Welded vs. Riveted Jon Boats

Jon boats are all built largely the same - they're flat-bottomed fishing boats, often with open hulls and bench seats, designed for use trolling on calm waters. But beyond the basics, there is one major detail to consider, whether you're buying or building your jon boat: to weld or to rivet? In order to make an informed decision, you should know the pros and cons of each method and how they're done.

All about welded...

Jon boats that are welded are typically considered the strongest. Welding is done by sealing the seams of the jon boat with heat, using soldering material to literally make the two pieces into one. Welding can be done on aluminum and plastic jon boats. A welded jon boat will cost more than riveted or molded models, because welding requires extra material as well as extra labor. But the majority of fishermen and boat owners will tell you a welded jon boat is well worth it. The seam is fully closed with welding, which results in less leakage and a stronger fissure that can stand up to the bumps and scratches that are bound to occur. Imagine hitting the seam of your boat on rocks in a lake (something that often happens, especially in unfamiliar waters). There's some reassurance in knowing the seam is fully closed with the strength of a weld!

What about riveting?

A riveted jon boat is a very different process. In riveting, screws or plugs are put through the two halves of the seam, joining them together in an overlap. The problem with riveting is that the spaces between the screws can (and often do) lead to small leaks and cracks. These can leave weak spots in the boat that, over time, can either start letting in water or may separate and break upon impact with a rock. Riveted jon boats are less expensive and are not built to last as long for these reasons. Both aluminum jon boats and plastic jon boats are available with riveted seams, but you should expect them to be less durable than their welded alternatives.

So why would anyone buy a riveted jon boat?

Don't get us wrong: riveted jon boats certainly sell, and there's a great market for them. But the point is that you should be aware of what you want out of your boat, and buy accordingly. A jon boat that's welded is designed to last considerably longer, and is more of an investment (hence the price tag). If you just want a boat for a few summers of fun and aren't too concerned about long-term use, a riveted boat would more than suit your needs. The key is to consider how long you want your boat to last, what you're willing to spend, and then choose accordingly.