What is the Best Way to Repair and Strengthen a River Boat Structure?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on repairing and strengthening the structure of a Lowe 1655TN river boat using 6063 aluminum square tubing. The user previously removed the welded chines, which compromised the boat's integrity, leading to upward bowing of the ribs. The proposed solution involves welding 1.25"x1.25" (1/8") strong-backs across the ribs and adding five additional lengthwise tubes for enhanced support. This approach aims to address the lack of longitudinal support that contributed to the structural issues.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of aluminum welding techniques
  • Familiarity with boat structural design principles
  • Knowledge of material properties of 6063 aluminum
  • Experience with boat maintenance and repair
NEXT STEPS
  • Research aluminum welding methods specific to marine applications
  • Learn about the structural implications of removing chines in boat design
  • Investigate the use of UHMW for boat bottom protection and its benefits
  • Explore design principles for reinforcing boat ribs and transoms
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Boat builders, marine engineers, and DIY enthusiasts looking to repair or enhance the structural integrity of river boats.

Bruce Covey
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Am considering the use of 6063 aluminum sq tube to repair/augment the structure of my river boat. Approx 3 yrs ago, I removed the 5 welded on chines that ran the length of the bottom of the boat ( they were mostly crushed & lost their strength ) and covered the bottom with 3/8" UHMW. This has worked very well in order to slowly slip over rocks and to disperse impacts, but the 7' area behind my seat back to the transom has bowed upward ( bending the ribs ) and caused the craft to plane incorrectly. I bent everything back into shape using a bottle jack, post, & the beam in my garage, but I believe the ribs are now fatigued. See attached picture. I'm considering the use of 1.25"x1.25" (1/8") strong-backs welded across the ribs AND to weld 5 additional tubes ( same size ) lengthwise between the transom and seat back across the ribs. Does this seem like a reasonable approach w/ the correct material? I think the lack of longitudinal support across the ribs ( removed chines ) caused a good bit of the problem. Other option is to leave the ribs as they are, and just use longitudinal support w/ 2"x2" box tube. Opinions? You'll notice the rear ribs are interrupted by the jet tunnel. I'm in a rough environment that is beyond the design of this boat ( Lowe 1655TN ), but this fix might get me a few more years if I can miss the big rocks. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 

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Would you be able to post a dimensioned diagram of the original design and the proposed new design, and define the lingo?
 

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