2006 boat prices

Are the 2006 boat prices getting out of hand? I have been at the local boat shows and really like the new MC X-2 and the SAN 220. I also think that the new Tige VE and Supra 22SSV are improvements over previous boats. I just can't get past the fact that dealers are wanting $58,000 plus for these new models. The number I hear for the new SAN 220 is closer to $70,000. I understand the luxury market and know that even some of our cars are this much but this seems to be getting crazy to me.

Has technology improved that much from a boat that could have been bought for around $40,000 a couple of years ago? Don't get me wrong, I would love to have all the latest gadgets and extras, but that is a 45% increase in price over the last 3 years. I guess that is the reason MC and BU are also trying to compete at the "entry" level price now too.

Even used boat prices seem inflationary given the costs of new boats. Is a 1-2 year old boat now worth more than what was originally paid for it? I see a number of 1-2 year old boats listed in the high 40s to low 50s.

I guess ultimately, prices will be whatever the market is willing to pay.

Any comments?