The problem with finding the perfect boat....is there is always a better perfect boat you come across after you just bought your perfect boat.
IMO buying a lightly used boat offers the best "value" but there are risks you assume and timing is important if you want your deal. Also this is the absolute WRONG time to be shopping around for the best deal on a used boat....Try starting your search in late sept and loook thru october and Nov when people are thinking of wrapping up the boating season and selling.
Making an offer then carries some real leverage. You make an offer in Nov on a boat...the seller is almost assuured that your offfer will be the last one he hears about until next spring. Also he is looking at more boating expenses (winter storage and spring make ready) plus his boat is another year older. In the spring, when everyone thinks ...."Hey, I have an idea, lets get a boat!!" This is when you will pay the most and offers are everywhere. Your almost better buying a leftover new boat as the used boat prices are at their peak.
Sure there are always deals to be had...but if you are looking for your perfect boat....either buy a new one or leftover thru a dealer now or buy a used in the fall/winter.