West Marine gift certificate

[encoad]

I have about $500 in West Marine gift certificates from points due to a large purchase that I made for work.

I don't have boat, though I do have aspirations to end up on a catamaran in about four years.

The gift certificates expire in 12 months.

What should I buy?

[marcjsmith]

If you plan on spending time ona boat as crew between now nd then, weather gear">foul weather gear.

[GreenWave]

Possible buys-


PFD
Good knife
Sunglasses
dry bag

[Nauticus]

I have to agree with gang on this. Quality PFD, or a quality set of foulies. Both of theses are top of my list.

Fair winds [emoji569][emoji1]

[encoad]

Any lifespan on a PFD?

[Don C L]

A RIB! (Well you'll have to pitch in a few more bucks) Then you can play on the water while shopping for a boat!
There is no lifespan on PFDs that never get used. Well, I take that back, some rubber may deteriorate after 10 years or so. But PFDs aren't that fun.

[Nauticus]

Originally Posted by encoad

Any lifespan on a PFD?

If properly cared for you'll only need to change inflate cannisters, but the body will last ages. Get one with leg loops or crotch harness and a solid ring to properly clip in to. Might be most of that certificate. My personal favorite is Mustang. A million varieties to fit your fancy. Not sponsored, just a happy loyal customer.

Fair winds [emoji569][emoji1]

[neflier]

With 12 months on the card, wait for Black Friday.

[My Wind Lass]

A quality pair of binoculars are also something worth considering. Make sure they have a compass and that they float. That is one purchase I made and I can use for many purposes in addition to life on board. But good foul weather gear is certainly just as worthy an investment.

[sail sfbay]

Originally Posted by encoad

I have about $500 in West Marine gift certificates..........What should I buy?

Besides boat parts they sell shoes and apparel, fishing supplies, etc. Stop in your local West Marine and see what they have. Its like having a sweet tooth in a candy store

[Phyrcooler]

Originally Posted by neflier

With 12 months on the card, wait for Black Friday.

Yes! Or just remember that a lot of their items rotate to “on sale” status. I do my best to NOT do unplanned purchases there. I keep a list of needs/wants for the boat, and wait for their frequent sales where you will commonly see 20% - 25% off.

[ebs001]

I think if you check you can get the expiry date extended. I had some a few years back that had lapsed and was able to get them reinstated. Another possibility is to see if you can sell them.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by encoad

I have about $500 in West Marine gift certificates from points due to a large purchase that I made for work.

I don't have boat, though I do have aspirations to end up on a catamaran in about four years.

The gift certificates expire in 12 months.

What should I buy?

Nothing electronic A pair of glasses would be a safe bet. If a boat doesn't work out there is always bird watching.

[toddster8]

I agree, foulies and a good PFD would be a good start, if you don't have them. I.e. start building your crew duffel that you'll carry on to any boat.

When I had a big wad of WM bucks, after a big refit, I used them to buy a kayak that was already on sale and made it a ridiculously good deal.

[encoad]

Originally Posted by neflier

With 12 months on the card, wait for Black Friday.

This is good advice.