The Best Place to Shop for Boat Stuff??

[mcerdos]

Based on a couple of comments on a previous thread, I thought it might be a good idea to start a new thread with the simple question being; who has the lowest prices on marine equipment and supplies?

[Lepke]

If you are careful, ebay or your local Craig's List for used equipment or parts. I have bought good fiberglass mat on ebay. Paint and resin is usually old.

I'm on the West Coast and 50 miles from a dedicated marine store. On line I usually try Discount Marine Supplies 1st. They have several warehouses and often I get next day or 2 day ground service. For awhile everything over $200 was free shipping. But with any supplier, check shipping along with the item price.
On big ticket items ask for a quote. Most suppliers I deal with will quote lower that their catalog price.
I also use Jamestown Distributors, Go 2 Marine, and Hamilton Marine. Usually shipping makes East Coast suppliers overall cost too high for me.
With a big boat, especially a big wood boat you can usually get some sort of an ongoing discount.
Try stores that mostly sell to commercial fishermen.

[Kettlewell]

Defender and Hamilton Marine for most things, but my local boatyard is competitive on many things too: hose, paint, zincs. Check with your local boatyards and chandlers, and you might be surprised how competitive they can be.

[mrohr]

commercial fishing supply stores in places like Pt Judith, Brunswick Ga.,Alaska etc.



Being sure of the ships position,I lay down to rest and to think, and I felt better for it. J. Slocum

[Kettlewell]

Hamilton Marine got its start supplying gear to commercial fishermen, and if you go into their stores you will see that is the case. You can buy a shackle you have trouble picking up and a reel of pot rope if you need it.

[mcerdos]

Thanks for the info on Hamilton Marine. I did not know of them. Their prices are good.

Another well kept secret is Hodges Marine. They are based in FL so, if you are in the Southeast most ground shipments arrive the next day. They have some of the lowest prices (especially on electronics).

[mcerdos]

Also, I just got a great deal on some Hella fans at Redden Marine Supply

[s/vPainkiller]

How about a source for inflatables? We're in the market, looking primarily for AB or Caribe, but open to others. I know about Defender. We've used Air Sea Safety in Charleston (good folks, BTW) for liferaft and EPIRB service. They are also dealers for numerous inflatable manufacturers, so we're talking to them. Any good internet sources?

Thanks,
Scott

[Stu Jackson]

Often overlooked is your local hardware store. One near our marina has tons of material for boats 'cuz it's on an island. Not everything on your boat was originally labeled "marine".

[Tim R.]

Here is my list and why:

Defender - Great prices and one day UPS ground. The owner has contacted me directly to ensure I get what I need. He will also check out the forums to see if there is any bad reviews so he can make it right.
Hamiltons - Great prices and I can walk there. Local Maine business. I have friends who work there. Bad part is their website is horrible. Find your part number elsewhere and then look it up at Hamiltons.
Port Supply - It is in town and I get personalized service.

Those previous 3 I have a commercial account so competitive shopping is less of a factor. It used to be that Defender retail rpices were in line with Port Supply but the volume on our account has upgraded us to the next tier.

I also check out ebay but rarely CL.

Otherwise McMaster-Carr is a great resource for lots of stuff.
Our local Ace(Maine Hardware) is also a great resource.

Local Sears for hand tools.

[mcerdos]

Originally Posted by Tim R.

Here is my list and why:

Defender - Great prices and one day UPS ground. The owner has contacted me directly to ensure I get what I need. He will also check out the forums to see if there is any bad reviews so he can make it right.
Hamiltons - Great prices and I can walk there. Local Maine business. I have friends who work there. Bad part is their website is horrible. Find your part number elsewhere and then look it up at Hamiltons.
Port Supply - It is in town and I get personalized service.

Those previous 3 I have a commercial account so competitive shopping is less of a factor. It used to be that Defender retail rpices were in line with Port Supply but the volume on our account has upgraded us to the next tier.

I also check out ebay but rarely CL.

Otherwise McMaster-Carr is a great resource for lots of stuff.
Our local Ace(Maine Hardware) is also a great resource.

Local Sears for hand tools.

The commercial account helps. Post Supply (West Marine) is an absolute rip-off. I can beat their catalog price by at least 25% with just one Google search. While they may offer discounts to "professional's" they really put it to the average boater. Also, I find the West Marine branded products to be of low quality.

I am in the process of updating almost all systems on my boat. I would expect to spend $50,000 plus when done. So far, about $100 was spent at West Marine.

[HopCar]

My favorite place to shop is Hopkins-Carter Marine.
They've been around since 1916. There is a fellow there named HopCar that loves to help cruisers.
Their website is www.hopkins-carter.com

The earlier advise to ask for a quote on big items is a good idea. Manufacturers are imposing Minimum Advertised Prices which mean that dealers can't advertise at lower prices. It doesn't mean we can't sell at lower prices if you ask.

[Kenomac]

Port Supply Commercial account at West Marine.

[barnakiel]

I used SVB and they were as advertised. Good.

That's in Europe, they ship worldwide.

b.

[mcerdos]

Originally Posted by Tim R.

Here is my list and why:


Otherwise McMaster-Carr is a great resource for lots of stuff.
Our local Ace(Maine Hardware) is also a great resource.

Local Sears for hand tools.

McMaster-Carr is excellent!!!!