Patching up an aluminum boat?

[billybass23]

So I hooked up my old aluminum fishing boat for it's first trip out for quite some time only to find once I got it on the water a couple of small holes in the bottom. I'm hopeful that it could be patched by welding it up, I was wondering if anyone else has had an experience like this and some suggestions as to where I might take it to get it fixed up at a reasonable price as the boat itself isn't worth much at all. Thanks.
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[aceman698]

I had the same problem with mine last year I had a dime sized hole, I used some quick metal patch comes in a black tube at walmart sealed it right up. its like jb weld, also some rivets started leaking I tarred and painted the bottom took it out this year and no leaks cost me under 30 dollars to fix it
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[idahoron]

There is a rod that works like braising rod for aluminum. You heat up the boat metal first with a hand held propane torch. Then add the rod. I did it with a radiator in a Ford Ranger once and it was easy to do. I don't know where to get it now. The rod I got was at a County fair. Ron
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[RockyRaab]

Long time way back ago, a common fix for small holes was to "rivet" a lead shot into the hole. Today, I think I'd just add a smear of JB Weld.

For larger holes, use a piece of bronze screening as reinforcement, coated on both sides with JBW.

For an even stronger repair, use pop rivets and a sheet of aluminum stock, with sealant around the original hole and under/over the rivets. If you put the repair sheet on the outside, water pressure will help seal it.
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[wiperhunter2]

I guess it depends on where you live, when I had a smaller aluminum boat and got a hole in it, I took it to AB Hadley in Ogden, he welded it for $20. I'm sure you could find a place somewhere near where you live if you don't live in this area.
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[Fish-or-die]

FYI Cabelas sells aluminum boat repair stuff that is like a plastic stick you heat up the boat and it melts into place. It's cheap like $7 is all I paid for two sticks and it worked good, did all my rivets and no more leaks.
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[BearLakeFishGuy]

I agree with the stick-weld you can get from Cabelas. I patched 3 holes in an aluminum canoe and it has held for over 4 years and I beat the crap out of this canoe during the duck hunt. Just heat the stick and smear it on the hole (which you cleaned first).
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[Hornet]

I found aluminum brazing rods in Logan UT at Home Depot but not Lowes. I haven't used em because I don't have major leaks. I want to add some reinforcement to some broken bracers but I haven't gotten around to it.
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[billybass23]

Thanks! I really appreciate the info, sounds like those sticks are the way to go i'll probably be picking those up this weekend and i'll hopefully be back on the water again soon!
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[36Pacifica]

Billybass:
yeh, the cabelas aluminum boat patch stick is the way to go , I
just used this stuff last month on a jonboat redo. just torch your spot lightly and it melts like butter, and easy to work...
I hit all the rivets and a few small holes and its the perfect stuff.
reminded me to get some extra ... I just looked it up on cabelas web and cant find it anymore..
heres the info :
cabelas aluminum boat patch IK-01-0655 7.99

let me know if you find it good luck...
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