Thanks for all the replies and help fellas, I appreciate it!
Today I called around, got a few quotes then I went to my local bait shop and asked him if he had any suggestions. He referred me to a Marine transport & repair shop which also actually specializes in Marine/aluminum welding. I brought the boat to the guys, who were very helpful, Although I think they thought I was a little crazy for wanting to put $ into the boat haha. Real nice guys, the boat is sitting in their garage right now and will be taken care of tomorrow. I pick it up at 3pm after work tomorrow and actually can't wait.... feels like Christmas for me! I thank you guys for 'slapping' some sense into me! I usually like doing all of my own repairs so I was reluctant to let anybody else touch it, but welding really is the best way.
This isn't the first old tin I've brought back from the dead! I'll post some pictures. tomorrow of my last Jon boat I did a "total restoration" on.
Will update with pics of the weld once I pick her up from the shop, hopefully good news!
P.s. Will I be frowned upon if I roll on a layer or two of truck bed liner? or is that considered a hack job? I want to for peace of mind and durability, I know they sell durable epoxy boat paints but since I already have the bedliner, why not? haha. Also, this stuff rolls on smooth as to not cause drag unlike some bedliner paints.
Thanks,
Mike