Float planes are the second hardest working aircraft behind Ag. Whilst a dhc-2 has its problems they are also so far above anything else on the market still. Perhaps only thing equal is the single otter fitted the pzl engine.
As for a maule. They ok on fresh water but never ever put them on salt and expect them to last and not have a huge maintenance bill. The C208 has problems with corrosion and fire wall bending. The beaver for all those interested its pick up points for the fwd and rear are heavy structure that goes between both sides of the airframe. The smaller Cessna don't. They may pick up on heavy structure for one point but not for both.