Repairing an aluminum rivetted hull....

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Hi all,I just received an email from a potential client asking me if I can repair some leaky riveted joints and external ribs around a boat hull.  I usually tell riveted boat owners that I will create a problem if I weld on these seams as under the riveted overlaps is some type of sealant which will burn out when welded creating a leak point.I suggest to them that they attempt to re-tighten the rivet by using a hammer and body dolly to smash it down.  This way they will not disturb the sealant.Anyway, I have always suggested this but have never thought to consult with others on how they handle such requests.  It is pretty common for boat owners to buy a used boat and find that there are areas that have been "repaired" with JB weld, silicone sealant, epoxy, etc.On solid hulls I just wire brush that stuff out of the way, clean the area well and weld the crack or apply a welded patch over it.  I thought I would ask others about this so I have a better idea on either how to handle such repairs or what to suggest to the boat owner.Thanks,TonyPS: attached are pictures the client sent me requesting a quote. Attached Images
Reply:I ran across the above site, while searching for "repair aluminum boat rivets".
Reply:Originally Posted by therreraHi all,I just received an email from a potential client asking me if I can repair some leaky riveted joints and external ribs around a boat hull.  I usually tell riveted boat owners that I will create a problem if I weld on these seams as under the riveted overlaps is some type of sealant which will burn out when welded creating a leak point.I suggest to them that they attempt to re-tighten the rivet by using a hammer and body dolly to smash it down.  This way they will not disturb the sealant.Thanks,Tony
Reply:I retighten with a hammer and dolly.  Fill boat with water, mark rivets, flip boat, hold dolly on inside rivets and hammer on the outside.  You can use a cheap air hammer with the rivet head but don't be overzealous.Never had a problem doing it this way, doesn't work if you've used sealers on the rivets.  Tom
Reply:ok believe it or not" gorilla glue" its polyurethene based and is moisture activated and expands to fill any voids and is 100% waterproof and also helps hold stuff together. it is liguid form so it seeps into all the small crevices around any rivets. let it expand and dry then cleanup isnt that bad, you can even mask out the area and pull the tape up if its in a bad position to clean later. I have fixed many leaky rivets and seems( not structual) this way.Of all the things I lost I miss my mind the most...I know just enough about everything to be dangerous......You cant cure stupid..only kill it...
Reply:New boat.  Titanic sunk partially due to the heads being sheared off the rivets by the ice, allowing whole sections of hull plate to peel off the ship.You didn't build that.'85 Miller AEAD-200LE