Mine's an early-ish one Rob, about 5 or 6 years old years old. Think there may have been a redesign just recently as I've seen a few black ones kicking around. Be good if they've addressed some of the issues.
I think it depends on how much and what kind of use they get. I hardly used mine until this year when it's been out every week since March, fully loaded, carried a decent distance over fences etc. and generally kicked about.
As I say, I'm really happy with it. I've had a complete blast fishing from it. At first I felt a bit at the mercy of the wind, but I think once you develop some flippering skills (!) it get's easier, just like running a boat actually.
Would love to try out the Fat Cat though at some stage.... Oh and a Dave Scadden (?) kick boat/float tube hybrid...
W.