This is just another example why governments are the worst people to conserve our history.  Individuals who invest resources and time would not allow this to happen, and the fact someone would want to learn information from it would ensure that these boats would have been preserved.  People want to be remembered, and in a world of 6+ billion inhabitants, it tough to do unless you really do something to stand out, such as preserving such objects.  Yes, there is  a cash value, but it usually reflects the time and resources committed.  Look at paintings like Van Goah, Rembrandt and others who's painting sell for 10s of millions.  What would someone pay that much?  First, the prestiage, secondly, the fame and finally, their name lives forever being attached to these paintings.  Plus, they store them properly, exhibit them on occation and ensure that they survive until the next generation is ready to receive them.

 

 

Sincerely,

Tom Albert