Buying New Boat Which One

Lowe 1652MT Riveted

Length 15' 10" / 4.82m

Beam 75" / 1.9m

Bottom Width 52" / 1.32m

Side Depth 21" / .53m

Transom Height 20" / .5m

Ribs 9

Approx. Hull Weight 450 lb

Max. Weight Capacity 1,216 lb / 551kg

Max. Person Capacity 5

Max. Person Weight Capacity 715 lb / 324kg

Hull Gauge .072" / 1.83mm

Package Length 20' / 6.09m

Max. HP capacity - tiller 35 hp / 26kw

Seats 3

Max. HP capacity - remote 50 hp / 37kw

Lowe R1652VT

Length 16' / 4.87m

Beam 75" / 1.9m

Bottom Width 52" / 1.32m

Side Depth 21" / .53m

Transom Height 20" / .5m

Ribs 12

Approx. Hull Weight 545 lb

Max. Weight Capacity 1,145 lb / 519kg

Max. Person Capacity 5

Max. Person Weight Capacity 685 lb / 310kg

Hull Gauge .100" / 2.5mm

Package Length 19' 2" / 5.84m

Max. HP capacity - remote 50 hp / 37kw

Max. HP capacity - tiller 35 hp / 26kw

I am trying to decide which of these two boats I should purchase. I have a trailer already and a 35hp Evinrude Outboard to push the boat. The All Welded R1652VT is going to cost around $3,000 plus tax tag and title, and the 1652MT will probably be around $2,000 but I still have to price that one. How long can I expect the rivets in in the 1652MT to last without leaking? Is the welded really that much better than the riveted. I like the riveted because there is more room for mods. Also how much is the difference in the hull guage going to affect the boat in general. Thank you in advance.