New Jon Boat Owner With Old Jon Boat HELP??

[chasinrainbows]

I've just recently purchased a 1996 Seaark 16/48 with a brand new 60/40 Johnson jet. The boat does not leak but has some serious rock rash that I would like to repair for fear that if I take a direct hit, it might decide to start leaking. Can anyone provide advise as to what I should do? I was going to break out the grinder, clean off the rough edges and try the two part JB Weld stuff to fill the gashes but didn't know if this was the way to go.
Any counsel would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Brine]

I don't run rivers, but if I did and rocks were a concern.... I'd have umhv on the hull.

 

[RadarJet]

Can you access it from inside and pound it back to it's original shape? I would then use something slightly flexible (like 5200) to cover over it. If its really bad then think about placing a thin aluminum plate over the section. However, if it's on the bottom and stands proud, then it will drag and perform poorly. You are right to get it sanded down to bare metal, since preparation is key to the repair. Do be careful to not make it worse with a grinder- I'd only use hand sanding- or a file. If you do use JB weld make sure to coat it with some sort of sealer to help keep it protected.

 

[chasinrainbows]

Thanks for the comments. There is an aluminum subfloor so I can get to anything from the inside without removing the floor and being that this is all new to me I'm concerned that if I do that, I could open another can of worms...
I think I'm just going to take it to a weld shop that the local jon boat dealer uses and have them quote me to fill in some of the bad gashes.