boat lifespan

[coeperc]

I'm sure Ron and Dan are best for advice on this but I was thinking today about what should be expected for general lifespan of these A/S boats.  Might be interesting for discussion on the board here.  I'm sure I'm not alone in being sentimental about my A/S and since I'm pretty young I'd like it to last as long as I do if possible.  So if I take care of it as best as I can, do the necessary preventative stuff and the occasional overhauls here and there how long should this thing last realistically?  I've have a 1981 that over its life so far has been moderately well taken care of and already has had the floor replaced.  Soon I will be lifting the motor and overhauling that as well. Unfortunately I can't store the boat indoors but I do keep it covered and take care to make sure the elements don't get to it best that I can.  I'm in Florida so it doesn't go through really cold winters, but summers are another story with the heat.  Just thought it may be a good discussion topic if anyone cares!
-Matt

[RonT]

Our boats were designed for a 50 year useful life given "normal maintenance" for the composite parts, from what I have seen they will easily make that. Component life will be largely determined by light/harsh use, sun exposure, moisture presence in bilge & salt/fresh water operation. the following is a list of component life expectancy for average use and sun exposure:
Engine/trans: 1500- 2000 hours TBO
Upholstery: 10-15 years
Carpets: 10-15 years
Cables: 10-15 years/ 500 hrs
Wiring/instruments: 15-20 years
Fuel tank: unknown
Water Hoses: 15-20 years
Strut Bearings: 10 years / 500 hrs
Motor Mounts: 20-25 years

[Mark]

Matt, I too am in Florida, Ft. Lauderdale. The advantage down here is being able to ski year round but the sun and heat takes a toll on any boat. I'm the fourth owner of my 1989 Advance. I'm told that the first owner was a traveling water ski show out of Orlando, FL. which explains the rust on the engine; saltwater use. The first thing I did was replace the upholstery and then bought a cover from www.skiboatcovers.com. Best $510.00 I spent on the boat. They custom made the cover that fits perfect. Just one problem, the company is in Michigan and the tread they use is not GoreTex. All the tread in the seems sun rotted.  Most of the canvas shops in Florida use GoreTex. I got lucky because I know a canvas guy in Miami who re-did the whole cover with GoreTex for $45.00. I think any boat will last as long as an owner takes the time to maintain it.

-Mark