Well it is a jeep in the generic sense.
So are commercial defenders jeeps or vans?
Tylor - as much as I'm fan of the 1.8 FL, it is an enthusiasts vehicle, I dont think its what you are looking for.
You dont need to be mechanically minded to own one but it helps. Although if you do have some boating knowledge you are halfway there, probably tell some of the tratter boys a thing or two..
If you are towing a boat, you might want to think about a low ratio gearbox, Freelanders dont have them. The Suzuki Vitara has.
Its not unknown for steep slipways to trail boat and vehicle into the water, lowbox would be beneficial on those slipways.
Gravity....... BIG FORCES at work + no tyre friction = not good!
Again if its reliability you want, the Nissans and earlier Honda CRV's have 2wd and 4wd