I am debating getting a:
2006 XC90 2.5T AWD
or
a pickup truck (2003 F150 / 2001 Silverado or similar)

It will be a second car driven only ~1000 miles per year in NH. The main purpose other than occasional runs to the dump or hauling lumber will be to put a boat in and out of the water. Towing of the boat will be local (less than 10 miles). I might use a utility trailer (~2500 pounds) for an hour trip once in a while. The combined weight of the boat/trailer is 3500 pounds, without fuel. So maybe 4000 pounds max. The boat trailer doesn't have brakes.

I do need four wheel drive to get up the boat ramp, which is pretty steep as far as they go. An a friend's Acura MDX put the boat in last year and did fine.

I was thinking pickup truck, but am a bit worried about rust and other quality problems. I know the 2.5T engine well (I have a 2007 V70 2.5T). I am impressed with Volvo's resistance to rust. Unfortunately the V70 just can't handle the boat and is FWD.

What do you think?

Steve

Depending on parking space, I would get a truck. The 4WD will not get stuck and pulling 4000lbs would be an easy thing rather than stretching the limit of the XC90. The maintenance on the truck will also be cheaper Vs a Volvo. Comfortable seats doesn't count for short haul runs.
--
Keeping it running is better than buying new

I think the XC90 should do fine w/ AWD. Maybe buy whichever is cheapest?