TugNuts for the most part is an informational based forum. If you have an issue or question with your Ranger or Cutwater, "how to get to", "how to fix", or "this is what I found wrong add this issue to your inspections". If you found an issue with your Ranger Tug that involves construction or the build post it, there are probably others that have the same issue. If you have an issue with the engine, post it, there are probably other Volvo's, Yanmars, Yamaha's or Suzuki's with the same issue. Riddles create speculation, Riddles without punch lines or explanations are not informative and lead readers to speculate.
I can commiserate with you about issues with the Fluid Motion build, construction and installation of components or lack of. I purchased a new Cutwater without a Survey. Lesson learned. When you are purchasing a New or Used boat that values close to or over 200K there is nothing that says this boat is built right. Its says we will warranty it for factory defects for a year and a 5 year "limited" warranty for the hull to the original owner. Just because you are buying an advertised quality built boat, Ranger or Cutwater doesn't mean that it was quality built. I believe that Fluid Motion builds a well designed, well constructed boat and has full intensions and expectations to build a quality boat. The build is only as good as the people building it. Human error, Quality Control and product demands can hinder "Quality".
A survey is a must. I would not expect any structural or major component installation failures with a 3 year old boat. If there are defects they were probably there from day one. Unless there is evidence of neglect. The surveyor will zone in on these issues and explain possible causes which usually go back to the build and at that point you walk away or negotiate with the owner for a fix. As stated previously ( Andrew ) buying a 3 year old Ranger Tug without a Survey is a big gamble. You are on your own. This should be a notice to all perspective boat purchasers including Ranger and Cutwater's new or used, Have a ABYC SAMS licensed surveyor do a full survey of the boat before finalizing the sale. This gives piece of mind to the buyer and evidence to the seller or manufacturer that the boat is constructed properly and meets or exceeds all ABYC requirements and recommendations.
To say this isn't Fluid Motions problem. Well yes and no. It's a 3 model year old Ranger. Not knowing what the issue is," the jury is still out for me" If it is component failures I agree completely no warranty should be applied. If it is engine issues that would be on Volvo. If it is structural or major component installation issues and failure 3 years after manufacture ??
Without posting the issue we speculate.