I've often wondered that myself Lum. I have entertained the thought of having an all weld boat. I consider myself to be a purdy good welder. When I build my boat to my taste....which is riveted.... I built the frame for my deck out of 1 inch aluminum angle. First I used self tapping screws to hold everything together before I welded it all up and left them in. I don't let wind scare me to much..to keep me from fishing, I noticed that some of my welds broke, from a rough days fishing. So I know welds do break. Just like the I40 bridge going across the Mississippi River; it has to give some or it will break. So my cheap ole riveted boat needs to give some too.