Ah, the realization of what's really out there in the marketplace. I am not really surprised that you have had difficulty finding that 'steal deal'. And Bob has a point, people will hang on to their boat until the bank takes it back and then someone picks up that boat and puts it back on the market for the same price the original seller had it at. I guess what I'm saying, is that unless you can get some kind of 'inside deal' or a position to buy at wholesale like a dealer might, you have to deal with retail sellers or re-sellers.
Personally I think you've found two great boats that are both good values. Condition is everything as you know, and you're right, you'll probably drive 8 hours and find some disappointments. 800 hours doesn't seem like a lot of hours for motors that are supposed to last 2000, but still, that's a LOT of use. My boat is 3 years old this year, gets 'lots' of use, but has 270 hours on the motor. And the boat overall still looks like brand new. It sits on a trailer, with a cover on it, and it's a smaller boat so much easer to keep looking new. What I'm trying to say, is that you're going to find that an 800-hour boat is not going to look like new.
For me, I would gladly give a few more thousand for a year newer and half the hours. Even then I would be looking at overall condition as a gauge of desirability. If it's just about the bottom line, then by all means go with the one the seller is willing to sell for the least amount of money.
There are still some boats selling. I've been surprised at how many new members are here on the forum this year - really surprised. And guys buying brand new boats. I correspond on several other forums, for cars, trucks, RV's etc. and it's amazing the amount of activity. So there are buyers out there, just finding the right price point as has been mentioned. But as you've found, many sellers are just not willing to budge, so you have to either wait for them to soften, or for another seller to come along. I have always found it more beneficial to negotiate the price AFTER you do a thorough inspection, demonstrate to the seller you're a serious buyer, and negotiate the price based on your market research and dificiencies you find in the vessel.
Hope this gives you a little different perspective. I wish I was in a position to pick up one of those boats. Wifey lost her job a couple of weeks ago so we're just trying to hang on to what we've got. We're good for into next year, but if things don't get going again we'll be selling off our toys as well.