How To Fix Leak In Riveted Hull?

[Mista bass]

I have an old v hull row boat that I'd like to put a deck, steering console, and trolling motor on. It has a small leak somewhere along the rivets. Is it possible to fix? Is there some kind of sealer you guys can recommend? Am I just wasting my time? I have a lot of the supply's for building the deck and everything so I'm trying to make due.

[Hi Salenity]

Butyl-flex guttering caulk works good.

[WIGuide]

They make compounds to seal it. I can't remember the name of it off hand but you basically melt it over the leaky rivet. You could also have the rivet replaced as well if you know which one it is. Neither is a very expensive fix. 

[F14A-B]

If your able, and know what rivets need replaced, and if you have or can get the tools, replace the rivets.. It's not hard.. Maybe a boat dealership could assist. That's the route I would go.

[FloridaFishinFool]

Gluvit is one product tin boaters use to seal up leaky old rivets. I have drilled out rivets and replaced them with aluminum nuts and bolts and then used gluvit.

 

Here is a link to the aluminum fastner supply company I ordered from:

 

http://www.aluminumfastener.com/

 

Sometimes re-hammering old rivets can help to seal them up, and adding Gluvit can complete the seal, but if you have to replace broken or bad rivets-

 

If you try to drill out the old rivets and replace them, just be aware you can not put back into the hull the same size as what came out because the reason it was leaking in the first place is because the rivet is usually working itself loose enlarging the hole slightly, so you will either need to replace with a larger solid aluminum rivet, but it usually takes two skilled people to do this job, but if you simply drill out the bad rivets and replace with an aluminum nut and bolt it is something one man can do by himself. Make sure to put the rounded bolt head on the outside of the hull and the nut on the inside. Then apply Gluvit and when done right it will last for years to come. 

[Glenn]

Sikaflex 292.  Best stuff ever. 

 

http://usa.sika.com/en/automotive/automotive-transportation-home/01a006/01a006sa01/01a006sa01100/01a006sa01102.html

 

 

Sikaflex-292 is used for a wide range of waterproof bonding applications, deck-to-hull bonding and bedding of chainplates, through-hull fittings and toe rails. A high viscous, high strength adhesive, Sikaflex-292 can replace rivets, screws, welds and other mechanical fasteners in building and repairing boats of all types.

[martintheduck]

Everyone mentioned the right products already. And if you're trying to find exactly WHERE on the hull the leak is, try resting the boat up on some 2x4's and fill it up with water... see where it leaks out.

[Catch 22]

I have lots of experience with this subject. When I got rid of my tin boat it had at least 20 rivets replaced. This sounds to simple to be true. Assuming you can access both sides of the hole you will make,try this.

Drill the rivet out.Put a stainless steel round head 1/4" 20 nut/bolt x 3/8" long in place.

No sealant,no washers,just torque the nut right proper.

It usually takes two people to do this.

Good luck

C22