Aluminum boat weld question

[Pixguy]

Ok, it'll be obvious quickly that I have no experience in welding, never mind welding aluminum.

I stored my new pontoon in my 24X36 garage (I know, never big enough) along with my tractor this winter. Two weeks ago when I was grabbing my rake sitting on the tractor to go down and work along the road, the rake slipped and pressed the outrigger lever, without me knowing and while it lowered, it scraped the tube on the pontoon store along the side:mur:
I thought it was a dent and a small scratch but when I finally got my buddy's scissor trailer to get the boat in the lake today, pulled it out in the light and noticed it was almost through the tube.

Not sure why it's loading horizontal.

So, although it looks like the line is a cut through the surface, it is a deep scratch.
Finally my question: Is there an easy way to fill in that gouge without bringing it to a welder? A simple weld and grind?

I was hoping to get in the water ASAP and bring back his trailer.

 

[George2615]

IMO It isn't a hole so you should be good to go. If you want to fill in the gouge to make it look good take it to a Pro who can weld aluminum to repair.

 

[jaotguy]

use "marine" resin ... sand the surface to clean and give it a tooth , apply just enough resin to fill in the deepest part of the gouge ... put a piece of clear plastic wrap over the resin and smooth it out ... after it cures, remove the plastic ... go boating for the season

think about doing a full repair later, at the end of the season ....

 

[kenmac]

is there a hole ?? if not,, there you might try bondo or a similar product. you may have to build the area up by welding

 

[ray66v]

This is the perfect job for aluminum brazing rods.

You can fix a hole in a beer can with those, and a propane torch.

They sell them everywhere.

Here is one version: Aluminum Welding Rods - Pack of 8 Low Temperature Rods

There are lots of video's on how to use these on the internet, you should watch some of them before using.

 

[Pixguy]

Great ideas guys, thanks. Sorry for the long version, I just didn't want to have to answer further questions before getting some answers.
Whatever i do, I will readdress it in the fall before storing it again.

 

[Soundguy]

ditto this.

a plumbers torch and those aluma rods work fine. harbor freight even sells them. clean the area with a stainless steel brush ( harbor freight 4 pack, 2.99 ) and then heat and scratch.. heat and screatch. then it will puddle when the heat is correct.

This is the perfect job for aluminum brazing rods.

You can fix a hole in a beer can with those, and a propane torch.

They sell them everywhere.

Here is one version: Aluminum Welding Rods - Pack of 8 Low Temperature Rods

There are lots of video's on how to use these on the internet, you should watch some of them before using.

 

[Pixguy]

Ray66
This is the perfect job for aluminum brazing rods.

You can fix a hole in a beer can with those, and a propane torch.

They sell them everywhere.

Here is one version: Aluminum Welding Rods - Pack of 8 Low Temperature Rods

There are lots of video's on how to use these on the internet, you should watch some of them before using.

ditto this.

a plumbers torch and those aluma rods work fine. harbor freight even sells them. clean the area with a stainless steel brush ( harbor freight 4 pack, 2.99 ) and then heat and scratch.. heat and screatch. then it will puddle when the heat is correct.

Thanks Ray and Soundguy
Yup, I just watched a few YouTube videos and I will run to Home Depot tomorrow and pick up a pack of those aluminum rods to fill in that gouge in case it is thin and weak. Last thing I want to do is look out and see the boat leaning to the side, the pontoon half full of water.

 

[Soundguy]

just a tip.

DO cleant he area well as the rods state.. and use the scratch method.

most of these alloy rodsa are zinc, copper, aluminum composition. because of that they stick to aluminum WELL, and also because of that. you can solver solder OVER the patch.. if ever needed.

 

[Arc weld]

If other parts of the pontoon are welded , go for it. If the pontoons are riveted, I wouldn't apply heat to it as the aluminum is a specific grade with a specific heat treatment. I say this because I knew the owners of a specialty welding shop that did tons of aluminum welding. Occasionally they would get aluminum fishing boats in that were riveted construction. All they could do was tighten the rivets because welding would cause the aluminum to crack again. Some grades of aluminum aren't recommended for welding.