corrosion and I noticed these spots were harder to repair. After this experience, I would suggest on areas with thinner metal to try to position the boat so that area is flat (i.e. - not vertical) and the weld works much better. Also, in some areas I welded the exterior and put a skim coat of JB Weld on the inside. Send me some pics! Good luck!

[@wrench6122]

@@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel my boat had a leaky transom, and it must have seen saltwater at some point, therefore the transom board got saturated with saltwater. It was not kind to the aluminum. Ended up cutting most of the transom away, it was riddled with holes and corrosion.

[@jmanhach17]

@@wrench6122did you ever fix it with out welding? I got one and the transom is so bad on one side riping from front down.

[@wrench6122]

@@jmanhach17 so..... Quick answer yes. I fixed my deep vee using JB weld Marine epoxy 2 years ago and it is holding up very well. I only use that boat 5-6 times a year but it still doesn't leak a drop. More recently, I put a hole in the underside of my jet boat trying to run a stretch that was too shallow. LoL I am anxious to see how that one holds up as that boat gets used at least once a week.

[@ferdiesaladino5182]

Mayvi know what filler that? Abd classification? Thanks

[@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel]

Copy and paste this link into your browser: www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-low-temperature-aluminum-welding-rods-44810.html

[@wrench6122]

Also....were you able to paint over the Goop product?

[@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel]

I am getting ready to paint the boat very soon. My intent is to lightly sand the goop product so my paint will adhere to it. Good question but I will have to let you know how it turns out!

[@Atreju98050]

Did painting over it work and is everything holding still well? Does this method also work for saltwater!?

[@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel]

Yes it works well. Use a palm sander with 100-grit paper to rough up the coating a little bit before applying paint!

[@joesmith306]

Does the aluminum rod have flux in the middle?

[@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel]

These are self-fluxing rods, here is the link: www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/hobart-aluminium-rod-pack-of-8-3851303?cm_mmc=feed-_-GoogleShopping-_-Product-_-3851303&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_JWOBhDRARIsANymNObCYM5YLqBfjBkk_iTcQjIpwRs7IY0ik8OV0Stdg7qp53AfgkTfiYYaAiw-EALw_wcB

[@bighoss234]

Does it matter what kind of brazing rods I use? I plan on repairing an old canoe after banging some dents out.

[@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel]

I personally like using low temperature, self-fluxing aluminum rods. Here is the link to the ones I used (may have to copy and paste into your browser): www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/hobart-aluminium-rod-pack-of-8

[@bighoss234]

@@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel bless you man. Thank you.

[@garypostell5268]

Well now how well does it penetrate the cracks and hold looking like tig would have been a better choice! Just saying 💯🇺🇸💪

[@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel]

It did a good job and is holding up well. However, I agree that tug would have been a better option! I just used what I had!

[@Atreju98050]

does this also work for boats used in saltwater?

[@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel]

Yes, good for saltwater!

[@kh2140]

What wire did you use?

[@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel]

Here is a link: www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/hobart-aluminium-rod-pack-of-8

[@petejablowski2123]

Can this be done without flipping the boat ?

[@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel]

Yes but it is much easier the flatter you can make the surface.

[@120offroadllc]

Tig is the best way.

[@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel]

Agreed, tig is best but the method in this video takes far less skill and is dummy proof…thankfully, since I could do it!!!

[@120offroadllc]

@@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel small patch then plug or alum rivet the patch then braze very strong. Good work though. 👍

[@mordecaiculpepper7957]

no flux?

[@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel]

I did not use flux in this application

[@richardfuerst5286]

I have use aluminum brazing rod in my mobile welding business with limited success. I TIG most of my pontoon repairs & MIG the boat lifts and docks.

[@mikefurbee8425]

Is that a propane torch or MAPP?

[@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel]

Propane!

[@Michigander79]

I really cannot wrap my head around the idea of WELDING a RIVETED boat. Just rivet in a patch

[@haggeoromero]

Rivets are superior to rivets.

[@user-fu2kp2it8c]

I do better than that

[@reelgoodtimesoutdoorchannel]

Let’s see your video!

[@theone4929]

I'm still waiting to see your video