Where Do You Shop

[CharlzO]

I echo a lot of the above, really. Defender is usually my first page to look, and if I can't find something there, then to Amazon, and then a search for something afterwards. For me Defender is a 1-2 day shipping time. Someone mentioned Amazon taking long, but that's never been the case for me, unless it is something not Prime Eligible or is otherwise marked not in stock or anything. That's been rare for me so I have no complaints in that regard.

Sometimes though, it does take a little finesse in the searching department. For example, I used adjustable bimini poles for my solar panel support a couple years ago. Searched through a half dozen sites just to find the ones I wanted, and at a price that wasn't through the roof. Ultimately, it was a tiny online store that I found them in, I can't even tell you what it was, but I never would've found it unless I had narrowed down my search for an hour ahead of time. Funny little internet, it is.

These days, there are usually countless places that will sell the same. I look at price, then shipping, and then I look for the reviews to make sure it's worth buying there. If there's another place a buck more expensive but with more reputable service that's where I'll spend my money 9 times out of 10.

[roland stockham]

When possible a 'non marine' supplier. Eg get fastening from the hardware store. Fridge from an RV store. These are usually higher volume stores so have lower markups. It

[Argyle38]

Originally Posted by GordMay

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

Have you used it? Is it as good as anchor? I bought some from them when I was doing my big electrical work, several years ago, but it was a lot thinner and just seemed to be lower quality. Don't know if it was Pacer or some generic brand.

If Pacer heat shrink tubing is just as good, I'd definitely give it a try. I have some wiring to do in the spring, so I'll be making a purchase.

[dwedeking2]

Originally Posted by CharlzO

I echo a lot of the above, really. Defender is usually my first page to look, and if I can't find something there, then to Amazon, and then a search for something afterwards. For me Defender is a 1-2 day shipping time. Someone mentioned Amazon taking long, but that's never been the case for me, unless it is something not Prime Eligible or is otherwise marked not in stock or anything. That's been rare for me so I have no complaints in that regard.

Sometimes though, it does take a little finesse in the searching department. For example, I used adjustable bimini poles for my solar panel support a couple years ago. Searched through a half dozen sites just to find the ones I wanted, and at a price that wasn't through the roof. Ultimately, it was a tiny online store that I found them in, I can't even tell you what it was, but I never would've found it unless I had narrowed down my search for an hour ahead of time. Funny little internet, it is.

These days, there are usually countless places that will sell the same. I look at price, then shipping, and then I look for the reviews to make sure it's worth buying there. If there's another place a buck more expensive but with more reputable service that's where I'll spend my money 9 times out of 10.

Yea I'm not a prime member so your mileage will vary.

[BillsWife1]

Wow, I love this forum. You all have given me so many resources. On the flip side, I am now shopping for things I didn't even think of yet.

[jstevens]

All great suggestions for standard boat stuff, but no one mentioned The Container Store. When setting up and provisioning my boat for cruising, I spent more time there than at WM, Defender, Hamilton, et. al., combined.

John

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by roland stockham

When possible a 'non marine' supplier. Eg get fastening from the hardware store. Fridge from an RV store. These are usually higher volume stores so have lower markups. It

Fastenal is great for all sorts of bits. Not always the cheapest, but I’ve used them to find weird pieces.

https://www.fastenal.com

[rom]

Originally Posted by BillsWife1

2 Refrigerators--Vitrifrigo or Dometic

Too bad we are so far away I would have sold you my 2 vitrifrigo at 1/3rd the retail price. Really you should consider house appliances for that purpose, you have a big boat, probably a good inverter. Marine fridge sucks.

I mostly shop in france, amazon is good. Had some excellent deals on ebay as well.

[CFS Klopas]

I have a 1981 new to me boat and more time than money, so I hunt around a lot. All of. This in last 6 months, though the majority of these were less than $100:

Bought in person:

West Marine, KMart(cheapest stuff, have some hardware), Sears, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Crowleys, (Chicago Boat yard), Marina chandlery, North Sails (just tape so far), Dick's Sporting Goods, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops (boating section almost as much selection as West Marine), Craigslist (Including the boat), State registration

Stuff bought online:

West Marine, Defender, 4 or 5 shops listed on Amazon but actually independent sellers, random ass Chinese shop on Aliexpress (8' slat floor dinghy, adequate but some variance with what I ordered), EBay, Advertising Flag Company - FLAGPRO® Flag Store (used today), USCG documentation

[Scout 30]

For outboard parts I've had good luck with Boats.net.

Boats.net: Outboard Motors, OEM Marine Parts, Boats for Sale

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Argyle38

Have you used it? (Pacer heat shrink) Is it as good as anchor? I bought some from them when I was doing my big electrical work, several years ago, but it was a lot thinner and just seemed to be lower quality. Don't know if it was Pacer or some generic brand.

If Pacer heat shrink tubing is just as good, I'd definitely give it a try. I have some wiring to do in the spring, so I'll be making a purchase.

I’ve not used Genuinedealz, but Pacer was my exclusive electrical supplier for 9 years, in the 1990's.
Quality was EXCELLENT. Ie: They had (then) several types of heat shrink, but now only catalogue 3:1 heavy-walled/adhesive lined.

➥ https://www.pacergroup.net/wire-mana...shrink-tubing/

➥ https://www.pacergroup.net/pacer-gro...nd-wire-facts/

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, CFS Klopas.

[dcstrng]

For DIY stuff; Lowes and Home Depot marine section (right next to the experimental aviation section) and a little less tongue-in-cheek I use our local True Value hardware store that actually does have a marine section (we live on the water and they stock hardware/hoses/maintenance type stuff for the local watermen). Otherwise it is usually Amazon, Craigslist, Walmart or eBay. If it is pure marine and I need it “now,” I’ll drive to West Marine – the closest WM store seems putzy, but the one about two hours away seems to be a good source – if I truly need it… I use Defender and Jamestown infrequently, no reason, and based on the recommendations it looks like I may be missing something, so I may need to mend my ways…

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by GordMay

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

For cable and Electrical supplies, there is no reason to go to a reseller of Pacer Marine products--and pay a mark-up--when one can go directly to Pacer Marine on-line and get much better pricing and faster service.

FWIW...

[laika]

McMaster is amazing. Bolt depot can find you fasteners McMaster Carr might not have. Marinebeam.com for lighting and some other odds and ends. Robinhood marine out of Maine for bronze hardware.

When cruising, anywhere! Part of the fun is tracking down random bits and trying to cobble little porjects together.