Aluminum Canoe Repair

[sochr000]

So, I bought a canoe, a 17' alumacraft that has some "interesting" damage to it



and I was wondering what could be done to fix it, short of the JB weld that the previous owner put on it.  I was thinking maybe some 2-part fiberglass(I'm comfortable using this).

I'm also not sure how strong the JB weld is going to be, whether or not it'll leak under normal use, etc.

[Woody]

If it were me I'd have it straightened out best that can be then TIG welded.  And it just so happens I know a guy who does that.  Aside from some buffing marks/scuffing it could be done to almost look like new.  The question is....where do you live?   

[sochr000]

bemidji

[Woody]

Ever get down by Alexandria?  That's where I live, and I could do it over the winter since you probably won't be using it much on the ice.

[sochr000]

that might work, but I'm trying to do this for pretty cheap, since the canoe was under a hundred.

[Woody]

Understood, money's tight-times are hard..... I've never used JB weld or fiberglass on Aluminum.  Perhaps someone else here has an answer? Otherwise let me know.

[sochr000]

I'm probably just going to fiberglass it, I bought it as a duck hunting canoe.  So, it won't be facing much wear and tear, just holding me, my buddy, the dog, and some decoys going through a lake to nestle into some reeds.  But thanks for the advice.

[Woody]