Take a look at Quantum (aka Zebco). I used one of their spinning reels for two seasons without a problem, this is after a third season of freshwater duty. I have another still in the package as a future backup. They have a new saltwater series that may be worth checking out.
PS I now have a Penn and the Ahab 8 (heavy and began to grind a little but otherwise built like a tank) -- when they croak I'll be looking at Quantum a little more closely.