Leak solutions?

[Otero62986]

1985 15' bass tracker, has almost identical cracks on the front of the boat just before it begins to curve up. I've read thread after thread about welding/brazing and even epoxies. I am just trying to gain input based on my specific problem as seen in the picture. I would like to keep the repair cost efficient and simple....real world experience with a product/solution and any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any and all help

 

[hawghunters]

Looks to me like it would require a weld job. I think just the epoxy job isn't enough. Just my 2 cents.

 

[T Man]

Have it welded

 

[Otero62986]

That's what I was afraid of, I plan on doing all the prep work so that theoretically I can just show up and have it stitched up so to speak, any guesstimation as to what a crack that size may cost to fix?

 

[hawghunters]

Really depends on who you know. If you take it to a boat specialist expect it to be much more expensive. Ask around your area for someone who does welds. Look on craigslist as well. I know my area has many guys who do it cheap. Guys will do it 6" for $5, min of $15.

 

[Otero62986]

A guy I have here in town who fixed a cracked float bowl for me a few months back said he would charge $50 an hr for TIG. It's feesable to get both cracks and a few touch ups done within the hr as I will be doing all the prep work prior to taking it to him, figure I can identify what I'd like fixed/done and start with the cracks as they are the big issue and then work from there

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

In the mean time drill a hole at each end of the crack to keep it from getting any longer.

 

[Otero62986]

I will be sure to do that ASAP I appreciate all the advice. Since it's winter here in middle TN the boat won't touch the water until spring so I have a few months to do some restoration and upgrades. I'm thinking of doing a crappie boat setup as most the waters I run are not too rough, thoughts? And of course when I begin I will be posting pics

 

[MrSimon]

I had a mid 80s basstracker that had similar cracks in the hull, as well as three or four cracked ribs.

I cleaned up the spots really really well with a stainless steel wire wheel on an angle grinder ... both sides if possible.

I took it to a local 4x4 offroad shop that I take my Jeeps to. The guy MIG welded all of the cracks for less than $100. To me, getting hull cracks welded is a no-brainer. Messing with epoxies and stuff like that is a waste.

Off-road shops, race shops, dirk bike shops .... really any kind of place that does fabrication will have good welding equipment and will take small jobs.