The Crappy Boat Saga Continues

flbassman · 10-22-09, 05:16 PM

Hey guys, just bought me a 12 foot aluminum boat for 80 bucks haha, and I plan on throwin my 4.5 on the back. This is actually my favorite POS jonboat so far lol, I;m currently replacing the transom, but here's my question.
She's got some rivet leaks, which I siliconed, but that didn't do anything. Now I keep seein people say that they use spray on bedliner or undercoating, and I'm just gettin yalls input. I appreciate it.
Nick

bamabassman · 10-22-09, 07:20 PM

hoseman, in my opinion only here ok? But IF it were me I would get a riveter and use a LARGER rivet in the old ones place. That should help with the problem.

nofearengineer · 10-22-09, 07:44 PM

Bama's right. Just drill out the bad rivets and put new ones in.

flfireman · 10-22-09, 09:46 PM

Spray on bedliner does work, use it on the inside. On the outside grind them down and use JB Weld. Should work for awhile.

flbassman · 10-22-09, 10:41 PM

Thanks guys!
Only problem is that the bad rivets are under the bench seats, and I really don't feel like pullin those out.... But if that needs to be done, I could turn this into a bigger project than i was planning on it being.

bassinbob · 10-25-09, 12:50 AM

I have a Starcraft with rivets. Everytime one leaks I use JB weld. Haven't had them releak. I do carry some small screws in my tackle bag incase of a leak when out on the water. Just push out the rivet and screw in the slightly oversize screw until able to fix right. That has saved the day for me a couple of times.

granite · 11-09-09, 12:05 PM

I had the same problem with my POS jonboat, had many loose rivets when I bought it. I drilled out as many rivets as I could and replaced them with stainless bolts (pan head, head on outside of hull) with a rubber washer under a stainless washer under the bolt head, with a glob of Lexel on the hull/hole before tightening it up with a washer and nylon stop nut on the inside. Yeah, I know, long after the rest of the boat is gone these bolts will still be there! More to your problem, on the ones I couldn't reach I just smeared Lexcel on the outside of the rivet, trying to work it in and around the rivet head as much as possible. I have never had a leak in ANY of these rivets since, and it's been about 5 years! This is in a 1972 Sears jon boat that sits outside, hull side up, exposed to the northern New Hampshire elements 12 months a year! I haven't seen Lexel in any of the usual local stores, but you should be able to find it online. It's amazing stuff. Looks like clear silicone but it sticks to ANYTHING, will cure underwater, flexes and lasts forever. (note/edit: product is spelled Lexel, misspelled in title, can't edit)

11-11-09, 03:26 PM

I have the same issue with a 12' v bottom however the keel at the bow is also worn down. Anyone had any luck with a keel guard preventing leaks assuming I don't put much effort into sealing up the keel?

nofearengineer · 11-11-09, 07:29 PM

Using your keel guard to stop leaks is kind of like using a butter knife to turn screws...it might sort of work, and it might even be worth it if your access to proper repair materials/budget is limited, but I'd still keep my eye out for that screwdriver.

10-22-09, 05:16 PM	#1
flbassman BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Jacksonville Florida Posts: 2,840	The Crappy Boat Saga Continues Hey guys, just bought me a 12 foot aluminum boat for 80 bucks haha, and I plan on throwin my 4.5 on the back. This is actually my favorite POS jonboat so far lol, I;m currently replacing the transom, but here's my question. She's got some rivet leaks, which I siliconed, but that didn't do anything. Now I keep seein people say that they use spray on bedliner or undercoating, and I'm just gettin yalls input. I appreciate it. Nick __________________ R.I.P. Zooker

10-22-09, 07:20 PM	#2
bamabassman BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: cedar bluff, alabama Posts: 15,292	hoseman, in my opinion only here ok? But IF it were me I would get a riveter and use a LARGER rivet in the old ones place. That should help with the problem. __________________ so many lures, so little time.

10-22-09, 07:44 PM	#3
nofearengineer BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southwest IN Posts: 5,630	Bama's right. Just drill out the bad rivets and put new ones in. __________________ Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after.

10-22-09, 09:46 PM	#4
flfireman BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Palm Bay, Fl Posts: 2,751	Spray on bedliner does work, use it on the inside. On the outside grind them down and use JB Weld. Should work for awhile. __________________ In the Lord all things are possible.

10-22-09, 10:41 PM	#5
flbassman BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Jacksonville Florida Posts: 2,840	Thanks guys! Only problem is that the bad rivets are under the bench seats, and I really don't feel like pullin those out.... But if that needs to be done, I could turn this into a bigger project than i was planning on it being. __________________ R.I.P. Zooker

10-25-09, 12:50 AM	#6
bassinbob BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Pitts. Pa. Posts: 3,801	I have a Starcraft with rivets. Everytime one leaks I use JB weld. Haven't had them releak. I do carry some small screws in my tackle bag incase of a leak when out on the water. Just push out the rivet and screw in the slightly oversize screw until able to fix right. That has saved the day for me a couple of times. __________________ you can have my fishin rod when ya take it from my cold dead hands

11-09-09, 12:05 PM	#7
granite BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 14	Use "Lexcel" sealant I had the same problem with my POS jonboat, had many loose rivets when I bought it. I drilled out as many rivets as I could and replaced them with stainless bolts (pan head, head on outside of hull) with a rubber washer under a stainless washer under the bolt head, with a glob of Lexel on the hull/hole before tightening it up with a washer and nylon stop nut on the inside. Yeah, I know, long after the rest of the boat is gone these bolts will still be there! More to your problem, on the ones I couldn't reach I just smeared Lexcel on the outside of the rivet, trying to work it in and around the rivet head as much as possible. I have never had a leak in ANY of these rivets since, and it's been about 5 years! This is in a 1972 Sears jon boat that sits outside, hull side up, exposed to the northern New Hampshire elements 12 months a year! I haven't seen Lexel in any of the usual local stores, but you should be able to find it online. It's amazing stuff. Looks like clear silicone but it sticks to ANYTHING, will cure underwater, flexes and lasts forever. (note/edit: product is spelled Lexel, misspelled in title, can't edit) Last edited by granite; 11-09-09 at 12:14 PM. Reason: misspelled lexel

11-11-09, 03:26 PM	#8
Wellstt Guest Posts: n/a	I have the same issue with a 12' v bottom however the keel at the bow is also worn down. Anyone had any luck with a keel guard preventing leaks assuming I don't put much effort into sealing up the keel?

11-11-09, 07:29 PM	#9
nofearengineer BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southwest IN Posts: 5,630	Using your keel guard to stop leaks is kind of like using a butter knife to turn screws...it might sort of work, and it might even be worth it if your access to proper repair materials/budget is limited, but I'd still keep my eye out for that screwdriver. __________________ Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after.

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