Sailing Shops in New England area?

[Elzaar]

Hi All,

I am in the Boston - Providence area for the next week. Sitting in Newark Airport trying to figure out any good sailing related shops to visit while I am here from PNW and suddenly occurred to me to post for tips.

I'm looking at Jamestown and maybe Defender, but also would like to find a good New England Ropes supply while I am here near Fall River.

Thanks!

[Time2Go]

Lockwood Boatworks in South Amboy
not to far from EWR
Neil

[Elzaar]

Thanks, but to clarify ... I am waiting for connecting flight from Newark to Providence, not staying here.

[john61ct]

Are physical stores still even a thing anymore?

I could see for vintage / secondhand stuff, that would be fun. . .

[Near2KR]

New England Ropes has 15 retailers within 25 miles of Fall River. Several such as R & W claim to stock a lot

https://www.neropes.com/where-to-buy/

[misfits]

There's a marine consignment store on Post Rd
(Rt 1) in North Kingston, RI. They have a lot of interesting stuff. Not to far from Providence.

[mlydon]

Jamestown would be very disappointing to visit - i did so once, wouldn't do it again. Defender is actually a cool store, but in Waterford, Ct, so a hike from providence/boston. (an hour drive or so). If you do go there, you pass Mystic, which has the Mystic Shipyard - a major ship building museum - they are rebuilding whalers, have a lot of classic ships moving around on tours, etc.

West Marine has a flagship store in Newport that's fairly impressive - lots of sailing-related gear as opposed to your basic 99% power 1% sailing west marine;

Newport in general is a GREAT destination for sailors. Sailing and boatbuilding museums, old captain's houses, etc. A bit early in the year, so I don't know how occupied the harbor will be (top superyachts there in the summer), but still pretty amazing. Newport is definitely a DO NOT MISS visit.
Matt

[mlydon]

BTW - Newport is only about 20 minutes from Fall River, and you go right through it to get to Defender's/Mystic from there

Matt

[duncan_ellison]

Agree with mlydon, Jamestown Dist are nice people and have great prices, but not much to see at the store. I've been to Defender a number of times and it's an awesome place to visit.

They have a clearance section for scratch n dent items that you'll never see on their web site and the prices are really keen.

IMO, it's worth the effort to get there.

[Elzaar]

Awesome! Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like Defender, Mystic, consignment, and Newport. Should make for a full day or two ...

And thanks for the info on Jamestown. It was a possible visit, but I will only swing by if I happen to be close.

[dfelsent]

I’ve never visited but Rigging Only in Fairhaven has a great NE Ropes selection. They do online retail, and are a rigging loft. I don’t know if they do walk in. Worth a call.

[dfelsent]

Liferaft and Survival Equipment in tiverton. Cool place. Ask to peek at the shop floor for a view of dozens of rafts being serviced. It’s just off the road on your way to Newport.

[TideTime]

I have had Rigging Only (50 Fort Street, Fairhaven, MA) do work for me on several occasions and they have always provided service for walk-ins. They have always been prompt with their service.

[Hoodsail]

Might visit Marine Consignment, 7725 post rd, north Kingstown, RI or the one in Fall River, MA at 75 ferry str...i have been to the one in Mystic which is a bit small but reasonably well organized. I was told the Kingstown location is big...

[wcrosby]

Conanicut Marine in the center of Jamestown is excellent -- lots of options -- I generally stop in there when visiting Jamestown. Lots of shops in Newport (clothing at Team One, Resails Bags, etc).

Jamestown Distributors in Bristol is very good, but has somewhat limited hours.

Defender big sale was last weekend -- but it's probably worth the ride to check it out.