by Jim Segal

Created on: July 29, 2008

How to fix a leaking rivet on a boat?

The three most important things a boat owner should always have on his or her boat are 1) duct tape, 2)a tube of clear silicone, and 3) a can of WD-40. Whenever a boat is out on the open water, something is always bound to happen. How many of us have gone out and forgot to place the drain plug back into the drain hole before launching from the ramp. How about fishing a mile or two away from the launch ramp and the boat motor happens to not start again. We can always stick something in the drain hole till we can make it back to shore and hopefully luck will have it so someone can pull us back. A leaking rivet on the other hand needs a little extra attention.

The silicone can spread easily enough at the rivet point and will hold fairly well so a fisherman can enjoy the rest of his fishing day. It isn't a complete cure all but will hopefully work well enough till the boat makes it back to home station for permanent repairs to be made. Duct tape is a bad choice to use because the area must be dry before applying it. A fishing trip has to more than likely be placed on hold for larger leaks till repairs are made. It will allow for a much better trip with a stronger peace of mind than to be out on the water and worrying if the boat will stay afloat or not.

Once the boat is at home station and everything is put on hold for repairs, pop out the leaking rivet by cutting the head of the rivet, exposing the hole. Do not try and pull the rivet for it may create a larger hole. You can then place a new rivet in with a rivet gun and may place a little sealant on the site to improve the effectiveness of the repair. Since the old rivet has already leaked once, it may be a good idea. If replacing a new rivet isn't applicable, a small machine nut screw and bolt with a washer on each end will also work. A small amount of sealant can also be used to improve the effectiveness of the repair but be sure to tighten the nut and screw with a snug fit. Be sure not to overtighten so not to strip the nut and screw. Allow plenty of drying time for any sealant that may have been used before launching the boat back into the water. Usually twenty four hours is plenty of time. After launching the boat after repairs are made, inspect your work every now and then to see if the fix is doing its' thing, and if so then allow the peace of mind to give you a great fishing trip.

Last but not least, the boat should be taken into a marine maintenance shop for repairs and to have the hull inspected. Inspections of the hull and motor should be made by a qualified marine technician once a year. Some boaters will routinely have inspections made before the spring as the fishing season is about to begin. Others will roll in their boats after the main fishing season, late fall, for repairs and inspections and to have the motor winterized. Either time is reasonable though most marinas are packed in the early spring with boaters having their motors tuned up before launching for the season.

These are only a few ideas to help continue the fishing season and not allow a leaking rivet to sink your fishing trip. Always remember that the older boats will need to be inspected more often and the boat operator will need to be more watchful for leaks while on the water. Take the time to fix the issues while at home station and not allow silicone sealant to be a permanent fix, because it will soon peal away. Most importantly, do not let a little ole rivet mourn your fishing. Do what you have to do to get out on that water and make the most out of your fishing. Fishing is what it is all about.

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