Need advice on seam sealant for riveted aluminum sailboat

[Thaddeus]

Hi,

I am building a fast sailing dinghy out of aluminum. I am using an aluminum canoe hull as the basis. Pics at http://www.tc.umn.edu/~austi012/sailboat2.htm.

I am waiting for my special order rivets to arrive, so I have some time; but I am uncertain what sort of sealant to use on the seams. Can anybody suggest something? It almost looks as though Alumacraft used pipe dope on the original seams. I'd need something tough, watertight, resilient, and resistant to extremes of temperature, and of course it should stick to aluminum.. Would something else be a better choice? Silicone caulk, perhaps?

Thanks in advance for any help anybody might be able to provide.

cheers

Thaddeus
Edit/Delete Message

[MikeJohns]

Thaddeus

I have found Polyurethane sealant to work well in this application.

Cheers

[Thaddeus]

Mike,

The stuff I am thinking about is sandwiched between the 2 aluminum plates where they are riveted together, and acts like a gasket. Is there a polyurethane substance that serves this purpose? If so, can you direct me to a supplier's web site?

Thanks.

Thaddeus

[radar]

http://www.royaladhesives.com/brand.asp?division_id=4 Thaddeus,hello from Canada.Check out this website.We use this product to repair aluminum shipping containers.It works very well.HOPE THIS HELPS,radar

[Thunderhead19]

Sikaflex 292 or 3M 5200.....

[Thaddeus]

Why the "uhhhg..." in the duplicate thread, Thunderhead?


btw, ordered the 5200..

[MikeJohns]

Originally Posted by Thaddeus

Mike,

The stuff I am thinking about is sandwiched between the 2 aluminum plates where they are riveted together, and acts like a gasket. Is there a polyurethane substance that serves this purpose? If so, can you direct me to a supplier's web site?

Thanks.

Thaddeus

Yes thats what I was expecting. Check that the sealant will adhere to Al in salt water with the manufacturer. In reality I have often used the cheapest Building grade sealant and found that it sticks with unbelievable strength for years.

As thunderhead says the 5200 is a pretty good gloop
Can make a hellava mess though.

[Thaddeus]

Salt water? You think I'm taking a 16 foot aluminum sailing dinghy into salt water?

NO WAY

[Thunderhead19]

Uhhg: Canadian English, meaning "everyone I've ever worked with and for would be embarrased to use the 'R' word". But I changed my mind by the time I posted here....

[Thaddeus]

It's going to be pretty impressive for a first effort at boatbuilding despite the use of rivets, I think. We'll see.

I intend to embarass some Vanguard 470's with my little craft.

[MATTEOPASSONI]

I'm very much interesting in your 20' central canada police boat, do you have some more info or drawings ?
hti.it@tin.it

Thank You, Mat.