Replacing poly on an aluminum hull.
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- Southern Airboat Member
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- Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2009 6:41 pm
- Location: Sanford, FL
Replacing poly on an aluminum hull.
Just wondering what y'all's opinions are on whether I should weld up the old holes and re-drill new ones or re-use the old holes and nut and bolt it..? If I get the holes welded up (depends on if a buddy will do it or not), I can thread the bolts into the hull and won't require any nuts. It'll also make it a one person job. If I re-use the old holes, it'll then be a two person job and I'll have to buy nuts. What's y'all's opinion??
12' aluminum hull, 350 sbc w/ flattop Pistons and camel hump heads, side by side seating w/ double in front, 2:1 gearbox and a 78" whirlwind whispertip 2.0
Re: Replacing poly on an aluminum hull.
I just got done putting poly on two weekends ago. I used the old holes with nuts and washers. That was the fourth time I've done it on two different boats. When I got the hull I have now it was screwed on. I continually was jerking them out. I run rough rocks and oysters. I don't have near the problem with jerking them out I did with the screwed in ones. If you do weld the holes up make sure you chase the hole a little bigger and grind around it. I know someone who's boat leaks bad through welded up holes. The stainless and aluminum cause a corrosion in the hole. I'm trying brass nylocks this time. I didn't have one that galled while installing.
- swampsquatch09
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- Location: Mont Belvieu, TX
Re: Replacing poly on an aluminum hull.
It might sound time consuming but after threading the bolt through the hole with a 7/32 drill bit dab neversieze on each bolt, I was gaulding about 1 one 5 when I started tighting but after the neversieze I ran everyone one of them up with a drill then tighten without a problem.
14ft Maxcraft, 70" WW Signature Series 320 lycoming


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- Site Supporter - IV
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Re: Replacing poly on an aluminum hull.
When using the stainless bolts and nylock nuts if you use a impact it will gauld, try a battery drill instead. The impact action will gauld the threads, the smooth tightening of the drill works better.
14'6" X 7'6" Diamond Back, ZZ502,
2-1 Century Drive 3 Blade 80" Power Shift
12 Hamant 0360 68" Sensinich
Glades Airboat & Buggy Association
Home of the Muck Boyz
2-1 Century Drive 3 Blade 80" Power Shift
12 Hamant 0360 68" Sensinich
Glades Airboat & Buggy Association
Home of the Muck Boyz
- pontoon outlaw
- Site Supporter - IV
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Re: Replacing poly on an aluminum hull.



