Craigslist WSM purchase and a question

[Jon Alex]

Picked up a WSM 18 this week south of Boston off Craigslist. I have an early 18 WSM model already. For $190 I got the latest WSM with side grommet, therm, bottom shield, etc. that had only been used 5 times. Included was a new Weber large charcoal starter, a nice round gray grill mat and a bag of lump. Not a steal but a good deal...I think.
My question is that the middle section has a vertical, full height, visible seam where it was welded together in manufacturing. My older model has no visible seam. I sthis typical of the newer models?
Thx
Jon

 

[ChuckO]

I have a seem in mine, it's a 2013, the year before they came with grommets. You can see it running down the left side of the picture

 

[THoey]

On my 2014 22", I can see the seam if I look hard, but it's not like it jumps out at me...

 

[Jon Alex]

Seam

I have a seem in mine, it's a 2013, the year before they came with grommets. You can see it running down the left side of the picture

All I can see are those beautiful ribs!

 

[Tom Golden]

DAMN fine ribs there!! Who cares about a seam?

 

[J E Rice]

Just checked my 2014 with the AH code on the vent, no seam, can't really tell where its joined.