The Scandinavians, Brits, Ozzies, and Kiwis still build boaty boats, many of which aren't imported here.
Ok, I'll just pick one. Brits. Let's see. Sunseeker. Princess. Fairline. Three leading British boatbuilders. Are those the boaty boats whereof you speak?
What in the world is a "boaty boat?"
Why defensive? Because of the put downs by some. Comments like "flying barcaloungers that the fat humans have in the movie Wall-E", which although I do find humorous, and I haven't seen the movie, I assume isn't meant in a complimentary manner. I don't know if you were calling me "fat" or not, but assure you the bib doesn't fit.
I have never put down any of you who prefer a simpler or different style of boat for your preference. However, some of you do fairly regularly imply that there is something wrong with the rest of us. Why it can't simply be left as having different tastes is what confuses me.
I find nothing negative in the word "Cottage." However, it's often been used on this site in a negative way. My boat is a vacation home. It's not just a boat but it's a home too. Now I have boats that are not. But they'd be further outside the boundaries preferred by those who want it simple with small engines. At least I assume a 39' that runs 60 knots or a 44' that runs 40 knots would be.
I do believe on home size and autos the US is quite a bit different than the rest of the world. I agree with you there for the most part in size. In practicality not so sure in cars as our sports cars aren't US nor is our SUV. But boats. Let's see. Leading builders in the world are in Italy and the UK. Their styling is sleek, luxurious, speed and generally lack of range. Then the megayachts we go to the Dutch and Germans. Hardly a great lesson there in simplicity.
Trawlers. Can't say that those built in the US or elsewhere differ a great deal.
We all have different tastes in boats. My tastes, unfortunately, are that I like them all and want one of each. However, I select those that match my intended use most closely and encourage others to do the same, which may be quite different from what is right for me.
Now as to the person seeking that simpler, no frills, economic with just the right calculated engine size boat. I'm afraid the course there is just as it is with any low volume preferences. It's find a small boat builder who does share your views and get it custom built. Several here have such boats. And for those buying used, you'll find them as well. There won't be many on the market but there won't be great demand for the ones available so you'll have a chance.
I admire those with eclectic tastes. However, by definition, they are in the minority. Many would have to find different tastes if suddenly the majority swung their way. We sure know some of our tastes are far from mainstream. And doesn't bother us a bit. So, if you find yourself in the minority, feel proud, but don't put down the majority because they don't see things as you do.
We are in the opposite end of minority here. We like speed. How horrible. But we're never bothered by the masses of trawler forum who don't share our like.