Where Do You Shop

[AJ_n_Audrey]

https://www.fisheriessupply.com has great prices. McMaster is good if they have what you need. Defender is probably the best overall in terms of selection if you get stuff on sale. Hamilton Marine is worth a look. If you need bronze things, Toplicht is good. West Marine only if it is on sale or you need it today.

[antilles]

Well for electronics, I have found the GPS Store, Inc to have terrific prices and to be very helpful if you call for information. They are online and physical store is in NC

Really a very good outfit.

[oregoncycle]

Just something I am about to do because I am about to spend some serious change for the boat. There are credit cards that offer some great airline deals for spending 3k or more over three months with their new card. Some offer 50k airline miles. Since I will have the cash to pay these cards off this to me seems like a win win situation.

[rbk]

You can spend hours looking on McMaster-Carr for tons of stuff. A little thread drift but they also sell copper foil tape and mesh for Ssb counterpoise, electrical, mechanical, rivers, tools and so on. Each category breaks down into more catalogues and you can spend days browsing their inventory. I’ll have to take a look at the Quebec site. I’ve been trying to use marineoutfitters as they have a loyalty discount and their prices are very competitive. I should also mention that even though items might not be listed on their site talk to Greg and they’ll probably be able to get it for you.

[rbk]

Originally Posted by oregoncycle

Just something I am about to do because I am about to spend some serious change for the boat. There are credit cards that offer some great airline deals for spending 3k or more over three months with their new card. Some offer 50k airline miles. Since I will have the cash to pay these cards off this to me seems like a win win situation.

We have a travel points card that we use for items usually over $200. If you’re paying it off right away it’s totally worth it. We haven’t paid for airfare in almost a decade (well mostly as we still have to pay tax and fuel surcharge on flights but it’s usually less than $50/person)

[Wallaby]

Ebay: it depends. A lot of fake sellers buying cheap on Amazon and elsewhere, and reselling. There are some real bargains at times, but patience and price knowledge are essential
Amazon: Varies. Many things are pricey. Always check prices elsewhere. Good for non-boat basics.

Electronics: always compare prices with Hodges Marine and GPSstore,
Sails: National Sail Supply (none better for good quality)
Blocks etc: Garhauer.com How do they do it? Quality, price, and service are exceptional!
Engine parts: Google through several pages before you buy. I hate shopping for engine parts.
Most other boat parts: Fisheries Supply is a hot favorite. Not always the cheapest. Great delivery though. Get an account--prices are lower, significantly. Check on google for other stores like iboats.


West Marine: when you absolutely have to have it right now and the price isn't a factor. Oh for the time when they used to meet online prices.

Finally, always factor in shipping cost before ordering. A lot of shops have free shipping at $100, or a flat rate.

[Zoidislander]

Fisheries Supply rocks.

[boeing1]

I have used several that have been mentioned so far. however I search the web for the best price. I have found that one place does not always give the best price, also be adware of their shipping prices

[Argyle38]

I live near Defender so the annual spring sale is a pilgrimage for me. Most of my planned purchases are made there, but I do comparison shop.

GPS store is a good place to look for electronics.

Plumbing and bronze hardware: Fisheries Supply and Go2Marine typically have good selections and the best prices. Both of these places are in Washington state so it will take about a week or two to get your items with regular shipping. Just something to remember.

For electrical stuff (wiring, crimps, etc.) check out Marine Wiring, Boat Cable and Electrical Genuinedealz.com
They sell Pacer brand wiring and I almost completely re-wired my boat using the stuff. The wire seems as good as Anchor (what they sell at WM, Defender, etc.), fully tinned, good quality insulation. About 10 years on and haven't had an issue. A lot cheaper than Anchor. (Except for the shrink tubing, I haven't found a match for Anchor adhesive lined shrink tubing.)

For rigging, I've used riggingonly.com and they have been great, with good advice, quality and price.

For random bits of metal, http://www.onlinemetals.com is a great resource.

For nuts and bolts and other fasteners, check out www.boltdepot.com They have a good selection of stainless items.

Edit: Just noticed the OP was looking to get chain. I got my chain from
http://www.1st-chainsupply.com/index.htm
Delivered 300' of 3/8 G4 galvanized Acco chain to my marina. So far so good on quality.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Argyle38

... For electrical stuff (wiring, crimps, etc.) check out Marine Wiring, Boat Cable and Electrical Genuinedealz.com
They sell Pacer brand wiring and I almost completely re-wired my boat using the stuff. The wire seems as good as Anchor (what they sell at WM, Defender, etc.), fully tinned, good quality insulation. About 10 years on and haven't had an issue. A lot cheaper than Anchor. (Except for the shrink tubing, I haven't found a match for Anchor adhesive lined shrink tubing.) ...

Genuinedealz also carry the Pacer heat shrink.
➥ Heat Shrink Tubing Adhesive Lined Genuinedealz.com

[CaptTom]

Has anyone else found Defender's prices creeping up (relative to other sources) over the past 3 years or so?

They do seem to have everything, it's just that I haven't found their prices to be any better than Amazon or some of the others mentioned above, so I haven't ordered anything from them in a couple of years. I loved their spring clearance sale when I was refitting my current boat, though.

As for eBay, never again! Had a seller disappear (removed from eBay) after my purchase, and before shipment. eBay totally disowned the problem, and sent me to PayPal, who won't do anything for 30 days, after which I must initiate a claim.

I'm reluctantly becoming an Amazon guy. Can't beat the selection, price, shipping and customer service. You do have to do all your own research, but even that is made easier by their reviews and product Q&As.

[dwedeking2]

One thing I like about defender vs Amazon is how fast shipping gets out the door. With defender if I order it Monday I know I'll have it by the weekend for a project with regular shipping. With Amazon it could be up to 30 days with regular or free shipping (but usually 7 - 10 days)

[jfischgrund]

West Marine has high retail prices but also has a price match. The Newport RI store matches Defender prices. And the service there is excellent, returns are easy and you get to deal face-to-face with some very nice people.

[neworleansrich]

For your dive compressor, we have a Max-Air 35 with a Honda engine which is great. They are available online from many places or from the manufacturer.

Max-Air keeps excellent records of every compressor they build. They are extremely helpful with spare parts and supplies. Great company.

[redsky49]

Originally Posted by Argyle38

I live near Defender so the annual spring sale is a pilgrimage for me. Most of my planned purchases are made there, but I do comparison shop.
Prices not as good as in the past. Spring sale still good time to purchase outboard motors and inflatables, especially last year's models. They were not even present at this years Annapolis Boat Show!
GPS store is a good place to look for electronics.
Yes, but do your own homework prior to purchase
Plumbing and bronze hardware: Fisheries Supply and Go2Marine typically have good selections and the best prices. Both of these places are in Washington state so it will take about a week or two to get your items with regular shipping. Just something to remember.

For electrical stuff (wiring, crimps, etc.) check out Marine Wiring, Boat Cable and Electrical Genuinedealz.com Yes
They sell Pacer brand wiring and I almost completely re-wired my boat using the stuff. The wire seems as good as Anchor (what they sell at WM, Defender, etc.), fully tinned, good quality insulation. About 10 years on and haven't had an issue. A lot cheaper than Anchor. (Except for the shrink tubing, I haven't found a match for Anchor adhesive lined shrink tubing.)
Ancor Marine doesn't manufacture anything. They simply apply their label to various products, some great, others less so. Pacer Wire may even be one of their sources of wire.
For rigging, I've used riggingonly.com and they have been great, with good advice, quality and price.

For random bits of metal, Online Metal Store | Small Quantity Metal Orders | Metal Cutting, Sales & Shipping | Buy Steel, Aluminum, Copper, Brass, Stainless | Metal Product Guides at OnlineMetals.com is a great resource. Onlinemetals or McMaster Carr

For nuts and bolts and other fasteners, check out www.boltdepot.com They have a good selection of stainless items. Yes to Boltdepot:

Edit: Just noticed the OP was looking to get chain. I got my chain from
Chain, Chain Supplies, Binder Chains, Lifting Slings and Hooks
Delivered 300' of 3/8 G4 galvanized Acco chain to my marina. So far so good on quality.

Also:

For sealants, adhesives, etc. http://www.sealantengineering.com/page/page/1572505.htm

For numerous items, based on price and quick shipping:
http://www.imarineusa.com/
BoatZincs.com (978-841-9978) - The Online Superstore for Zinc Anodes
Amateur Radio Supplies | Ham Radio Buy RG8X, G5RV LMR400 coax, connectors, etc.


As for West Marine, some stores are great, others abysmal. Really the luck of the draw as to what service/staff you will receive/encounter. And really, how many Hawaiian shirts do you need, now that West is a "lifestyle" store?? Still really angry that West put out of business Bliss Marine, E&B Marine, etc,. etc. Not pleased with their predatory WalMart business plan (and I was one of the first customers when Randy Repass was selling mail order rope out of his garage!!)