Re: Best and worse manufacturers???
If you are talking about used boats, maintenance is more important than brand, except perhaps on the high and low end of quality adn excepting extreme exam,ples of neglect. IOW a Whaler can handle hard use that might be seen as neglect to a Searaybayliner type boat. it could tolerate being moored uncovered in salt water for 30 years, too.
It doesn't matter what the financial condition of the manufacturer is, for a boat it made years ago. Seldom do you need to deal with the manufacturer for the hull (unlike motors). Sea Pro, btw, is out of business. Still a good boat. For a comparable new boat, get a Sea Hunt.
Like cars, the first year is often not a good one to buy--let the company learn from mistakes on someone else's day off.
Some style boats can't handle hard use and therefore seem to age faster and look worse sooner (sofa boats). In fairness, it's like your furniture at home: how would your living room sofa look after using it for a year by the pool or in the garage? Would pool furniture look better even though it starts off "not as nice"?
Top end? Carolina Classic, Albemarle, Whaler, Grady, Hinckley (!), Contender.
Mid range: the "Sea" boats: sea pro, sea chaser, sea hunt, sea swirl, sea ox. Also scout, key west
Solid fishing/commercial grade: Parker, Whaler, carolina Skiff.
Tin: Lowe
Durable basic inexpensive: privateer, carolina skiff; McKee
The quality of engines and mechanics is a whole 'nuther discussion, but it can impact a boat brand's reputation.
