Doc, I think in the past you would be correct. Last spring there were a lot of awesome deals on a lot of left over 08's. There was a big supply, the economy sucked and lots of dealers had stuff sitting they needed to unload.
However, this year I think it is totally different. They knew the economy sucked and ordered less and I think BRP even produced less. So you dont see nearly as many sitting around as you did last year. I have looked at a lot of dealers and their inventory is pretty slim. Yeah you might have better incentives and stuff in the spring, but I think overall the availability will be much lower, and with less out there I dont think you will see the crazy bargains we saw this past spring.
You may be right. I think the dealer close to me still has a few '08 boats left... but the prices now, aren't as good as last spring. (and I don't think he brought in more than 4 or 5 new boats this year)
One thing you have to remember... a dealer bought the boat... and yes, they may be willing to take a loss to move it... but they aren't going to kill them selves just because the boat is 2 years old... new.
When you see a smoking good deal, a few things could have happened.
1) They bought the inventory from a dealer who went out of biz.
2) The incentives from the manufacture are good. (We don't have that right now)
3) They have a bank who will give them cash on the back side for using them to finance. (can be up to $3k on a 30 year boat loan)
Since I have a shop, I work close with a few dealers, and I know what they can, and can't do... and since I'm a biz owner... I know when it's time to just take a loss.
Sorry to get a little off track.
Anyway... if you want a very specific boat, and are worried about not being able to get it... then buy now.
Also... like Foster said... you may have to drive... but be ready to drive home without it. I know that sux... but if you aren't willing to walk away... then you will be at the mercy of the person/dealer selling it.
The boat in my avatar was 4 hours away. Every boat I found local was way over priced. I found this one, and it needed love... and I knew it... so after a week or so of getting the price to where it needed to be... I spent dang near an entire day getting it.
Good luck, and post some pics when you get it.
Id settle for a very fair or good price. Just having a very hard time finding one within driving distance and am worried no more will show up in the next couple of months.
