Aluminum boat welding and repair in Thunder Bay
Lake Superior, the Kaministiquia and the region's inland lakes are hard on aluminum boats. Typical damage includes cracked seams from pounding, stress cracks around the transom, broken seat or console brackets, and corroded or torn trailer bunks.
Aluminum boat repairs are usually done with TIG or a spool-gun MIG setup, on clean, dry metal. Many are better done at a shop than in a driveway, so the welder may ask you to bring the boat in on its trailer.
Common aluminum boat repairs
- Cracked hull seams and keel cracks
- Transom cracks and motor-mount reinforcement
- Seat, console, rod-holder and ladder brackets
- Pontoon log cracks and bracket repairs
- Patch plates over punctures (the welder will advise if a patch is sound)
- Boat trailer bunks, rollers, winch stands and tongues
Before you bring it in
- Pull the boat out of the water and let it dry. Moisture in the seams contaminates the weld.
- Remove the fuel tank and any fuel lines near the repair. Never weld near fuel.
- Note whether the hull is riveted or welded, since riveted hulls are repaired differently.
- Take photos of the damage from inside and outside the hull.
- If foam flotation is near the repair, mention it. It may have to be cut back first.
Read more about aluminum and stainless welding.