my jon boat leaks

I woud first try to tighten the rivets if you can get to both sides. Put a big piece of metal (somtimes called a dolly?)or hammer on one side and lightly tap the other side with a hammer. This may take 2 people, and dont overtighten the rivets! If that doesn't work i would use a product like 3M 4200 or 5200 sealant. It should flex more than JB Weld, which is important in riveted jon boat. That boat will expand and contract and JB Weld is fairly rigid, which may leak. If you go the 3M route, get the quick curing, as it fully cures in a day or so instead of a week. 4200 is semi-permanent, and 5200 is permanent, meaning you usually need a chisel to remove it. Just make sure whichever route you go, clean it up good first so it can really grab onto the aluminum.

 

Cabelas sells some stuff just for that problem. I havent used it but have heard from people that it works well.

 

My old jon leaked bad. I rehit all the rivets like canstopgrandma recommended. I used an air chisel with a rivet setter and had a it backed up by a 8lb sledgehammer head. After that I coated the bottom with steelflex epoxy and that boat is tight as a drum now. This is the link to where I have posted the info before.
http://www.catfish1.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1001438&postcount=21

 

what is the stuff called that you got at cabelas? Ihave the same issues. thanks for any info

 

Hey my cousin had a job boat and me and him use to take it out, J.B weld should hold it good but it may not last for a long time, but if i was you, after putting j.b weld on it id put water over it to see if it bubbles with any leaks.

 

Carry these for emergeny hole fix. The sticks from Cabelas work too I was the one that posted the fix but you have to carry a torch with you. JB Weld works for a while if its not flexed.
http://www.sculpt.com/catalog_98/adhesives/repoxy.htm

Put about 6 to 12 in of water in boat with plug in thats how I test a Jon Boat when I buy it. I BMOH (Bring my own hose).

Let it sit and get underneath with waterproof red magic marker.

Circle all leaks. Repair em.

When you think you are done refill boat. If ok grab yo rod or some trotlines and lets go fishin!!!!!!!:wink:

 

dont all jon boats leak???? wal mart sels this stuff i used and it works great it is marine addesive sealant. put it on 4 years ago and still no problems or leaks. its like 5 bucks a tube and its in the boating section. there is only one problem i found using this stuff. its hard as heck to get out the tubelol but it works great. hope this helps and gl with your leaks

 

Plastic roofing cement works pretty good.

 

I sold an old knocker jonboat a couple of years ago, a Fisher Marine that had 'found' too many stumps and cypress knees. Over the years, it had developed some leaks, even a couple of puctures. An old guide from TN told me how to fix it, and while it is not 'permanent' [is anything?] it will last two-three years or longer, and it wonm't leak if you do it right!
Go the the local Home Depot, Lowe's, what ever and go to the gutter section. You'll find a sealent in a tube to fit your caulking gun, this stuff will be a sivery color and it is tough and durable - plus it is and stays flexible! and cheap. Clean all the seams, rivet heads, etc and use a fine wire brush to rough up the metal. Put the sealer down, spread it around a bit and let it dry. I don't recall what type but if you read the label re cleanup you can find a solvent that will help to spread it out and smooth it down. Your now good to go for a year or three, then you can do it again. You know how to do it now! Hope this helps.

 

I dont understand the problem here!!!!!!:big_smile:The easiest way to deal with leaks in an aluminium boat is to check all the rivets ,seams ,holes etc where you have water coming in,then make sure you have at least one hole designated to let the water out.:big_smile:oooh::roll_eyes:No messy tubes or pounding on rivets.Of course it isnt as dry as a leak free boat but you dont have to worry about sinking,AND during those hot summer days the bottom always stays cool!!!!!!:crazy:

 

I have a jon boat that leaked badly. What I did was replace the loose rivets with self taping metal screws ( the kind used for metal roofing with the neoprene washers ) and then I painted the bottom and sides with brushable bed liner. It hasn't leaked since, and thats been about 2 1/2 years now.

 

for a rivet leak that would be the way to go

 

nothing better then a welded boat, but a closed end pop rivet may do the trick, there water proof:wink:http://rapidrivet.thomasnet.com/vie...rivets/closed-end-rivets?&plpver=10&forward=1 get the all stainless ones much more Tensile Strength or holding power

 

Repairs Leaks in Aluminum Boats. This fusion bondage epoxy will repair and waterproof aluminum boat rivets, minor cracks and small holes without welding.Uses a gas Torch...

Just dont drip the hot epoxy on your skin as it will stick and burn to the bone......:smile2:

 

JB weld works wonders, I've used it on my boat a few times and it has never let me down!! always works.

 

I have tryed all the above methods and have never been able to permantly stop a leakly rivit. tryed rehammering with an air hammer and bucking bar ( i have homebuilt aircraft). epoxy worked for a little while.
I have worked with the local boat dealer, where I do part-time sales.
Our techs say rivited tin boats flex and slide at the rivits, they are supposed to. None of our techs like welded aluminum. They crack, rather than flex. What is my answer? Sell this boat, with complete honesty to the buyer. Give him a good price, and move on. No doubt the only working solution for me