leaking rivets are not a big deal. You can reset and tighten them (anvil of
some sort on one side, hammer and flat point punch on the other).
On an older boat, a bigger issue is fatigue cracks, which tend to be where
the transom is welded to the bottom, or on a bottom rib that may have been
munched.
Good welders on thin old aluminum aren't so easy to find.
Get the largest boat you can handle, as far as launching, hauling, and what
type of propulsion you'll be using. If you will be using oars, you don't
want to go wider than a 36" bottom, but if you'll be using outboard or
troller, I'd go a little wider.
We stand and fish all the time in a 16X48 floating small rivers. BTW, the
dimensions are usually stated as length-feet X bottom width-inches.

Bill


"jmDesktop" wrote in message
...
I knew a guy that said his leaked at the rivets. Is that they only
way flat bottom boats are made, "riveted"? I just want one for small
lake fishing, What are the limits of one, do they tip easily? Thank
you.