Sealing old(er) aluminium hull?

[DianneB]

(We don't seem to have a forum for restoring metal boats and a search didn't turn up anything so I guess this is the best place to post this question....)

I have a 1966 Lone Star 24 foot riveted aluminium cabin cruiser that seems to seep water. The construction of the boat makes it difficult to tell if the water seeps in from one place or many and bucking up the rivets (in some places) is nearly impossible.

The boat very much needs new exterior hull paint so I was thinking of having it soda blasted and that would be a good time to apply some kind of exterior sealant (after I get the buckets of silicon seal off!) but there are so many products on the market that claim to be "wonderful" and "amazing" and each one has their fans but ..... hear-say doesn't cut it.

I need a sealant thin enough to wick into joints and seal up small "cracks", something that stays flexible (so it doesn't leak again), and something that doesn't require heat (since I don't know what caulking the builder used and I don't want to make the problem worse).

5200 seems to come highly recommended and everybody sings the praises of Gluvit but there are some serious detractors who say it doesn't last.

Experience? Comments?

[hoytedow]

This product link may help.: http://www.3m.com/product/informatio...1-Sealant.html

[WestCoastFab]

Have you looked into Cold Tar Epoxy?

[DianneB]

Wow! Coal tar epoxy looks like an effective seal for ANY leaky metal boat! It has its drawbacks but sure has its strengths.

[jonr]

Possibly West's G/flex.

[WestCoastFab]

I did my aluminum a year ago and the coal tar is still mint, no leaks.