Broken Cross Members, Repair Q (pics)

[Wombat]

A number of cross members are broken on my 1987 14' smoker craft riveted boat.

I was looking around and found this:

https://www.howtoweldaluminum.com/

(I know the website looks kinda scam-y but after watching the video I am rather interested.)

Could this be a possible solution, to get some aluminum replacement parts and then "weld" them on using that product?

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If not, any idea how much a welder might want to charge to fix this? The center seat also has broken bottom supports.

Here are the cross members:

and the boat:

 

[drifter0069]

Can you splice the old piece back on with rivets? Not an expert here, just wondering. Use a splice piece 2 foot long or so to give extra rigidity.

 

[tomme boy]

Don't waste your money on that crap.

 

[Wombat]

tomme boy » 18 Jun 2013, 19:10[/url]"]Don't waste your money on that crap.

any idea what a welder would charge?

 

[Wombat]

Should I even consider getting a welder to fix this? I read else where that welding on a riveted aluminum boat will cause the rivets to expand and loosen, in addition to having a risk of the hull breaking where the weld is. Is this true?

What other options do I have to increase the strength of the broken ribs?

Would putting in a floor help? I was thinking of putting in a wooden floor (if it would increase stregth), the wooden floor would sit right above the rivet line (not a casting deck).

What would people here recommend?

 

[tomme boy]

Do you have the ribs that are missing? If you do, replace the rivets and take it to get welded. Should not be more than 75$

 

[Miller13]

dont think a little welding will hurt your rivets, its electricity from other things such as lights and radios not grounded to the batt. using the boat for a ground does that after a while. weld it up and ride on i say