And how many airplanes have you seen in the water?? Airplanes are welded because on occasion the mechanics need to gain access to the structure or other components under the body panels, such as fuel tanks, etc. A rivet is much easier to remove and re-install properly than to break a weld and then re-weld with a guaranteed good weld. In my opinion, welded hulls are the way to go. Slip North and buy one of these:http://www.legendboats.com/I've got the 18 xcaliber and its a great boat.
I certainly understand what you are saying, and you may be right. All the owners that I know that have had issues have never taken the rivet out to inspect it to see if the hole the rivet was in oblonged and allowed it to leak, or if the rivet itself was to blame. Bottom line is that they caused the boat to leak. That CANNOT happen on a welded hull. Most welded hull manufacturers warrant there hulls to be leak proof for life because it really can't leak as long as the weld is done properly, and the welds can be inspected easily to ensure they are right. And just for the record, I have seen one boat where the rivet fell out completely and the hole was still perfect, so a rivet CAN fail. And if you don't think a rivet can fail, go talk to an aircraft mechanic. They do fail, but there are so many holding the pieces together that one failing is not a big deal, and so it will be replaced before it becomes an issue.
Just want to mention that...I have yet to figure out how to take a rivet out for inspection...without ruining it with a drill bit upon removal!
Starting to look at boats, would like a welded aluminum in the 16-19 ft range, deep hull. Gonna keep my budget under 10k. Anyone know any deals, or see anything out there, please post. Thanks in advance....FM
There is a Lund for sale on Craigslist. Thought it was $8900. Located on Lakeshore right as it gets to the lake on the right. Can't miss it. I have a friend who has a Lund Pro V 19XX with a 225 yamaha (4 stroke) and 4 stroke 9.9 kicker, jack plate, front and rear electric trolling motors etc, loaded. It was a walleye pro's boat. Not sure how much he's looking to get but I think it was around 16k. Great condition.