Fixing up aluminum boat help

[FishBomb]

Fixing up aluminum boat help. I have an old aluminum boat I want to fix up for some pond fishing. It is in good shape but one of the cross supports is loose and it makes a creaking sound sometimes. What can I do to reinforce it and any other ideas for fixing it up would be appreciated. Thanks

[Kal-Kevin]

I found that the creaking sound in a friends boot was lose ribbets and that could be from the loose cross support. If you have a way to put in new pot ribbets in the support it will solve the noise problem. as for the support is cracked or just loose?  if cracked reinforce with a aluminum stock if not just re pot ribbin should do it. I use some boat sealent on the ribbets before popin' and no leaks! knock on wood   

Hope this helps out

[Way2slow]

Wait now! are you talking about putting Pop-Rivets in there???.  I would never do that.  Don't care what kind of sealant you put in them, there is always the chance of them leaking (badly) once it ages.

Most of the time, you can hold some for and anvil against on side and use a hammer and steel bar on the braded side, brad them a little more and will snug them righ up.

If they are not leaking, just have someone TIG the metal to the cross brace in several place.

[Steve_W]

yes by all means do not use pot rivits thighten them up like way2slow says,get someone to help hold a anvil on 1 side while someone taps them with a flat hammer,then if you want clean it up good and use a roller to put some por-15 (a paint ,just google the name it will give you a link to where you can by it) and that will seal it right up.I allready did mine just PM me if you need more help or post it here

[FishBomb]

It has a broken cross member that is causing the noise. How can I reinforce it?

[bass1cpr]

A mig welder is your best choice. Hope ya have a friend that has one that can do aluminum.

      Where is the break in the rib at? I'll bet at the bend across the bottom going back up the side. Just a guess.
     IF that is where it's at I can give you another Idea.