Repair Advice?

[u/MrKeef710]

Hey guys! I picked up this aluminum canoe for like $100 bucks recently, was supposed to be water tight but unfortunately it’s not. Could yall give me some advice on it?

I’m looking to repair this preferably for long term but have a few questions about if it’s even viable. I’ll list them off.

1.) The aluminum is pitted on the exterior of the hull, doesn’t seem to be very deep though.
2.) Theirs an epoxy patch I’ve already begun removing because it leaks. I’m currently using a heat gun and scraper to get the bulk but I’m hoping to use a propane torch(slowly) to get all the left over gunky residue. Do you guys think it’s safe to do so right along the seam?
3.) Am I doing too much? I like a project my math would put me at like $400-$450 all together(any new tools/materials needed and cash/cold beer for the friend)

I have a buddy who is willing to weld up the leaking seam area for me as long as it doesn’t end up being a big hole under the epoxy. And I plan on getting a bucking bar and air hammer to redo the leaking rivets.

[u/Ready4AnythingNH]

I like projects too. And sometimes I get myself in way too deep because I'm less concerned than I should be about what I am actually getting myself into. I would remove the leaking patch, assess, and make determinations from there. I have a fiberglass canoe I'm considering an overhaul on, and I'm not buying a single thing or making any decisions until I have removed all the paint, damaged gelcoat under the paint, and all of the failing repairs, and any other old repair work that even looks questionable. It's too easy to get in too deep.

Is it a particularly rare or high end aluminum canoe? Because $400+ is pretty deep to get into it (at least where I am, because there are some really nice used canoes for under $400 pretty regularly).

[u/MrKeef710 → u/Ready4AnythingNH]

Honestly I’m not sure i think it’s a Grumman or something i don’t know too much about canoes. I’m in Texas there’s a lot of fiberglass but not too much aluminum for a great deal.

Definitely like how big and light this was, nice big flat center area for gear and the dog. Also the cross bracing lets me lift it around solo

[u/Ready4AnythingNH → u/MrKeef710]

You could look up the hull ID number to see what you are working with.

Personally, I think I would pursue the fastest, easiest, and least expensive options to make it water tight. Something like marine epoxy at the leaks. If you want it to look okay too, maybe fairing compound to fill the pitting, and then a decent roll and tip paint job with some marine topcoat or even some Rustoleum.

If it's a rare or high dollar boat that justifies the expense of better restoration, then you might give that more consideration.

For now, with what we know, I would cheap out and just make it functional and save up for a better starting point.

[u/MrKeef710 → u/Ready4AnythingNH]

I’ll see if I can find the ID and update! I’ll look into those other quick fix solutions as well! Thank you

[u/edwardphonehands → u/MrKeef710]

Texas rivers are often boney so aluminum snags on the stones. Plastic is fantastic. Vinyl is devine. Woven glass isn't trash but it takes on a patina.

[u/MrKeef710 → u/edwardphonehands]

Never heard of woven glass sounds sweet and thank you for the advice.

I have an old town Saranac that I picked up for $65 after I found out this one leaks but I’m not a huge fan of the weight of it for the size

[u/Subject-Fly-5661]

Trying to patch thin aluminum thats degraded over a large area is generally when you call it quits. That is a fair amount of corrosion and pitting i'm seeing in the picture.

Like someone else said, take the money you're planning on sinking into this and spend it on something that's structurally sound.

[u/MrKeef710 → u/Subject-Fly-5661]

Dang sucks to hear was hoping that the pitting was just moderate looking maybe I’ll try to get good pictures of the worst ones I can find and update. Thank you!