Depends on your use. My 1232 Alumacraft is riveted. I'm often uncomfortable with its strength and stability, but it's size and weight can be beneficial My 1440 Xpress (AlumaWeld) is welded. 15 years old when I got it and was all beat up, but still no leaks. It's stable and has a large front deck, good for bowfishing or anything else. It even has a bigger deck and more floor space than my 1648 War Eagle (has a gun box). I can drive the Xpress into anything and not worry about it, which I like. I'm also a fan of the floor space, which makes it good for hunting, fishing, or just bumming around the lake.