Originally Posted by 4th_point
Originally Posted by MontanaCreekHunter

Everything can fail and will fail given enough time and hard use.


I worked as a test engineer in a group with applied mechanics engineers and stress analysis engineers for a global machine manufacturer. Even with advanced FEA, and physical stress testing, we'd still have failures in the field. I can't imagine some of these small, consumer grade, boat manufacturers having the same amount of resources to do this level of virtual and physical testing.

They may not even fully understand the load cases. At least that was my assumption, after hearing about all the welded boat failures from friends and co-workers.

I believe the major boat makers have done their tests. I have toured Alumaweld, Boulton , and Duckworth manufacturing sites, each has a engineer on staff! To assume they dont know how to build good products, is just nonsense! The guys still in business after years of building welded boats, know what they are doing! To assume they dont isnt logical! If one hasnt examined the damage or failures, their guessing! Experience trumps opinions everytime!