Leak in alumicraft

[Williamsdad]

During an otherwise uneventful 1st trip in a month yesterday, we seemed to be taking on water somehow. Ran a couple times with the plug pulled just to keep it dry and light. Near the end of the day, I found the problem, in the floor, in the back behind the driver's seat. Water was squirting in, through a hole about the size of the surrounding rivets. Under "speed" instead of stopping, it got a little worse - looked like a fountain, and the stream was almost as strong as the motor's "peeing". At that point it was actually shooting right back out over the back of the boat.

Thought it popped a rivet, but there didn't seem to be a corresponding one to the spot opposite.

Anyone have any experience/advice. Can a non-technical guy do a self-repair?

Is approaching 300 trips just since I've owned it the end of the line? Not my first leak, have had it repaired at Tallahassee Welding several times, but nothing like this. Thanks.

[reelbad]

During an otherwise uneventful 1st trip in a month yesterday, we seemed to be taking on water somehow. Ran a couple times with the plug pulled just to keep it dry and light. Near the end of the day, I found the problem, in the floor, in the back behind the driver's seat. Water was squirting in, through a hole about the size of the surrounding rivets. Under "speed" instead of stopping, it got a little worse - looked like a fountain, and the stream was almost as strong as the motor's "peeing". At that point it was actually shooting right back out over the back of the boat.

Thought it popped a rivet, but there didn't seem to be a corresponding one to the spot opposite.

Anyone have any experience/advice. Can a non-technical guy do a self-repair?

Is approaching 300 trips just since I've owned it the end of the line? Not my first leak, have had it repaired at Tallahassee Welding several times, but nothing like this. Thanks.

Porter Marine in Woodville. He can do the repairs on your boat.

[Salty Gator]

We had a similar issue yesterday. Maybe we can get a groupon

[Jumptrout51]

Riveted aluminum boats will eventually do this.
Porters in Woodvlle has vast experience on these repairs and can tighten your other rivets.
A couple of 1000gph bilge pumps would be handy as well.

[Williamsdad]

Thanks guys. JT, boat's been to Porter's before as well. Looking forward to additional replies. David, e-mail me about your similar experience. Heard fish and clean water were in your direction, expected to see a great report from you.

My own experience suggested fish have started moving, but I didn't believe it yet.

[Jumptrout51]

To answer your repair question, you and a helper can repair it yourselves.
Put the plug in the boat and fill it with water.
Look underneath for the water leaking out.
Use 2 ball peen hammers to tighten the rivets.
One from above and one from below.
A trailer ball works good as your backer anvil as well.

[Flint River Pirate]

To answer your repair question, you and a helper can repair it yourselves.
Put the plug in the boat and fill it with water.
Look underneath for the water leaking out.
Use 2 ball peen hammers to tighten the rivets.
One from above and one from below.
A trailer ball works good as your backer anvil as well.

You so smart.