Hi,
New to this forum and new to owning an aluminum boat. Thsi site has been really helpful so far. I just purchased a 1989 Starcraft Seafarer and conducted my first water test. FAIL! Not miserably, but definitely did not pass the water test. It appears I'm missing 2 rivets which I plan to replace. Also at the bow, theres's a very small drip type leak that is exiting right at the bottom of that thick patch of aluminum that is riveted onto the boat. I will attach pictures later but my questions start here-
1. I was going to purchase a heavy duty rivet gun to replace the rivets. Usually they have 2 handles and a bottle attached to catch the Rivet. Should that do the trick? Any suggestions on whay type of Rivets to use?
2. I'd like to coat the rivet in some type of sealant before putting pressuring it into hull for added security. What do you recommend I use for a sealant. I heard 5200, but I've never worked with it before.
3. For that small drip type leak at the bow, I'm figuring that's happening because any one of the rivets on that piece of aluminum could be leaking and be dripping down to the lowest point. I was thinking I'd try to re-set the rivets there, and use some type of sealant on the bottom for extra protection. What do you think?
Thanks.
New to this forum and new to owning an aluminum boat. Thsi site has been really helpful so far. I just purchased a 1989 Starcraft Seafarer and conducted my first water test. FAIL! Not miserably, but definitely did not pass the water test. It appears I'm missing 2 rivets which I plan to replace. Also at the bow, theres's a very small drip type leak that is exiting right at the bottom of that thick patch of aluminum that is riveted onto the boat. I will attach pictures later but my questions start here-
1. I was going to purchase a heavy duty rivet gun to replace the rivets. Usually they have 2 handles and a bottle attached to catch the Rivet. Should that do the trick? Any suggestions on whay type of Rivets to use?
2. I'd like to coat the rivet in some type of sealant before putting pressuring it into hull for added security. What do you recommend I use for a sealant. I heard 5200, but I've never worked with it before.
3. For that small drip type leak at the bow, I'm figuring that's happening because any one of the rivets on that piece of aluminum could be leaking and be dripping down to the lowest point. I was thinking I'd try to re-set the rivets there, and use some type of sealant on the bottom for extra protection. What do you think?
Thanks.