Alumiweld For Aluminum Repairs?

[Bluebasser86]

I've got a couple small cracks/tears in the transom of my johnboat (shouldn't have been hauling it with the outboard on it I guess). I was looking for someone local who did Tig welding when I came across this alumiweld. It seems to have very good reviews and looks to be very easy to use and pretty inexpensive. Anyone ever used it before? It's just a 15' semi V johnboat with a 15hp motor so it doesn't have to withstand the torque of a big motor or anything, just needing to fix it so it doesn't get any worse. 

http://www.alumiweld.com/index.html

 

Open to any other suggestions of how to repair it without spending a ton of money having someone weld it for me.

[CJV]

I've never used alumiweld however it looks legit. Do you know a friend or family member that can weld it for you cheap? That would be your best bet.

[Bluebasser86]

I've never used alumiweld however it looks legit. Do you know a friend or family member that can weld it for you cheap? That would be your best bet.

Guy I went to school with said he'd do it, just have to provide him the Tig welder   If I had a Tig there's a good chance this topic would have never been posted 

[jhoffman]

You can heat it with map gas, it didnt work on my last boat, i tried it on a rivet, I ended up smashing it shut.

[grizzly1654]

I have used the alumiweld before on a few small holes in a jon boat. It stopped the leaks but it doesn't look as good as weld.

I don't think i would use it on a crack in my transom though. The difference in the hardness of alumiweld and the aluminum will likely cause it to crack on either side of the patch when it flexes while running the motor. And if it does crack again it will be a pain to get the alumiweld off and clean the aluminum so it can be welded.

 

If you do decide to try it, make sure you clean the metal up with a scotch bright pad or something similar. Aluminum needs to be very clean when welding on.

[NathanW]

I tried it and it failed. I was using a propane torch, as it was advertised that propane would work but was told otherwise by people who know better. I could not get it to bond whatsoever.

 

Eventually had it welded by an acquaintance (a handy guy but not a welder) and it took about 40 minutes. My bow was torn up from my trolling motor pretty bad and the top shee was delaminaing from the bow.  Not only did he fix the cracks and tears but he built up some of the stock welds so the trolling motor wouldnt cause any future damage. Its a great feeling knowing that my hull is solid again, was pretty upset after reading claims on the internet about how expensive and difficult Aluminum repairs are.

 

Just get it welded. Don't take it to a dealer and waste a bunch of money. The guy I had do it said Aluminum is not that difficult and anyone who says otherwise probably shouldnt be welding.

[gramps50]

I'm lucky I have a friend that has a tig and he'll weld stuff for Mr if I furnish the beer. One of the tricks is the area has to be real clean. He has a stainless steel brush that he only uses on aluminum he is going to weld.

 

I have seem alumiweld at car shows and such it looks good and might try it on a hole or something but I don't think  I would use it for a cracked transom. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I've used the alumaweld on leaky rivets in an old tin boat and it held up well. IF I were to try it on a crack like you describe I'd clamp a piece of scrap over both sides and bond between and over with the cold weld.