Hi! Q about buying in Fort Lauderdale

[Big_Nige]

Hello shipmates!

I live in the UK, and sail a Bavaria 47 in Croatia. Next month I'm visiting Fort Lauderdale (for the second time - love the USA) from where I'm going on a Caribean Cruise.

Last time I was in the USA, I bought lots of SCUBA gear. This time I want to buy a new chartplotter for my boat - probably a Standard Horizon CP180 or a CP300.

Can anyone suggest good places to buy chartplotters (and stuff) in the Fort Lauderdale area?

Nigel

[CSY Man]

Most if not all marine electronics can be bought cheapest in the internet including e-bay.

I bought a CP180I for less than $400.00 on the 'net, did a google search for the unit and selected the dealer with the best price.

West Marine did sell these plotters but have not seen them lately in the store.

[Pblais]

Retail stores are not the better deals here. Internet as noted by CSYMan is cheaper. I suppose with the weak dollar the prices may still seem good to compred to where you are from. "West Marine" stores are almost evrywhere. You sometimes get a better price in the winter.

[High Cotton]

Nigel,
If you're gonna be in Fort Lauderdale between February 14 thru 18 you get the BEST price at the MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW, better than "on-line"...and they'll negotiate even their already low prices.

Last year I picked up my RAYMARINE E80 at the show....BEST price anywhere, even on the internet.

If you're NOT able to be there during those dates, call CONSUMER MARINE ELECTRONICS during the show (at the show) and get their price, they'll ship anywhere.

I plan to get my RAYMARINE RAYDOME & SIRIUS WEATHER MODULE......
I have no idea what the prices will be at the show but I can just about guarantee they'll be CHEAP!....... and yes, they are an authorized dealer for tons of stuff, very easy people to deal with!

I was in line at their counter for about 30 minutes waiting my turn there were so many people..........

Then I'm going to the LATS & ATT'S party with "Bob Bitchin"!

Good Luck!

[Big_Nige]

Originally Posted by Pblais

Retail stores are not the better deals here. Internet as noted by CSYMan is cheaper. I suppose with the weak dollar the prices may still seem good to compred to where you are from. "West Marine" stores are almost evrywhere. You sometimes get a better price in the winter.

I would normally buy using the Internet, but this may be difficult to arrange due to my short time there. West Marine don't seem to do the plotter I wanted, are there other large chains nearby?

[GordMay]

National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) Buyers’ Guide:
Marine Electronics Journal and Online Buyer's Guide

Marine Directory for Ft. Lauderdale:
Fort Lauderdale Marine Directory - South Florida Boating, Fishing, Yachting, Sailing

[High Cotton]

Originally Posted by Big_Nige

I would normally buy using the Internet, but this may be difficult to arrange due to my short time there. West Marine don't seem to do the plotter I wanted, are there other large chains nearby?

WM will "special order" items as long as the manufacturer is on thier "vendor" list.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Nigel,
Welcome aboard!! Looks like you're getting lots of answers already.
Kind Regards,
JohnL