Thread: restore or buy new???

I assume that's a riveted boat and it's most likely leaking from one or more of the rivets. The rivets would have to be bucked from the inside, which means removing the flooring and floatation. I had one done by an outside down around Amelia (I think it was Haynes Fiberglass--they do the aluminum too) for under $3000 about 10 years ago. Don't bother to repaint, you'll just tear it up again anyhow. You might want to put in new decking while they've got it apart. The closest really is a Lund, and you're talking high 40's with a new motor, trailer, etc.

Originally Posted by BuckeyeKdog

If it runs and floats, Be happy. Restoration is IMO the way to go, I would check with some local boat shops or even upholstery shops and see it anyone is interested. In every town there are a few guys working out of their garages that will take on a project like this (Actual time + materials). If you know which Rivet is leaking, it can be fixed from the outside without tearing the boat apart. There are "Blind" pop rivets that do a great job. I personally replaced 26 rivets on one seam in an 18' boat that belonged to a friend. Tools required, cordless drill, drill bits (3/16" and 1/4") 3M seam sealant, 1/4" Blind pop rivets and rivet gun some sand paper and alchohol prep pads. Repair took an afternoon did the repair in his driveway. There is now a kit called Bullfrog that is probably better but what we did that afternoon 4 years ago has worked and seen dozens of local trips and 5 trips annually to lake erie. The hull is still sound, no leaks and trustworthy and reliable!

Good info BuckeyeKdog. I've never heard of them. I gotta check em out.