Good Experience with Defender

[Dockhead]

I recently bought a lot of marine electronics equipment for a complete replacement of my systems.

I emailed my BOM to Defender commercial sales, on the off chance they might take a large order through that department. Bingo! I had a quote within a couple of hours, and I was assigned a nice lady who with great energy and dispatch put together my order. I was given a considerable discount without even asking -- later I understood it's a "refit discount" -- and the prices are basically wholesale, as I understand the market. In any case, they are less than half of the best online prices available in the UK.

I received it all today -- Christmas came early! Well done, Defender. A thoroughly satisfactory experience.

[BlueSun]

We have always had excellent, personalised service from Defender too, and no problems shipping to Australia.

[skipmac]

Have purchased most of my parts and gear from Defender and find them a great company to deal with. Also visit their store occasionally when I'm in CT. Not only good service and good prices but if you have any problems with anything purchased with Defender returns are no hassle.

[BlueSun]

I should add as an example that we had all sorts of problems with our Lowrance Radar (not Defender's fault - Lowrance Australia were the culprits) and Cheryl at Defender went above and beyond to sort it out with Lowrance in the US directly. Very impressed.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by BlueSun

I should add as an example that we had all sorts of problems with our Lowrance Radar (not Defender's fault - Lowrance Australia were the culprits) and Cheryl at Defender went above and beyond to sort it out with Lowrance in the US directly. Very impressed.

It was Cheryl who helped me. She was great!

[Matt Johnson]

I've worked with her as well. Great asset for the company... very helpful

[GaryMayo]

Mom told me once, if you have nothing good to say, keep your pie hole shut. Mom was right.

[kthoennes]

I had a good experience with Defender too. I needed to replace all eight acrylic portlights on the Carver. I called Carver, no help at all. Called Bomar, the original manufacturer, no help at all either and then they finally quoted $119 each. I finally tried Defender, they researched the size and number to confirm they fit my old boat, and then quoted me $69 each.

[ElGatoGordo]

I have had 2 good purchases from Defender as well and would never put them down. But then I found out 2 local chandleries will match their prices, and I like putting the money into the locals if I can.

But if I didn't have a lot of local choices I'd be a diehard Defender guy.

I've found a company called Hodges that does even better on electronics.

[donradcliffe]

The shocking thing is how expensive boat parts are in England. I went to the London boat show once, and the only thing I bought was a Guinness,

[Blue Stocking]

Always interesting to see who has the problems with a dealer.
FWIW, I have great service from these guys.

[twistedtree]

Defender is the first place I look when buying anything on-line. West Marine is the last.

[onestepcsy37]

been dealing with defender since the 1970's. never a problem.

[sww914]

I've probably made 50 purchases from them, large and small. If there was ever a problem the took care of it immediately and always did more than I expected to make it right. I just wish that they'd start another warehouse someplace in the Western half of the country.

[Palarran]

I've had good experiences with Defender also. Reading Dockheads post about getting a discount makes me think they should have some sort of loyalty program though. I've purchased maybe $8k from them in the last 3 years and didn't get so much as a free beer koozie.