Boat body work?

[Blake]

Has anyone ever had body work done on an aluminum boat? A boat I'm looking at is a deep v with a big dent in the side, all the way to the top rail. I was curious to see if anyone had ever had any big dents straightened out and how much it cost them.

 

[Stumpalump]

Lets see a picture of the dent. Anything is repairable.

 

[ppine]

Aluminum has a lot of memory. It tends to stretch. But it can be repaired.
I have repaired bent canoe gunwales, by just being diligent with a rubber mallet.
Some of the same techniques can be used that you would use on a steel car body.
In some cases you can warm up the metal before you work it.

 

[CedarRiverScooter]

How about some pix or link to the ad?

Unless you are getting a steal, it might be better to look for a better boat. Once the hull is warped, you can never get to smooth out it perfect again (at least I haven't got there). Wrinkled material is not as strong as straight. Then there is the metal fatigue issue too.

 

[Blake]

Here's some pics of the dent. Riveted boat.

 

[BillPlayfoot]

The dent can be smoothed out to where it would not be seen. I have done it. For the hours it takes to remove that dent the boat value will be exceeded. Also aluminum needs to be annealed before you start repairing damage. As the damage is repaired the aluminum becomes work hardened and returns to its original strength. Currently at work we are restoring a Duesenberg that is aluminum bodied. It is a polished and brushed body, no paint.

 

[Blake]

Any guesses on price to fix it?