OK this is the first day of my first boat restoration project. I have many questions and welcome any suggestions. What I have is a 14' modified V hull. Wanting to add front casting deck, trolling motor, batteries, etc. I also have a 15hp Johnson that works great.

I filled the boat with water to check for leaks and it had a few very small ones along some rivets and one larger one on the bottom center of the boat. I circled them with a grease pencil so I will know where the leaks are after it dries. Bottom right image shows one of the leaks. What do you suggest that I do to repair this.

Feel free to message me.

Chase

I hope you find this site as interesting and helpful as so many of us do.

You are asking about leaks at rivets. Do you have a rivet gun and a piece of steel? You can "tighten" the rivets like that. It usually takes 2 people; one on the gun and one on the other side of the boat holding the steel against the rivet.

There is a thread on here about using a drill in lieu of a rivet gun. I've never done that, as I have a buck rivet gun, but it worked for that guy.

Otherwise, drill out the old rivets and put new ones in.

Post pics of your project along the way! We all like to see projects in the making!

Good Luck,
Keith
Texas

Day 2.

I decided to paint the boat rather then giving it a mirror polish. I needed to get off the oxidation and grime off the boat before I can paint it so I used an old paint stripper and gave it shot to see if it work and yes it did. However, I needed to get a drill with higher RPMS to make it more effective. After about three hours the bottom hull was was done.

Hey, hey! A little elbow grease and the want to, you're getting it done!

I have a deep respect for anyone who cleans up aluminum boat hulls.

Looking good!

Sears has a drill I use for buffing that is the highest speed I could find and there cheap to. 1/2 drive champion brand thinking it was around 35 to 40 dollars.

Good start on the boat.

Good choice to paint it - much easier than polishing it all and will last longer as well.

AND - you have an entire rainbow of colors to choose from!


Keep the pics comin'!

OK my boat project is moving along. She has been painted and tagged. I also have purchased a new trolling motor and depth finder. Ready to start the decking. 3/4 plywood or 1/2 plywood? Also, 2x2's or 2x4's or a mix.

Lookin' good! I like the colors you chose!

I'm not sure about the decking part, so I'll leave that to someone else. I do know, never use treated lumber as it will cause the aluminum to corrode.

Proud for you!

M
Tyler, Texas

I used 2x3s and 1/2" plywood for my decking.

Started the decking today, sorry no pics. I purchased 2x4's as well as some 2x2's. 16 - 3" 1/4 galvanized bolts washers and nuts and 16 deck joint braces, just wait you'll see. Things went well. Here in Texas in went from April to August in one day so not much done today.

I have a deep respect for anyone who cleans up aluminum boat hulls like that.

X2

good job young man !!! Looking GREAT so far.

The exterior paint job is fantastic.

1/2 inch ply properly sealed is plenty strong, especially if you go with an A/C grade or better. Marine Ply is always worth every penny - the glue is stronger - but its pricey and not universally available. Just make sure all the edges are sealed really well.

Nice color selection IMHO.