Loose Rivets

[Chugger]

Situation report:

I have a 2001 Lund Angler 1700. 2 years ago had loose rivets, brought it in to Crystal Pierz in Shakopee (where I bought it) and the hull was fixed under warranty.

Last year I started taking on water again due to loose rivets. I live up in Park Rapids now so I took it to NY Mills (where Lund is located) They would not fix it under warranty because I am at fault due to "power loading" as the loose rivets have rubber marks next to them from the rollers on my trailer.

I was wondering if there is a way to replace rivets that wouldn't entail taking the whole boat apart? I've tried some sealant that was recomended highly by the boat shop in town, but it isn't holding.

Any info would be great,

Chugger

[wishing for walleyes]

You can get a 3/16 drill bit and some 3/16 X 3/8 aluminum rivets at your local fleet store.Carefully drill out the loose rivets from the bottom and replace with new rivets.Just fill the center hole of the new rivets with caulk.Or you can go to a boat dealer and get the rivets that seal.I replaced over a dozen rivets last year on a 78 lund boat.The rivets all sealed up and did not leak.It`s very easy to do.

[Chugger]

Thanks Wishing!

Is there any trick to getting the loose rivets out? Do you just kinda pry em? I don't think I can get to the interior of the hull with out ripping up the floor.

[swamptiger]

Most of the time there is no need to replace the rivets - they can usually be tightened up rather easily with a hammer and a dolly (or another hammer). It's a 2 man job - one person on the inside - the other on the outside. A couple of good blows, and move on to the next one. See the thread "leak in aluminum boat" below. If that doesn't work you can always drill them out and replace them - that's what Lund or any marine shop would do.

If the floorboards are too difficult to remove, you may have no easy alternative but to do as "wishing" said, and drill them out and use hollow pop rivets. Careful so you don't get off center with the drill...