Repairing Cracked Aluminum

Post by **fiiish** » Sun Jul 25, 2010 2:45 pm

Recently, I found a 2" - 3" crack in the aluminum of my 14' Princecraft tinny.

I've looked online and found a few products that might do the trick to fix it, with one of them called DuraFix.
After watching the video on their website it seems like it would be simple enough to use and tough enough to last.

I'm wondering if anyone here has had any experience with this stuff or a product like it? What were the results?

Also, I'm open if anyone has any other suggestions that are proven to work, including any references to a place that fixes cracks in aluminum boats.

Thanks in advance.

Post by **brysimon** » Mon Jul 26, 2010 6:28 am

Hi...This suggestion is not for a flexing crack. Rub the area with steel wool, then clean the area with acetone. Mix and place 5 minute epoxy from both sides of the crack. Once hard cover the area over on both sides with aluminum foil tape (foil that is used on duct pipes etc.)
I repaied a canoe and boat this way in the past and it worked.
Good luck.

Post by **horsehunter** » Mon Jul 26, 2010 8:34 am

lots of small welding shops can weld this

Post by **Dore** » Mon Jul 26, 2010 12:32 pm

I would also go with the welding ! It's good for a long time !

Post by **hoytman** » Tue Jul 27, 2010 8:40 am

Welding is your best ,bet but with no tig welder it may be difficult or more expensive than you would like. Ottawa fasteners carriers an aluminum repair kit that works alot like "JB Weld". It can even be welded it is such a good compound. The product is made by "Loctite" and is probably the best on the market.

Post by **orrsey** » Wed Oct 13, 2010 5:29 am

I have had this same problem before, and have tried a lot of different solutions (not really solutions). If the crack is in an area that flexes like in the bottom of your boat then an epoxy likely wont last long and end up leaking or cracking. I would say your best bet is to have it welded.

orrsey

Post by **cprince** » Wed Oct 13, 2010 7:54 am

A lot of good suggestions here, but I have to implore you to get it fixed by a welder who is certified to weld aluminum.

Durafix - Getting the right temperature is a bugger... if you use propane it will take forever to get the aluminum hot enough to bond with the durafix. If you use MAPP gas, and you are not careful... you will burn holes in your aluminum... don't ask how I know this...

JB Weld, Durabond, StarBrite, WaterWeld... ANY two part epoxy putty - It will work great. You will be able to smooth it out with some water as soon as you apply it and make it look great. It will be water tight!!! Then when two years pass... you will do it again!!

If this is a keel fix.. and it is where the sand and pebbles grind it down when you beach it... it likely will not last as long.

Get it welded. Generally, they will charge you for an hour or an hour and a half's work plus material... WORST case scenario.... about $200 if they have to put on a patch and it is a foot long. I would be surprised if it would be more than $80 to $100 if it is a smallish crack.

Worth it in my books. I know a guy in Shawville who is certified and does boats all the time, but I would bet you could find some in Gatineau around the airport area who would do the same!!

Craig

Post by **Wallyboss** » Wed Oct 13, 2010 8:25 am

I got an 18" gash fixed on my tinny for about $80.00. They welded a patch on the inside and on the outside Not sure of I can post the welding shop name on here. But I sent a pm to fiish. PM me if you need the shops info. It's in Ottawa South.

Post by **ELLIS** » Wed Oct 13, 2010 8:31 am

You guys might want to check out G/flex Epoxy from West Systems. It might do the trick for small holes and cracks in your aluminum boats. They make epoxies designed for boats.

The manufacturer of my Kayak referred me to them as G/flex had THE epoxy to repair plastic boats.

Home page: http://www.westsystem.com/ss/g-flex-epoxy/

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A lot of marine/chandlery shops in Canada carry these brand.

I have attached their video for their kayak repair. Very interesting.

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Cheers,

Bill

Post by **cprince** » Wed Oct 13, 2010 8:46 am

And the winner is....

Wallyboss wrote:I got an 18" gash fixed on my tinny for about $80.00. They welded a patch on the inside and on the outside Not sure of I can post the welding shop name on here. But I sent a pm to fiish. PM me if you need the shops info. It's in Ottawa South.

Great to know! I may PM you for that in the spring when I have my tinnies in dry dock!

Craig

Post by **fiiish** » Wed Oct 13, 2010 12:29 pm

I never did go get it welded, just ended up using a lot of Marine Goop.
It's holding up pretty well with absolutely no leaks at all.

I'll likely get it welded where Wallyboss suggested in the off season just so it doesn't get any bigger.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

Post by **Marine5068** » Thu Oct 14, 2010 6:44 am

I'm a certified welder and would say to fix it that way for sure.
But as stated, make sure that they are well experienced in aluminum welding as it can make all the difference.
Aluminum is probably one of the most challenging metals to weld, but done correctly it will be stronger than the surrounding metal and never come apart again.
I would do it for you with my Lincoln TIG welder (the old beast), but I'm WAY too far from you.
Good luck and keep us updated on the job.
~Stan <'/////////><