Puzzled

Toyboy · Aug 22, 2012

I've come upon a problem w/my canoe and not sure the best way to approach it. It's aluminum and has a small corroded hole in the transom where you mount the small motor. It's right above waterline and normally not a big deal to fix. The problem is the motor clamps cover the hole so the repair has to be flush. I've thought of silicone, JB weld and liquid aluminum, but thought I'd throw this out to see if there's something I've missed. Any thoughts?

kenmac · Aug 22, 2012

you could have someone put a small plate over the hole & weld it up. Fixed forever:thumbsup:

aczlan · Aug 22, 2012

kenmac said:
you could have someone put a small plate over the hole & weld it up. Fixed forever:thumbsup:

I have also seen an aluminum patch that fit over the hole which was siliconed/riveted in place.

Aaron Z

Toyboy · Aug 22, 2012

Whatever I do has to be flush with the back if the transom. The motor clamps are on top of it. If it was clear of the motor brackets, I'd just enlarge the hole and put a SS machine screw w/silicone in there with a nylock nut on the inside.

Tollster · Aug 22, 2012

Why not weld the plate to cover the hole and reach far enough to the other side so both clamps are over the new plate,thereby reinforcing the transon, and fixing the problem. It would not have to be very thick 3/32"-1/8". But first check to see what caused the hole? Could it be something on the clamp assembly, vibration perhaps? Then take it from there.

Pete Judd · Aug 23, 2012

I second tollster's idea, I have had to reinforce a few transoms over the years, and that is simple, but what caused the problem in the first place, need to get that solved, I see from your location, and will assume that you keep it in fresh water, but they make zincs for fresh water, that you might want to invest in.

BrianDT · Aug 23, 2012

Tollster said:
Why not weld the plate to cover the hole and reach far enough to the other side so both clamps are over the new plate,thereby reinforcing the transon, and fixing the problem. It would not have to be very thick 3/32"-1/8". But first check to see what caused the hole? Could it be something on the clamp assembly, vibration perhaps? Then take it from there.

I third this idea, its almost exactly what I was going to write.

Toyboy · Aug 23, 2012

Good thought guys, I'll have to check the area for a shop that's good at welding aluminum. What seemed to cause the hole was corrosion or whatever they call aluminum getting pits that have a white powder in the center. Age and sitting out in the weather for 30 years are probably a major contributing factor. I've finally found (I think) a spot in the garage to store it inside. Finding a convenient space to store something 16' long can be a real hassle.
I don't believe the zinc anodes would be of any value in this case, because the canoe would only be in the water 3-4 hours at a time with intervals of a week or more in between. I think the anodes are more beneficial for boats the are tied to the dock for weeks/months on end.

Pete Judd · Aug 23, 2012

Also, Toyboy, a lot of transoms are plywood cored, make sure that the welding does not burn it out, or if it does might want to drill a small hole on the inside and fill with epoxy.