its also an indicator on how well it was built i have a 1978 viking sportfish thats as solid as when new they overbuilt them to take the daily pounding of the ocean

The last few accidents were alcohol related not equipment. 2 of which were "at speed" the other was in the dark on plane.

The number six gimble ring should be labeled a maintenance part needing replacement

The accident that made me think about this was the one at loto where the boat came apart at speeds a lot lesser than most where we see the boats break apart.

Of course driver error and alcohol will always be factors.

I’ve heard of another accident where a boat got sideways and took a water impact on the side of the hull at speed that caused the gunnel to blowout. I could see even the best boats being at risk of that at high speed. High speed impacts make that water very hard, gunnels are flat and typically half as thick as the bottom.

I've seen decks ripped apart in sections towards the rear of boats that roll or thru some other manner take water into the engine compartment at speed. A couple of 32 Sunsations have had this happen. Doesn't take the entire deck off but removes a good chunk of the rear deck and blows out some of the upper part of the hull.

Yeah those early twin step I/O boats had tall sides and if they spun they split badly. Of course the higher the speed the bigger the stress crack(s).