When buying items from individuals,I have found that each persons definition of "brand new" is different.
"Brand new" to me is never used.Not "only installed once",not "2 hrs on it",not "2 outings on it",not "testing time only",and not "break in time only."
Am I out in left field here-what do you think?

I agree with you! "New mean NEW!" New in box, Unopened.
Zero hrs.
It never ceases to amaze me how far this industry will stretch "new", ie 2year old boat with 75hrs, "Brand New"!
In that case I'm 25 years old.
Another issue is hour meters meters and MSO's. I heard one the other day, "the guy left the inigition on."
ck54

Agreed, brand new is never used, no time on it, usually in original unopened box, period

I know a guy who bought a brand new boat from a dealer, it had 125 hrs on it. They said it was all demo hrs.

I think that an item can be new and not in a box. I also feel that it can be installed and removed and still be new. It's once it's been used or seen any wear that it is no longer new. ie-a gauge is still new as long as it hasn't seen any electrons, the installation didn't damage it, or it hasn't been sun faded while installed. Of course if the gauge sun fades on the shelf in the box, it could still be considered new.

I am with you all the way, a dealer on grand lake had about 75 hours and said the boat was new. I was like this boat is used and should bring a used price. But they are going to get someone that doesn't check it out and sell them a used boat for a new price.

you mean 200 hours isnt new?
just got this off boatrader.

1990 CIGARETTE TOP GUN 38' ,Powered by Brand New 502's (Less than 200 Hours), Bravos, Beautiful White boat with Teal Graphics. Call Ted

Yea and it is also a flatdeck not a top gun.

New means New,not Used,not Tried once but it doesn't mean Good. It can be New and still no dam good!!

So what does 'better than new condition' mean? Huh? Huh? Inquiring minds want to know!!!