Shopping for Equipment in Martinique

[Dragon Lady]

Hi, I'm planning to pick up our ex charter cat in Martinique next Month and will need to buy some saftey gear for the Pacific crossing.
Can anyone give advice on the shopping there?
I will need to go the Guadaloupe so that is another option or would I be better going to St Maartin?
I also want some cheap mountain bikes to use as transport during port visits.

[boatman61]

St Martins is the cheapest place in the Islands.... don't forget to compare like for like prices between Dutchside and the Chandlers just past the bridge Frenchside...
Can make savings there as well...

[Dragon Lady]

Thanks for that, what are the approx sailing times between Martinique, Guadeloupe and St Maartin?

[sobriyah]

Have just left Marin in Martinique. There are big price fluctuations, some items are less expensive than you may find in St Maarten, while others may be double, or treble, the price, for no apparent reason. You will find there is a good selection, much more European spec equipment, and far less of inferior Chinese origin!

In Guadeloupe there is a big industrial estate, Jarry, which is always worth a look for any domestic items you may be searching for, such as the bikes.

Fair winds Richard

[Mark Johnson]

Grenada has marine gear, and Trinidad has EVERYTHING available, (but I don't advise going there)... St Martin is a really good place to get what you need, but as previously stated... shop around! Mark

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Mark Johnson

Grenada has marine gear, and Trinidad has EVERYTHING available, (but I don't advise going there)... St Martin is a really good place to get what you need, but as previously stated... shop around! Mark

I remember one day I was in Lille Marine (F side SM) and met a guy who'd flown in from Trinidad for a shop... he reckoned that the savings covered his flight and accomodation for a night with change to spare...
dunno about today but before D side 'got the vote' it had definite tax advantages over any other Islands resulting in cheaper fitting out

[Mark Johnson]

Oh yes. The other question... sailing times. Having run out of money... we made it from Trinidad to the Beaufort NC inlet in 12 sea days! Two days from Trini to Domonica, (spent the night)... Then two more days from Domonica to Culebra, PR. (waited for a weather window). Then 8 days from Culebra to Beaufort NC.

So, it looks like Martinique to St Martin, for a cat, would be about two to three days???
M

[Hud3]

These two chandleries have stores on several islands. The prices in the catalogs are "list" prices and can vary depending on where you buy. You may get a discount for cash purchases.

Island Water World | Caribbean Chandlery | Marine Parts

Downloads - Budget Marine

[Dragon Lady]

Thanks very much for your advice, can anyone also advise me how crowded it will be in St Maartin late February, I believe there is a large regatta held there early March each year?