Fixing Leaky Rivets?

Post by **MTF** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 1:34 pm

Hoping someone here might know, I have a 14' tinny that has a leak. I had a guy in Kingston re-build an old boat for me....and he did a good job, the boat looks great, he built in a raised floor, livewell, electronics, lights, pumps the whole nine yards....except the damn thing leaks. And I'm not hard on the boat at all...I brought it back to him several times (1.5 hours driving there and 1.5 hours back), each time telling me the leak(s) were fixed and each time I put it back in the water the damn thing was still leaking. I called the guy back again and we got into a heated discussion and at the end of the day he said no more warranty (your problem now sucker)

So my question is do any of you know where I can get this fixed once and for all, as I can't seem to locate the leak(s) myself under the floor and don't have the tools or knowhow to fix this. I want this done by somebody who knows what they are doing and will stand behind their work, I don't mind paying well for a job done well.

Its not too bad, I have my pumps on a switch so it just takes a flick of the switch to empty out the water, however I want to sell the boat and upgrade for next season and it would be way eaiser to sell w/out a leak.

Thanks in advance to all that reply

Marc,

Post by **katch moore** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:02 pm

yeah i know a place.

Better Business Burau.

if he's telling you that your warranty is voided because of a heated argument....i'd have no problems with going to the BBB. that's probably the most direct way to fix your prob.

first just check out the contract that you signed and make sure that the warranty hasn't expired.

Post by **beachburger** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:36 pm

Have you filled the boat with a garden hose while it's on the trailer? That's usually a surefire way to find a leak. Also, if the plug is old you might want to get a new one. Old plugs dry out and crack and can let water in the boat.

If you are in Ottawa, there is a place directly behind the Prescott Hotel on Preston St that will repair aluminum boats.

HTH,
Doug

Post by **zum** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 5:39 pm

Re buck the rivets...theres rebucking tools but you can use a 2 hammers with a friend to hold one.
Do what buddy said,put it on the trailer fill with a bit of water find the leak,may be around the drain as well.
Maybe some 5200 marine as well to help,that stuff is tough.

Post by **teppy** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 7:54 pm

I used an air chisel to fix mine, Cut off the chisel and countersink a cup in the end if it.(to cup the rivet) Get a buddy to stand on the inside of the boat with a plate of steel or sledge hammer and apply pressure while you use the air chisel. It works great, and tightens up the rivets. After thar I coated the inside of the boat with a roofing silicone. ( I wire brushed the inside before so it would stick good)

Don`t use jb weld or any stuff like that, it can`t handle the vibration from my experience. If you want use marine goop.

Its really not hard, do it yourself. The hardest part for me was taking the floor out and the livewell to get to the bare aluminum.

teppy