You may be rejecting boats too much because they need
work. They all need
work, some things are found at survey, some not.
Are you planning on doing your own work? or is that the problem. Too expensive to have it done?
Also, remember, you can negotiate after survey. I surveyed a 110k boat once and after survey bought it for $62k. I told the buyer it was just too much work and that's all I could pay. It had a long list. Turns out...I didn't lie either!
It's just hard to say on older boats, a
new boat after maybe 8 years ....all the boat stuff other than the basic boat is at risk of replacement. So a 16 year old boat may be as good as the 8 year old boat depending on what's been done.
The next thing with production boats is the bolt on
keel. Cruising boats with a molded
keel get you out of that one potential cost, worry and trouble.
Spade rudders abound on production boats, for me they are something I worry about. But not for everyone.
Other things to watch for that are higher cost:
Tanks- often buried in the
interior cabinetry, often develop
leaks on the bottom after 10 years.
Sails- of course, amazingly expensive now days.
Rigging- after 10 years MAY be suspect, but many go 10 years. Not too expensive if you
DIY.
Rudders- I would guess 50% are
water logged. many don't know it. I could be wrong.
Old electronics- a boat may be loaded with them but all those are possibly worthless.