Go with a local dealer who can get you good service, and go welded. Someone recommended glass. I've owned several glass boats and am currently using my first aluminum boat, a 17' Jetcraft. I'll never own another glass boat. The aluminum is so much lighter, so much easier to launch, and sits on top of the waves rather than crashing through them. I don't care it if hits the dock, or the bank, I ended up throwing my bumpers away. Zero maintenance works for me