Welded over riveted.....Had a welded 14' Valco that I ran "most of the rivers" in Grays Harbor from 1988 - 2002. Never leaked from any of the welds.....did punch a hole in the bottom, early in my ownership, $75.00 and was good to go.

What the heck is a small leak???? As much rain as we get, bilge pump will keep most of the water out of the boat. If you don't have a bilge pump, couple of hours of work, and a battery......then you are set up for any kind of rain or small leak.

Been out there in a Grays Harbor rain......felt sorry for the people with no bilge pump.....tough to stay ahead of heavy rain, with a coffee cup.....so much nicer....turn on pump.....watch that water being pumped.....yep, worth the money.......