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[KLX]

can anyone offer their opinion on riveted deep vee boats for inshore ocean and lake use?

Specifically looking at the smokercraft osprey 16' series. I currently have welded aluminum will i be downgrading and dissapointed?

[BNF861]

Welded is stronger and more expensive, riveted is lighter and cheaper to purchase. Welded boats are overkill and not necessary in lakes. In rivers, welded boats are not a nessesity but are nice added security in rivers and will take more abuse.  I have no idea regarding ocean use. It all comes down to where you will generally use it and what you want to spend. If you can afford it, weight is not an issue and you have the power to push it, welded is better but riveted may be all you need, less weight to push and save you a few bucks.

[firstlight]

I owned an Osprey 16 and was a great boat for what you have described.
Just dont put a 4 stroke on it.
I had the 90 Yamaha 4 stroke and wayyy to heavy for this boat.

Really nice to fish from but like any light aluminum a little bumpy when running in the chop unless you have enough power to stay on top of the chop.
I would never have sold that boat but it wasnt getting enough use and i had to keep it at and pay for storage which was a big pain in the butt.

[Pac NW]

I believe the Spratley's are welded. Are they a good quality boat?

[EZ_Rolling]

PAC NW I am happy with mt Spratley but not really a comparison to a 16 footer at only 12.5 feet.

[bbronswyk2000]

PAC NW I am happy with mt Spratley but not really a comparison to a 16 footer at only 12.5 feet.

Spratley is a great boat if your looking for a 10-12 foot boat. I love mine but just remember they are very heavy. I added wheels to my transom so no worries about the weight.

The problem with a riveted boat is that they dont take a pounding very well. If your keeping it to the rivers and lakes you will not have a problem with it. If your taking it off the coast with a big chop its going to be rough.

[Matt]

Bumpy gravel roads + boat trailers + riveted boats = leaks.  Riveted boats are lighter weight often.

[therise]

I have taken my riveted 16 foot Harbercraft to hell and back several times, and it doesnt leak a drop. I use it in the ocean mostly, and often beach it. They take alot of abuse. To me, the cost savings in the boat purchase plus the fuel savings is well worth it.

[Speyhead]

Ive had a riveted sears Gamefisher boat for over 30 years....trailered it all over....racked it above my truck....it still has not leaked.

[fish fishburn]

Theres a very good reason they dont allow welded aluminun on airplane skins. Rivets only. The reason being that welding aluminun stresses the metal because of the heat of the weld. I have had both welded and riveted hulls and have had more problems with cracks in the hull with welded ones. All of the cracks were very close to where the welds were located. Its easy to fix a leaky rivet, just peen it (sp) to tighten it up, or replace it.

Further saying, if you buy junk you will probably have issues whether weded or riveted. Do your homework and read lots of customer reviews before deciding. Stay away fromr Tracker aluminum boats they don't call em Crackers for nothing, and there customer service and warranty program sucks.

[fullahead]

Very good point Fish Fishburner. I was wondering when some one would mention airplanes.

I have a 14 foot welded aluminum boat called Lifetimer; I run a 40-horse jet outboard. Just a side note, running a jet with out a tunnel, we have a Woodridge guard that stops rooster tailing.
As far as riveted boats go Lund, or Prince Craft, you can’t go wrong with ether one.

The next boat I buy will be for lake fishing a 12-foot Alumacraft riveted boat. Cabelas I have seen them a 1236 selling for 769.00

[fish fishburn]

Lund is a good choice, they also have a very good resale value. I had issues with Princecraft but that was 25 yrs ago and they have come a long way since then. My brother has one and he is very pleased with it. I would also look at Crestliner boats, there layout is awesome and there very well made. A buddy of mine just traded his 18ft Lund only 2 yrs old for a new 19ft Crestliner and it is an awesome boat. Its powered with a 150 Merc 4Stroke. His gripes with the Lund was the layout sucked, to much wasted space. His new Crestliner cost him 40k fully loaded. All he needs to do is put on a kicker motor. And no I dont work for Crestliner lol

[scalper66]

I have a 17 osprey dlx fishing machine in ocean and river

[Dr. Backlash]

I have a G3 Guide V14 - lifetime warranty.  Its a welded boat with only a few rivets, but it seems pretty indestructible to me.  Any boat manufacturer that offers a lifetime warranty means they stand by what they make.  I recommend buying a boat from one of the company's that offers a lifetime warranty on the boats they make.