Welding Aluminum Boat?

[peter94]

Well hello there everybody. This is my first time using this board and i'm eager to learn alot about welding.

I have the opportunity to buy a 2001 Tracker Targa fishing boat for a good price, however it has cracking of the aluminum welds, and leaks.

I have never welded aluminum before, however I have a Hobart Handler 125 with the MIG conversion, and was wondering if this seems like a feasible repair for a beginer like me to make.

I would of course practice on other matierial first, and have no problem if it does not look perfect.

I do have previous welding experience with success, however I would not consider myself an expert by any means.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Rocky D]

Welcome to the forum Peter , there is a lot of good information here, and we have some fun, too. So join in with your questions, and share your experience. There's no such thing as a dumb or stupid question....we have all had them at one time or another....glad to have you aboard!

Aluminum MIG is usually reserved for thicker stuff, but with practice you make it work. It wouldn't be my first choice, but if that's all you have, you can try it. My thought is, that the MIG will burn through faster than you can control it. TIG would be my choice. You'll have to move fast, I would suspect.
Post pictures of your trials and let us help.

[peter94]

Thanks for the welcome. I dont have the boat yet, but once I get it I will post some pictures. Maybe i'll pick up some aluminum wire and give a few practice tries this weekend

[yorkiepap]

Hey Peter,
You are going to have to really understand the parameters of aluminum welding before you even consider doing it. There is no need to increase the damaged area by doing welding on aluminum if you are inexperienced. You will end up with more expense than you anticipated.

First, your welder isn't ideal to use. You would have to change the liner, or get a completely new MIG gun assembly to use aluminum wire. You cannot use a liner that already has had steel wire run thru it...... CONTAMINATION!!! Aluminum is extremely finicky regarding cleanliness....... aluminums' motto is: "Cleanliness is next to Godliness." The aluminum joints needs to be cleaned with a good SS brush with acetone. You cannot use any tools that have been used for steel such as grinding wheels/discs or even wire brushes. Most who do aluminum welding keep their tools segregated so as not to contaminate.

Next, aluminum runs HOT & FAST!!! You gotta really have some serious seat time to get used to the fast pace of alum. MIG. It's not hard. It just takes xtra steps to understand & comprehend the difference in steel & aluminum processes. I would probably find someone nearby who has done aluminum welding & simply ask him if he would be willing to take you under his wing to learn how to properly weld it. It would really enhance your welding education. Do some searching on the forum for aluminum threads & at least, get some understanding of what is involved.

Denny

[B_C]

Not a boat guy but have welded a few aluminum things together........When ever I weld thin aluminum sheet metal I try to back it up with a thicker piece or copper plate.....As mentioned it will take in the heat and burn through FAST......Even fish plating would be a good choice for a thin repair.......I see boats with LOTS of rivets holding thin areas together......There is a reason for that....

[Pangea]

I'm going to go ahead and tell you no, you can't do it. You would need a very sharp hand and eye to do this and unless you are some kind of welding savant, don't mess it up so bad that it is going to be a headache for a real welder to fix.

There is a grumpy old sourpus on this site called SundownerIII and if you are within driving distance of him and catch him off of his throne, maybe you could talk him into hiring out to fix your boat. He speaks boat fluently and could heal your boat with his flinty stare.

[jim657]

Hi guy this is jim had aboat problem like yours someyears ago. We finally gave up. And got out the silver solder. Plus a few new riverts andthat boat is still fishing. Needs to be real clean. It might be worth a test spot?