Leaky Alumacraft

[NWBuck]

I have a 1987 Trophy 170 with 2 rivets leaking. They are basically right below the windshield and cause the boat to take on a fair amount of water when under weight. Is this a difficult problem to fix? What's the process or product used? I really like the boat and am considering the purchase of a new motor for it, but if this is a huge problem I'd probably opt for a new boat instead. Thanks in advance!

NWBuck

[wa_walleye_]

Look into product called Coat It I was always happy with it....

[Box]

I'd give the alumacraft factory a call and get some advice, at least for the best way to fix it. There is also several posts here (use the search) that have good answers on how to fix rivets.

Also, if you have two loose, you might have more. We have a 82 alumacraft that is still bone dry (except where my bro put a screw thru the hull, haha), but I expect a couple loose ones to pop up anytime now. It is a "kidney buster" semi-vee hull, so pounded pretty good over the years.

If you are planning to keep the boat, maybe a "fix-it" trip to the plant might be worth it. Tho i have no idea what that might cost, but it might be cheaper than you think.

Good luck either way!
-Box

[garyd]

I'd give the factory a call and also some local alumacraft dealers and see if it's covered under warranty.

Even tho it's 20 yrs old, I bet there is some warranty on it left....at least for the materials portion.

[REW]

Pop out the floor.
Drill or grind out the old rivets.
Install a new over sized rivet, and use a good bucking tool to insure that the rivet is seated.

As long as the boat is this old, it makes sense to go ahead and install a new floor and carpet at the same time.

Double check the entire hull, when you have the floor out, to insure that these are the only leaks. If you have two loose rivets, I am speculating that you may have more.

Take care
REW

[fishslime]

If the factory doesn't warranty it....I'd do as REW suggests....or buy a new boat.....there's always someone looking to do a fixerupper....

[NWBuck]

Thanks guys...I'm leaning towards a new boat at this point as I'm not into spending a bunch of money on an old boat. Kinda got my eye on the new 180 with the 2XB Hull. Thanks again for the input.

NWBuck

[Box]

FYI - we went from a 87 competitor to a 97 TP175 with the 2xb hull... wow, what a difference! You WILL be amazed.

The 82 classic (first alumcraft we bought) we still have and it still works great, but we use it more for duck hunting and as an extra fishing boat when we bring more friends. Everybody fights to ride in the new boat ;)

-Box

[NWBuck]

Box

I'm sure you're right...main thing I don't like about the 170 is the narrow beam width. A guy can really take a pounding at times. Probably explains why the rivets are loose in the first place.

NWBuck

[Pauleye]

I had a leaky starcraft for 8 of the 9 years I had it. I spent a lot effort looking for and trying to fix the loose rivet/s. Mostly to no avail. Cheap solution until I got a few bucks: install a bilge pump and a automatic float switch. cost= less than $100.

Permanent (expensive) solution: buy a new fiberglass boat.