That's because the boat book values are not always generated on the level of detail that say automobiles are. Basically you need to pay attention to how the book values are generated and then throw in some discriminators of your own. I've bought several used boats. Some of my rules of thumb. Private sale should always be cheaper. Dealer prices will be more unless the boat is a consignment. Anything that has seen salt or brackish water should be priced much lower, salt water destroys boats... matter of fact I'd never consider anything that has seen salt water. In the range you are looking at trailers may NOT be part of the package. That can swing the price several thousand dollars. Like anything options and condition play a big part in the value. Hours like mileage also fit into the equation. I'm a very picky buyer and only consider a boat that is cosmetically near perfect and been very well maintained. Window shopping on the internet can be hard, lots of little things can be there which do not jump out at you in a picture that's posted. End of the day it's your money and what ever the boat may be worth to you is what you offer. 4winns or SeaRay are very popular brands and with brand recognition comes a premo price. As a disclosure I own a SeaRay. Not going to steer you one way or another, but I will say that although you may pay a little more for either because of the brand, on the other end selling a popular brand makes it easier too.
Good luck with your purchase, the more you know about what your buying the better. Prices should be pretty aggressive, the economy stinks and toys are not exactly something most are thinking about, if anything the market is a little flooded with people dumping them so it's a buyers market as far as I'm concerned. No way today would I pay book value unless I felt as though the boat was in perfect condition and came loaded with options and accessories and even at that I still think I'd be pressed to push the price down below book.
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