Good read, no doubt. I don't dispute the reasoning, however I do believe some premium makes and models are meant to last a bit longer, probably around 20 years.
I understand this is anecdotal, but I have owned 10 boats, both power and sail of many different makes and models and I will say that the ones that hold up best are premium boats like the Formula SS series, Chaparral SX/SSX series, Cobalts, newer Chris Crafts, etc. I am sure some of the higher performance boats like Fountain and the like also last well.
I also however invite you to come see my 28 and 29 year old all original Chaps (the one in my signature still has the original snap-in carpet, canvas, upholstery, and basically everything else, with no to minimal UV damage, no or rips or tears to the upholstery. This boat has zero rot except one area where the cabin furniture was allowed to get wet by a leaking sink drain, but this is that 90s Formica paneling, not structural, and the structure in these areas is rock solid. The other boat, a 1994 version, that wasn't even covered except by a high-ceiling boat house and was allowed to sit with water in the bilge for decades, has minimal rot (non-XL plywood) in the engine bay, but its upholstery is 7.5/10 with no rips, tears, or thinning of the material. The floor and all hatches are rock solid and much of the floor/engine hatch isn't even cored. All systems work well and the wiring, which have water-tight connectors have no corrosion. Again, these were very well-made boats for the time. Yes, Chaparral failed to properly seal/bed many fasteners but this is on the rigging department, not the design/materials. The other weakness, besides not sealing some fasteners, (IMO) is the rub-rail attachment, which was done with rivets.
Again, I call it like I see it and I have owned many boats, work on/survey them for a living. The sailboats I have owned have been built way better than the powerboats. I have seen so many rotten Sea Rays that I can't even put it into words. Almost never see one that isn't over 10 years old, even seemingly well-maintained examples. That isn't the case with every manufacturer.
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