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-   -   Aluminum question (http://www.saltycajun.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32229)

weedeater 06-06-2012 10:42 AM

Aluminum question
 
I bought a used flatbottom that's been dry docked a few times which has the bottom towards front bent which causes it to grab in rough water and was wondering what's best way to fix this

Matt G 06-06-2012 10:49 AM

Hammer and a 2x4. Put the wood on the top of the dent and hit it. Don't get too carried away because aluminum is brittle and notorious for tearing. Especially thin aluminum used to make boats. Hit it a few times and check for cracking. It helps if the part you're hitting is on a solid surface. Hope tis helps.

BIG RED 1983 06-06-2012 10:49 AM

Can you pound the bend out

weedeater 06-06-2012 10:55 AM

Well its under the front deck so I am thinking I will have to cut welds that hold deck down then beat bottom flat and have deck rewelded

Matt G 06-06-2012 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weedeater (Post 443406)
Well its under the front deck so I am thinking I will have to cut welds that hold deck down then beat bottom flat and have deck rewelded

If you HAVE to cut it, use a zip disk (not sure if that's the correct name, just what we call them) on a small grinder. It reduces the chance of making any big mistakes than with using a plasma. I think most hardware stores sell them. If not find a welding supply house.

weedeater 06-06-2012 11:21 AM

I was thinking sidegrinder maybe but don't plan on a torch or anything

FF_T_Warren 06-06-2012 11:45 AM

Are you sure it's from the dry docking? It sounds like its just a hooking in the front from having only cross member support structure and the aluminum is not real thick so years of taking waves has created hookings. And without adding longitudinal bracing, it's going to bend right back after a few trips

swamp snorkler 06-06-2012 12:50 PM

what you want to cut the welds with is also commonly refered to as a Metabo Blade

weedeater 06-06-2012 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FF_T_Warren (Post 443436)
Are you sure it's from the dry docking? It sounds like its just a hooking in the front from having only cross member support structure and the aluminum is not real thick so years of taking waves has created hookings. And without adding longitudinal bracing, it's going to bend right back after a few trips

Well I am not positive on the cause but he duck hunted and gator hunted crossing levees so I just assumed that's the cause but either way I would like to fix it and then have bracing add to keep from having problem again .


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