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Attempting to repair slow leaks in 12’ aluminum

Where are you leaking at? I had to repair multiple holes on my aluminum hull and depending on the area and size I could recommend some options that I tried. I’ve not used flex seal though
 
I identified a few spots on bad rivets, but the remaining leaks seem to be in the seams where the aluminum panels mate. That said. I cannot locate exactly where it’s coming in at because it’s just coming in from
Under the overlay in the seam. That’s why I decided to just seal the whole damn thing
 
I redid an old aluminum boat last winter. I recommend drill out and replacing the failing rivets. This is the simplest and most effective way to repair that. As far as the seams go I used a product called g flex on may rivets and seams both. Worked great. I can’t praise that stuff enough. You can buy specific pop rivets that go below the water line and make installation a one person job: this job is really pretty simple once you get some momentum going.
 
Agree with bronzeback here. Removing the old ones and replacing with new solid rivets is the preferred method. However if your leaks are minimal as you mentioned and just need a temporary patch to get on the water this summer flex seal may be a quick and dirty solution but definitely not permanent it doesn’t etch the aluminum so it doesn’t adhere very well. If you identify which rivets are bad sometimes you can snug those up just need someone on the backside with something solid like a hammer head and tap on the opposite side with a flat punch a couple times
 
I'll speak from the perspective of 45 years as an A&P mechanic.....
Drill out the rivets (most likely 5/32 or 3/16 diameter) and replace them with new solid rivets. It seems most aluminum boats use a slighter flatter head of unknown alloy than typical aircraft. I would replace them (assuming a button head style) with AN470AD rivets of the correct diameter & length. Solid rivets do not need sealant as they will swell & seal the hole. You will need an AN rivet set of the correct diameter, a 3 or 4X (4X is better for 3/16 or larger diameter), rivet gun & a few different bucking bars. Also it's a 2 person job. 2 people where at least 1 has experience.
 
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