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MyFishFinder Tips and Techniques => Fishing Equipment => Boats, Canoes, Kayaks, Float tubes => Topic started by: reelcharacter on Mar 10, 2004, 11:42 AM

Title: Aluminum Canoe Repair
Post by: reelcharacter on Mar 10, 2004, 11:42 AM
I have an aluminum canoe with countless scratches in the bottom and lower sides. The kid took it on an Adirondack "float trip" that was more of a "wade and tow the canoe behind trip" late last summer.

Tried several Google repair searches, with no luck. The structural integrity is fine and there are not any punctures, but the scratches could open up a cut when we try to carry the canoe this year. Thought about sandpaper with an orbital sander, but do not want to make things worse.

Any solutions or advice?

Thanks,
-Reelcharacter
Title: Re: Aluminum Canoe Repair
Post by: daffydone on Mar 10, 2004, 04:09 PM
depending on how deep the scratches are, sanding would be fine. if the scratches are fairly deep, I wouldn't sand it! you don't want to make the aluminum to thin.  if the scratches are too deep, they will need to be filled in with aluminun welds and then sanded.  if the scratches are shallow, then you can can use a 320 grit or a 180 grit sandpaper, bit I would start off with 320 and see how that does. good luck and good fishing! ;D
Title: Re: Aluminum Canoe Repair
Post by: reelcharacter on Mar 11, 2004, 09:49 AM
Daffy,

Thanks for the reply. It will make me a bit more comfortable with a second opinion before starting. Now, if I can just get everything done around the house, perhaps I can tackle the canoe.  :)

-Reelcharcater
Title: Re: Aluminum Canoe Repair
Post by: crappieloo on Mar 12, 2004, 06:34 PM
The scratches shouldnt be a problem. Unless they are very deep gouges with major material losses. Don't remove anymore material from the hull(sanding) untill the voids are filled. You can do it without welding with aluma-lead or jb weld. Jb weld cures very hard and is tough to remove, you may want to fill with it just very deep voids and top off  with aluma-lead because its easier to finish off.
hope this helps
crappieloo
Title: Re: Aluminum Canoe Repair
Post by: reelcharacter on Mar 12, 2004, 11:49 PM
Thanks for the advice crappieloo!

-Reelcharacter
Title: Re: Aluminum Canoe Repair
Post by: Bigfish57 on Mar 16, 2004, 04:58 PM
I would also JB weld or if there is a lot of scraches use some sodder.
Title: Re: Aluminum Canoe Repair
Post by: USMC130FE on Mar 21, 2004, 10:57 AM
If your just worried about getting cut, take a hammer and a hard piece of wood and using said materials as a "Hammer and anvil" TAP the rough edges down til smooth.  You won't have to worry about removing too much material that way.  I've done this on my little 10' jon boat numerous times.  Simple, cheap, and no mess.

Steve
Title: Re: Aluminum Canoe Repair
Post by: reelcharacter on Mar 22, 2004, 12:51 AM
Thanks Steve,

Now all I need, or shall I say my son needs (he took the canoe on the "drag trip/float trip in the Adirondacks) is some nice warm sunny weather. Hey, anyone know what they did with Spring this year?  ???

-Reelcharacter