How to Fix a Leak on a Jon Boat

A jon boat is a small, aluminum boat often favored by owners due to its lightweight design and ease in maintenance. The aluminum material does not erode and the boat doesn't require a retouch paint job every year. However, like all boats, the jon boat is susceptible to leakage, which comes from regular use or damage. Fortunately, fixing a leak on a jon boat is a fairly simple task. All you need is a few inexpensive materials and about two hours of time.

Things You'll Need

  • Epoxy sealant
  • Permanent marker
  • Sandpaper or wire brush
  • Heat gun or hand torch
  • Gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the location of the leak in the jon boat. Most leaks on a jon boat are caused by loose rivets or open seams.The easiest way to find the leak is to place the boat in the water. Monitor the boat closely to identify where the water is entering. Mark the leaking rivet or open seam in the boat with a permanent marker.

    • 2

      Remove the jon boat from the water. Allow the jon boat to dry completely before starting the patchwork process. Applying epoxy sealant to a wet surface can decrease the performance of the sealant.

    • 3

      Turn the boat over so that the surface of the boat that is normally under water is facing upwards. Clean the debris from the open seam. Rub the area surrounding the leaking rivet with sandpaper or a wire brush. This is necessary to ensure an even surface and to remove any dirt and debris from the area.

    • 4

      Apply heat to the area surrounding the leaking rivet using a heat gun or a small propane torch. This will allow the epoxy sealant to flow easily into the open seam. Continue to apply heat for at least 30 seconds.

    • 5

      Apply epoxy sealant to the area around the leaking rivet. Follow the instructions given with the epoxy sealant. Most epoxy sealants are applied via a large syringe. Depending on the sealant you purchase, squirt or pour the epoxy directly on top of the leaking rivet or open seam. For aesthetic purposes, apply the epoxy to the underside of the boat which is normally not visible.

    • 6

      Allow the epoxy sealant to dry. This may take up to 2 hours.

    • 7

      Place the boat in water. Monitor the boat for leakage. Repeat this process if you find another leak in the boat.