Don't know where you're located, but the type of construction can play into resale value big time. Where I'm at, it's HARD to even sell a riveted boat. And when you can, you have to wait for the "right guy" to come along. But a welded boat sells itself.
I've had both types. Welded and riveted. I prefer welded, and one reason is because of it's much beefier construction. Riveted boats are riveted because the maker can use thinner material, which saves a little money in overall production costs, which trickles down to the end consumer in cheaper costs. But a welded boat is tougher to weld from a mass production standpoint, so generally speaking, they are of thicker material. And cost more. Also, of all of the riveted boats I've ever been in, going across the lake on plane with any chop or wake, I could watch the entire front of the boat flex and twist and the bottom (if I could see the bottom meaning no floors) I could watch it flexing as well. With a welded boat, it don't do that. Much more confident ride, IMO. Downside to welded-if (IF) you break or crack a weld, you get it welded. Glue is worthless and ruins the repair forever since Aluminum needs to be squeaky clean to weld it. The downside to rivets are plenty. You can (and will) replace rivets over time depending on how you use it. The flex in the boat will loosen the rivets, then either they'll leak or they'll egg the hole out. Sometimes they crack around the rivet holes. In that case, you end up welding it anyway-if you can find someone who will weld tin foil (TIG process usually). Once they loosen the whole boat becomes more flexible. Usually the corners back at the transom are welded, once the rivets loosen up in the rest of the boat and it starts flexing more, those welds will crack. It may take years or decades, but it happens fairly often.
Bottom line is welded boats are for those who can afford to spend a little extra initially and plan on keeping their boat for a very long time. It is a better boat, generally speaking. Riveted boats are cheaper and generally speaking work well for those who are on a tight budget where a welded boat wouldn't fit into that budget. Been on both sides of that deal. When I was boat shopping a few years ago I set a budget. I called and looked at every boat out there within 200 miles. I knew what I wanted but it wasn't really in the budget. I called the factory and they had one that was built incorrectly....the original selling dealer had ordered a boat with a livewell and a few other accessories, but the manufacturer sent it without. Bare boat. They ordered it with a 21" transom and it was built as a 16". They said they'd discount it to move it out of their way, and I jumped on it. Fit the budget with about $1000 left to spare, which I used to buy a brand new trailer for it to go on. And I wouldn't have done it any differently. Absolutely tickled with it, for what I use it for. And it fits in the garage! Coming from someone who works with different jons and tins (and motors) on a daily basis for about 10 months out of the year.
