Aluminum boat repair and build-up, Questions, Pics

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I have a new to me (but very used) $200 12' aluminum boat.I want to weld up the deep vee area up (or down in the picture) to where it's out of the waterline; and then build it up for extra abrasion resistance.And I want to build up the low (or high) spots at the back of the boat at the transom.I'm wondering if there is any reason not to weld these up and the best way to go about it?KRS Attached Images***************************************Lincoln AC225 stick welderLincoln HD100 WeldPak flux core wire feed welderThree of the cheapest grinders money can buy
Reply:If you have the stuff then do it. It might not weld real good in some places. But is definatly doable.
Reply:Tig or O/A both work very well. I've repaired them with both. I've never tried mig on a boat so can't say about that. For O/A on aluminum you need a blue lens as it makes it much easier to see when it reaches the melt point. A word of caution on O/A. There is a definite trick to it and I would recommend some practice on something other than the boat as you can really make a mess in a hurry. I had someone else who knew how to watch and the couple of guys I showed how to do it had no problems at all picking it up. Once you know what you need to see it isn't too difficult.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:I have tigged a couple and Migged ONE.  I won't mig another one, the plate is too thin.  The last one I did was a conoe.  Thin stuff.  I used 5356 because it has to flex.I see from your sig, you don't have a tig.  Come on over and use mine.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by David RI have tigged a couple and Migged ONE.  I won't mig another one, the plate is too thin.  The last one I did was a conoe.  Thin stuff.  I used 5356 because it has to flex.I see from your sig, you don't have a tig.  Come on over and use mine.David
Reply:Well,After some sanding, some wet sanding, some more wet sanding, some wire brushing, some more west sanding, a good washing, a second washing, a good drying, and a good solvent wipedown....  then a painting... here she is !KRS***************************************Lincoln AC225 stick welderLincoln HD100 WeldPak flux core wire feed welderThree of the cheapest grinders money can buy
Reply:All I can say is she looks real nice!   I'm not sure I would go for green on a boat but nice none the less.   I need to get my sefl a boat.Just wondering how you did all this work in one day though.Dave
Reply:I want the "Suck my Wake" boat that John Candy had in The Great Outdoors.
Reply:WOW, very nice!!  What color is that, "Border Patrol Green"??  LOL just kidding, it's a cool color but it looks JUST like the Suburbans we see around here when it's "extraction" time .  Looks like you did a very pro job and did this right, excellent work.Have a Jeep Cherokee?  Click Here!
Reply:LOL,I had a truck that color in high school, dad bought it from the game & fish.I'm kinda fond of it......KRS***************************************Lincoln AC225 stick welderLincoln HD100 WeldPak flux core wire feed welderThree of the cheapest grinders money can buy
Reply:Nice looking boat. I had a '72 GMC half ton that color. I bought it from my granddad after he could no longer drive. Hated the color, but the local hotrodders wouldn't run against it. Had 310hp from the factory with a 373 limited slip rearend and burned more gas than you could pour in it, lol. I wish I still had it.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Wow, that was fast!   Nice green paintjob.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:wheres the pics of the welds?
Reply:Thank you all.As for pics of the welds... I'll weld up the little bow part later.I want to take it out next weekend.KRS***************************************Lincoln AC225 stick welderLincoln HD100 WeldPak flux core wire feed welderThree of the cheapest grinders money can buy