Final answer:
The Titanic's lifeboats' cost is not well-documented, but the lack of sufficient lifeboats was due to outdated regulations based on ship tonnage, a belief in the ship's unsinkability, and aesthetic preferences for deck space.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specific cost of the Titanic's lifeboats is not well-documented, but as the largest passenger ship at the time, the expense would have been significant. However, this is not the primary reason for the insufficient number of lifeboats. The lack of lifeboats on the Titanic was the result of regulatory requirements at the time that were based on the ship's tonnage, not its passenger capacity. These regulations had not been updated to reflect the size and capacity of new ocean liners like the Titanic. Furthermore, some people believed the ship to be "unsinkable" due to its advanced design, leading to a sense of complacency regarding safety measures. Lastly, aesthetic considerations also played a part, as a clear deck was preferred for the comfort and enjoyment of passengers.