How to fix leaky V-bottom seam?

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bpoulin

bpoulin

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I'm buying a V-bottom from some family members, and it's known to leak a little from the bottom seam of the V. Other than having it welded what's a good fix? I was thinking marine epoxy putty the whole seam from the inside, but I'm worried about adhesion, and or cracking, but I've never worked with it, so what is y'alls input?
 
I used this stuff from Cabelas. Works great!
https://www.cabelas.com/product/Boating/Boating-Accessories/Boat-Care-Appearance%7C/pc/104794380/c/104706180/sc/104227380/Cabelas-Aluminum-Boat-Patch/699968.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fboating-boating-accessories-boat-care-appearance%2F_%2FN-1100604%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104227380%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253Bcat104794380%253Bcat104706180&WTz_l=SBC%3Bcat104794380%3Bcat104706180%3Bcat104227380
 
I'd try to locate the exact spot/spots were it is leaking. Make sure to know if it is a rivet leak, crack, or hole. I'd try to fix a rivet leak, with new rivet (if access possible). Holes or cracks might require an aluminum patch.
 
smittymhs said:
I used this stuff from Cabelas. Works great!
https://www.cabelas.com/product/Boating/Boating-Accessories/Boat-Care-Appearance%7C/pc/104794380/c/104706180/sc/104227380/Cabelas-Aluminum-Boat-Patch/699968.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fboating-boating-accessories-boat-care-appearance%2F_%2FN-1100604%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104227380%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253Bcat104794380%253Bcat104706180&WTz_l=SBC%3Bcat104794380%3Bcat104706180%3Bcat104227380
Click to expand...


+1 just an ugly color to look at, but works realy well
 
Its paintable. :D
I did all the seams on my 12' V hull and painted over it with POR 15. I think this is the 4th year for it and no leaks or peeling.
 
I've heard there could be a gasket type material in-between the sheet of aluminum where is riveted. Welding can burn up this gasket causing much worse leaking. Try a product called Gulvit to seal the seams from the inside.
 
Use West System G-Flex Epoxy, You can buy a small kit for 20-30$ and it will be enough to fix more than one spot if necessary, I used it to fix a crack and its doing great, There are videos on youtube if you want to learn more

I actually used it to do a rivet and a crack..
 
I have yet to get it in the water to see exactly where the leak is. I've been told it's the rivets. Eventually I want the outside to get a coat of steelflex, but until then has anyone used this stuff around the rivets?
 
Easiest way I've found to locate a leak is to fill the boat with water. I leave my V hull on the trailer and block it so I don't tax the suspension. The Jon I slip the bow in the truck and use a saw horse under the stern. Start filling and looking for leaks. Then mark em from underneath. Some of the leaks maybe under the bench and you wont be able to mark it if you wait till you get the boat in the water.
HTHs
 

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