rusty.hook
Well-known member
reedjj said:Rusty.hook,
I agree with you 100% BUT.........
There sure are a lot of 20+ year old riveted boats on here that are still runnin strong. I think that if they are taken care of there is no reason a rivted boat cant last for a very, very long time. The trick is finding an old one that has been taken care of. I got a new 1542 riveted and it is ALMOST as sturdy as my old welded 1652 Astro boat (made by landau) from 12 years ago. If you are not going to be doing anything crazy with your boat the average $1,000.00 savings you get on a riveted over a welded hull may be worth it. If you are going to be rough on your boat and going to be running some rough water then the welded hull is well worth it. For most of us that just use jon boats to fish little creeks, rivers and lakes that don't have much chop, a riveted is more than sturdy enough. For the guys that are going all electric.... No reason for a welded hull at all. IMHO
Now for those that are going to be in waves on open lakes or big rivers, and running jets on shallow water with rocks, logs and such you will need the extra strength of a welded hull for sure.
It all depends on what your going to do!
Your right about "what your going to do" I fish in salt water and sometimes 1' to 3' waves and worse when I pass or meet a ship or barge in the Houston Ship Channel and any boat is going to take a beating, and I can guarantee you I would rather be in a welded rather than a riveted boat. I had bought a used 17'Bass Tracker about 4 years ago and it looked great for for about 4 trips, then it started falling apart at the rivets! LOl So I carried it back to the dealer and they would refund my money but gave me a brand new all welded boat for a big discount. Have not had a riveted boat since. Been thru 4 boats since then.