How do they finance such a purchase over the winter? Dealers finance new boats easily, not so with used boats.

I don't know.

Good plan.

Nobody will want MY unbiased opinion about new boat prices, but I will say this:
If I'm haggling over a $60,000 price tag, the LAST thing I'd do is ask if they'll throw in some trinkets. IMO if you start asking about anchors and jackets, the typical salesman will be inclined to believe that you've already decided you're going to buy, and he won't have to drop the price that last 2 or 3 grand, all he needs to do is throw $400 worth of goodies in the boat and you'll be happy. (fwiw, that's like a 60 cent discount on a $100 item...)

So haggle on price till your happy, or walk if you're not. Like the trade-in, don't even bring up "extras" until you HAVE the price you want. If they won't throw any goodies in afterwards, that's when you'll know you got a good deal...

Without doing some research as to typical four winns pricing, I can't help you other than saying it sounds pretty good. But, I think when you mention the trade in, they are going to offer you next to nothing for it. That's the last thing a dealer wants right now.

There is an '08 Vista 258, list price of 102k, this dealer got a hold of it from a dealer that went belly up. I could get it for 58k, 40% off and I'm they wouldn't sell it at a loss.

$102K for a 258? Wow. I am glad I buy used.

Agree 100%. That price is ludicrous. Only used for me too.

I could do the 58, but thats about double the budget....maybe in 5 years when that boat is up on the used market.

Yep...only used for me as well.

I always buy a used "depreciating asset"

Tennja, Your local dealer is the highest within 250 miles of Columbus. The one on 75 south has a good price on his 220H when I was looking and the dealer in Columbus was willing to get a boat from another dealer for us and was still lower than your local dealer. As for your boat I would start posting on all the free sites like www.craigslist.com , www.kijiji.com and http://www.oodle.com. And see if she sells, this puts you in strong position. The dealer don;t want anything over the $10K as trade ins currently.

Mind disclosing where this boat is? I have a friend wanting this exact boat.

2008 258 Vista
I know there was at least one other person available, PM ME if you need the sellers email addy, I believe I still have it.

Many dealers are having trouble taking trades-in because of their bankers, right now.