Congratulations on the new boat. I also have a 14 ft john boat with a 25 hp motor. Mine is a Lowe Big John and it is riveted. I got the riveted one because, at the time, I couldn't afford an all-welded boat.I have heard some guys say that welded boats push through ice better and don't "creak or squeak", but myboat has absolutely never leaked and it doesn't"squeak" or perform differently in any other way than a welded boat. I make this comparison because I have hunted and fished out of my friend's welded 16-ft, 40-hp, War Eagle. I know there are probably some different opinions and experiences out there, but in my opinion and experience, my welded boat has been fine. So to directly answer your question, my decisionto gowith a welded boat wasbased on the price difference. Good luck.