Cracked keel and interior ribs (aluminum)

[Powerpro603]

I'm new here so I hope I posted this in the correct place.

I have a 1960 Feathercraft 14' Jon boat that has a crack in two interior ribs as well as the keel on the bottom in the same spot. I am a pretty good steel welder, Mig and Arc. I thought I'd take a shot at brazing (Oxygen / Acetylene) these ribs and keel, but every time it cools and I get in the boat (while trailered), the ribs crack right in the weld. I'm starting to think that brazing with an aluminum rod is not the answer due to strength of the weld material. Weld sticks on both sides, but it cracks right down the original break.

NEED HELP!!!

[Pookie]

Originally Posted by Powerpro603

I'm new here so I hope I posted this in the correct place.

I have a 1960 Feathercraft 14' Jon boat that has a crack in two interior ribs as well as the keel on the bottom in the same spot. I am a pretty good steel welder, Mig and Arc. I thought I'd take a shot at brazing (Oxygen / Acetylene) these ribs and keel, but every time it cools and I get in the boat (while trailered), the ribs crack right in the weld. I'm starting to think that brazing with an aluminum rod is not the answer due to strength of the weld material. Weld sticks on both sides, but it cracks right down the original break.

NEED HELP!!!

Before you screw it up any worse, have a competent tig welder repair your boat. You can thank me later.

[tkwalker]

Originally Posted by Pookie

Before you screw it up any worse, have a competent tig welder repair your boat. You can thank me later.

All you are doing is taking the temper out of the aluminum ... Which makes it more brittle ...

[Powerpro603]

Originally Posted by tkwalker

All you are doing is taking the temper out of the aluminum ... Which makes it more brittle ...

With welding or brazing? I know typically with steel, it depends on how hot you get the weld, you want it hot, but not too hot or you can make it brittle right beside the weld.

Anyway, I've given up on it, I know welding can get expensive (especially TIG) and I have a total of about 10 to 15 inches that needs to be welded / fixed. I found two more cracks elsewhere in the boat last night as I was tearing it down for scrap

But, I am now looking for a 14ft flatbottom if anyone knows of one in good shape for not too much $$$

[Powerpro603]

Originally Posted by tkwalker

All you are doing is taking the temper out of the aluminum ... Which makes it more brittle ...

Oh, TK, I need to come by your place. The motor I have is a 1956 Johnson Seahorse, 15hp. It has a 10hp hood on it and I was hoping you had a 15 that you wanted to get rid of, you know, in the way. lol

[SAMBOLIE]

You should have just used this spray.
No leaks in a boat with a screen door floor.
It has to be good because you saw it on an infomercial.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7p_U1-xcEk

[SalmonDaze]

You now have a very classy flower bed to place proudly in the front yard.

[Pookie]

Originally Posted by Powerpro603

last night as I was tearing it down for scrap

Don't sell it right now!!!

Scrap market is waaaayy down right now.

[Jdkxtreme]

Is it for sale? Or for free?

[Powerpro603]

Originally Posted by Jdkxtreme

Is it for sale? Or for free?

PM sent.