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Old 16-03-2017, 23:57   #1
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Westmarine is insane

Just went to west marine for the first time today for my new boat and just started to look around at everyhting i might need. And jesus it is all way more expensive than i thought. a $150 PFD is like $100 on amazon. I guess it is pretty convenient cause they have everything you need, but damn.
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Old 17-03-2017, 01:46   #2
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Re: Westmarine is insane

I make selective purchases from Westmarine (generally small items and electronics on clearance). If the price plus shipping is less than other online vendors (their shipping prices are the lowest), I get it there. I'm not proud.

For larger items, including PFDs, check out the more reputable online vendors, perhaps Defender, imarine or Hamilton; even with shipping, you'll likely come out well ahead.
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Old 17-03-2017, 03:24   #3
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Re: Westmarine is insane

Thanks Hafa, I never heard of imarine but have done business with the other two. I can also recommend Jamestown Distributors They have a frequent buyer program that offers free shipping on most items.

Also try https://www.fisheriessupply.com I have got some really good prices from them.

There are many and better options than West Marine. Even local chandleries will often beat their prices and their staffs are more often than not more knowledgeable.
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Old 17-03-2017, 04:28   #4
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Re: Westmarine is insane

We only get things at Westmarine when On Sale
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Old 17-03-2017, 04:31   #5
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Re: Westmarine is insane

I never shop at West Marine. Mostly Defender (warehouse sale coming up end of March) and now mostly Amazon.
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Old 17-03-2017, 04:41   #6
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Re: Westmarine is insane

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Originally Posted by bfiegener View Post
I never shop at West Marine. Mostly Defender (warehouse sale coming up end of March) and now mostly Amazon.
We Love Defenders and its just down the road from us, so we can drop in on our way to the boat.
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Old 17-03-2017, 04:56   #7
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Re: Westmarine is insane

There are three different West Marines here in the Tampa Bay area, so when something comes up and I need it RIGHT NOW, then I'll go there. Otherwise, internet shopping for me.
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Old 17-03-2017, 05:06   #8
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Re: Westmarine is insane

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We only get things at Westmarine when On Sale
For me, it's unplanned purchases, last weekend I was about 2' short on #2 Ga wire to complete the Solar install, so went and bought 6' at WM, paid close to $50, but didn't want to wait another week. $8 a ft at WM, $6 a ft at Genuinedealz.
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Old 17-03-2017, 05:08   #9
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Re: Westmarine is insane

If you can get on an active Port Supply account, you can get good deals on "consumable" items at WM, like solvents, glass stuff, and perhaps most importantly and counter-intuitively, rope. With Port Supply the more that gets purchased through the account, the larger the discount, so many account holders are happy to hand out their account number for you to use. WM occasionally gets strict about checking who's on an account but they largely don't seem to care. That said, I only hit up WM when I have no other choice or pricing is comparable.

I think one of the most egregious gouging examples at WM is on Rotella. It's around twice the price of Walmart.
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Old 17-03-2017, 05:08   #10
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Re: Westmarine is insane

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We only get things at Westmarine when On Sale
Bingo. When I got my newest plotter WM had the best price- including against Amazon and others online.
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Old 17-03-2017, 05:21   #11
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Re: Westmarine is insane

C'mon, it's called comparative shopping. Your boat, your choice. Based on one needs, pocketbook and urgency. WM has been beaten to death, in many cases necessarily, others not so much, but there ARE those of us who remember how hard it was to get anything boat-related before they came along.

My mom used to shop at four different local grocery stores (before supermarkets came along) to get the best prices. But some days she'd just buy something at place #3 to avoid the long walk to place #4 even if she had sale coupons.

Actually very odd this should come up today, 'cuz they're having some pretty good sales.
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Old 17-03-2017, 05:23   #12
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Re: Westmarine is insane

I look at West Marine as the place to go to physically look at what you're considering, then you go somewhere else to buy. I'll go to WM if I need something small, like screws/bolts.

Otherwise, depending on what I'm looking for:
Jamestown Distributors
Defender
Hopkins-Carter
Fisheries Supply
Genuine Dealz (marine wire and terminals)

basically if you don't need something RIGHT NOW, then shop around. There's a lot of other shops with online stores that could have what you need.
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Old 17-03-2017, 05:58   #13
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Re: Westmarine is insane

Hmm...ya is spendy but no where near how expensive marine stuff can be!
There is a marine store here (San Carlos Mexico) that sells 6 × 15 bumpers with the hole in the middle for 130 bucks each!. West marine looks pretty good after that!
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Old 17-03-2017, 06:20   #14
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Lightbulb Re: Westmarine is insane

With the sale going on today (I'm pretty sure it was nationwide, not local) they have some ridiculous deals. The two that stand out were 40% off all sta-set line and BOGOF all Lewmar Winches! I'm really pissed I will likely be getting a boat with non self tailing winches in about 6 months to a year. I hope that particular item is a regular sale!
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Old 17-03-2017, 06:30   #15
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Re: Westmarine is insane

Lucky for me Defender is a 5 minute drive. I don't have to pay shipping. I am in there so often they know me by name and send me a get well card when I haven't shown up in a while.


West Marine is generally more expensive, but they do price matching within a 50 mile radius, so if you are within 50 miles of defender, they'll match their price. If you are 50 miles within another favored retailer they'll match their prices too.
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