Thread: Alloy boat modifications

Is it simple enough to get bits welded to a used alloy boat? Am thinking adding high sides to a pontoon type scenario? Any engineering or metallurgical issues?

Have you got a boat now? Buy a welder!

Working on it. Need to know these things before buying

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Definitely can be done.

Over the past four months I have been adding bits to this one... first I added the floor, then the transom, then the nose, then the windscreen...

Is this a river type craft? What area are you in?

Cheers




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Yes but vent pontoons well before welding on them and leave open while welding on them. Explody gasses can build up inside them over time.

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Originally Posted by Dougie

Definitely can be done.

Over the past four months I have been adding bits to this one... first I added the floor, then the transom, then the nose, then the windscreen...

Is this a river type craft? What area are you in?

Cheers




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Yes but wad this from new or second hand dougie?
Also I don't think the fellas over there likes cameras!

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Originally Posted by puku

Yes but wad this from new or second hand dougie?
Also I don't think the fellas over there likes cameras!

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Ha ha well spotted.

I don't think "used" alloy is any different to weld than new. Yeah I built this boat from scratch but have seen the guys patch alloy dump truck bits so it can be done for sure.

AC welding is a bit tricky (and loud) for a new welder but you could give it a go if you wanted to spend the cash on the appropriate unit! Another way to do it is with a push pull torch on a MIG... a whole heap of my boat was done with the MIG and just the bits up top that are noticeable (wind screen, handles etc) are TIG.

Honestly just give it a go, far too many people have told me "that's way too difficult" and I've listened. Only way to find out if you can do it is if you try.... and the internet is your friend.


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Cool looking boat dougie can't wait to go out in it

Depending on how old and corroded your aluminium is you can potentially run into trouble. That said I had work done on my 1996 hull with no dramas.

Old corroded alloy is definatly much worse to weld but with the exception of corrosion repairs is not to bad as long as you make the effort to remove the oxide layer(you should actually do this with brand new alloy too but nobody does)
Welding old alloy boats that have been in salt water require wire brushing with a brand new never been used for anything else stainless steel wire brush for best results....you can get ss cup brushes for grinders too but it pays to go lightly with them as you can smear the base metal over the oxide.

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Let's be clear on that my I would pay someone to do this for me, I mean it's a boat!, it's not like doing renovations on the house where it doesn't matter...

Thanks for the help, by the sounds it's not a 'don't be stupid' answer...

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Originally Posted by Dougie

Definitely can be done.

Over the past four months I have been adding bits to this one... first I added the floor, then the transom, then the nose, then the windscreen...

Is this a river type craft? What area are you in?

Cheers




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Better throw up some specs for us

Originally Posted by longrange308

Better throw up some specs for us

I'll start a new thread


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Yup, If you dont want to do it yourself , go see the local fabrication outfit in your area, I got higher sides and a hard top fitted to my old ally pontoon boat, Higher sides were great in that they included rod storage and an extra locker each side, Also much harder to fall out of