Welded Vs Riveted Boats: Which Construction Method Is Superior?

Boat owners and enthusiasts have differing opinions on whether a welded boat is as good as a riveted boat. Some people prefer welded boats, while others prefer riveted boats. Both methods have their pros and cons, and ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference, intended use, and the quality of construction.

Welded boats are more common, and some people consider them to be more aesthetically pleasing than riveted boats. They are also generally thicker and stronger, making them less prone to dents. However, welded boats require perfect execution to avoid weakening the metal, and repairs can be challenging as they require specialised equipment and x-ray approval.

On the other hand, riveted boats are relatively easier to repair without specialised equipment. They are also more flexible, which can be advantageous in certain situations. However, rivets can loosen over time, leading to leaks, and the presence of rivet holes can provide entry points for water.

Welded boats are less prone to leaks

One user on iboats.com stated that they had a welded boat that had "never leaked a drop", while their riveted boat leaked at many rivets. They also noted that while it was possible to fix the leaks, there were some rivets that they couldn't access to stop the leaking. Another user on the same site said that they had to run their bilge pump every week to remove the water that entered their riveted boat, while their welded boat had no such issues.

A user on tinboats.net shared a similar experience, saying that their welded boat didn't have "any space between the rivets and the rivet holes to corrode via salt water", while their riveted boat leaked due to the rivets loosening in rough water.

However, it is worth noting that not all users have had issues with leaks in their riveted boats. Some users have stated that they have owned riveted boats with no leaking issues, while others have noted that leaks can be fixed relatively easily.

Ultimately, the decision between a welded or riveted boat may depend on various factors, including the quality of construction, thickness of the aluminium, and the type of water the boat will be used in.

Welded boats are more prone to cracks

Welded seams are also less flexible than riveted seams, which can lead to cracking over time as the boat endures the stresses of regular use. The heat-affected zones on both sides of a welded joint are weaker than the surrounding aluminum, making them more prone to cracking. Additionally, the welding process can create stress points in the metal that can lead to cracks.

While both types of boats have their pros and cons, the potential for cracks in welded boats is a significant concern. This is especially true for those who plan to use their boats in rough waters or shallow rivers with obstacles such as gravel bars, rocks, and stumps. The impact of hitting these obstacles can cause cracks in welded seams, compromising the integrity of the boat.

Furthermore, the repair process for welded boats is more complex and requires specialized equipment, making it more challenging and costly to address cracks or other issues. In contrast, riveted boats can be more easily repaired without the need for specialized equipment, making them a more low-maintenance option.

While some argue that welded boats have a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing appearance, the potential for cracks and the complexity of repairs are significant drawbacks. Boat owners, especially those operating in challenging conditions, should carefully consider the benefits of riveted boats to avoid the issues associated with welded seams.

Riveted boats are easier to repair

Repairs are an important consideration when it comes to boats, and riveted boats are generally easier to fix than their welded counterparts.

Repairing a Riveted Boat

Rivets are relatively simple to fix without specialised equipment. When a rivet loosens or breaks, it can be removed and replaced with a new one. This process can be done by boat owners themselves or with the help of a professional. The first step is to identify the leaking rivets, which can be done by letting water in from the outside or releasing water from inside the boat. Once the culprits are found, they can be marked for repair.

To tighten a rivet, one person holds a buck (a steel anvil) against the flat side of the rivet while another hammers the crimped end. This process can be done with a variety of tools, including a ball-peen hammer, a carpenter's hammer, a sledgehammer, or an automotive bodywork dolly. It is important to avoid excessive hammering, as old rivets can split or break under heavy force.

If a rivet needs to be removed, one can file or grind off one head, or drill it out, being careful not to enlarge the hole. A new rivet is then placed in the hole, and a hardwood dowel or steel bar can be used to "set" the rivet, ensuring a tight fit. The rivet head is then shaped, and the edges of the new plate are caulked.

Repairing a Welded Boat

Welded boats, on the other hand, often require professional repair. Welds can break, and when they do, the boat's quality is called into question. Welding requires skill and equipment, and repairs must be x-ray approved after application, indicating potential weakness in the welds.

Advantages of Riveted Boats for Repair

Riveted boats offer several advantages when it comes to repairs:

• Ease of Repair: Rivets can be fixed without specialised equipment, making them more accessible for boat owners to repair themselves.
• Identifiability of Issues: Leaking rivets are easier to identify and mark, allowing for targeted repairs.
• Simplicity of Process: The process of replacing a rivet is relatively straightforward and can be done with commonly available tools.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Repairs on riveted boats can be more cost-effective, especially when compared to welding, which requires specialised equipment.

In summary, riveted boats offer greater ease of repair, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness when compared to welded boats, which often require professional intervention and specialised equipment for repairs.

Riveted boats are more prone to leaks

While both welded and riveted boats have their pros and cons, riveted boats are more prone to leaks. This is because rivets loosen over time, whereas welds break. When a riveted boat hits a rock, it can blow dozens of rivets, and even a few loosened rivets can cause leaks. However, a welded boat will only be dented and not punctured.

Corrosion usually starts at rivet holes, and while fatigue cracks can also initiate in welds, rivets are mostly fatigue-resistant because the metal around the rivet hole is in compression.

While it is true that the US Navy uses all-welded construction for its ships, this is not a perfect comparison as ships are not as prone to the same level of vibration as smaller boats, and ships are also not taken out of the water as frequently as smaller boats, meaning that welds are less likely to be an issue.

While it is possible to repair leaks in riveted boats, it is a time-consuming process. First, the leaking rivets must be identified, and then they must be drilled out and replaced. While it is possible to do this yourself, it is a difficult process, and it is easy to make mistakes that could lead to further leaks.

In conclusion, while both types of construction have their advantages and disadvantages, riveted boats are more prone to leaks due to the possibility of rivets loosening over time.

Welded boats are more expensive to repair

Additionally, welds require X-ray approval after application, which can be seen as an added precaution but also serves as a reminder that welds are more prone to weakness and may require additional reinforcement. This additional step in the repair process can contribute to the higher cost of repairing welded boats.

In contrast, rivets are relatively simple to fix without specialised equipment, making them a more convenient and cost-effective option for repairs. However, it is worth noting that both welded and riveted boats have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of performance and durability, and the choice between the two ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the boat owner.

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