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**Jammer** · 01-05-2023, 15:55

A couple of other threads got me thinking about this.

I do not have a local chandlery. West Marine consolidated its stores here and the one that's left is a long way away. There are a number of smaller and more specialized shops that have, for example, rigging.

Many marine products aren't really marine products at all but rather are products used in other applications. The astute boat owner will consider these alternatives:

McMaster-Carr: Screws, bolts, tubing, stainless steel or plastic sheets, bars, rods, etc. Ships from 5 regional warehouses so that typically you get your stuff the next day.

Tulsa chain: Chain, shackles, slings

Grainger: Motors, belts, hydraulic parts, solvents, raw materials like pipe and plastic rods. Local warehouses in most major towns, good source for items that are difficult/expensive to ship.

SupplyHouse.com: Plumbing items, notably PEX tubing and fittings

Digikey and Mouser: Electric and electronic items such as switches, relays, fuses, connectors

marineengine.com, crowleymarine.com: Outboard parts.

I've used all these multiple times and had good, consistent results. Grainger is wholesale only but you can purchase through any business or club. The rest will sell to anyone.

I see Defender as the major east-coast online chandlery and Fisheries Supply as the major west-coast online chandlery. I use them both and find pricing and service to be similar overall.

Striker · 01-05-2023, 16:04

Merton Fiberglass in MA is also an excellent resource for fiberglass, resins and hardware. One man show, reliable and well priced.

Knotical · 01-05-2023, 16:49

I like Garhauer for rigging hardware - well made products and excellent customer service.

Also, you forgot Amazon

Lee Jerry · 01-05-2023, 17:30

Fastenal for hardware and such.

**JPA Cate** · 01-05-2023, 22:08

The dairy industry have good boots and buckets.

My longest lived sea boots were purchased about 20 yrs. ago, now, in a small shop for fishermen.

Big box hardware stores stock lots of things that are useful on our pleasure vessels. And, once you live on the hook, you may have fewer addresses for online shopping, although most marinas will hold packages for you in the office.

Ann

stormalong · 02-05-2023, 01:33

There will always be alternatives to West Marine. Some in the pleasure marine business, some not.

West Marine is going in the way of Radio Shack. They have been going downhill for decades. Ever since they went to the retail store model. They are on their third iteration of ownership. They started as a private company, went public and have gone private again under new ownership.

The retail outlets are filled with staff that know nothing about about boats. Their customer service is nearly non-existent and their store inventory is shrinking. Ask questions and get dumb looks.

A couple of years ago I needed a gallon of a common bottom paint. They did not have it in their store. I was very rudely told that I would have to pay inbound freight to get it. It is on their website as a product they carry. I was willing to pay the West Marine premium to get it fast.

I have access to a trade account at West Marine. On many items their trade account prices are higher that other stores' regular prices.

They are now my last choice when looking for a product.

If you have a business model of charging premium prices for availability of products and then don't carry the inventory you are doomed.

I was one told that a typical hardware store has to carry 100,000 unique item to satisfy their customers. Imagine walking into a hardware store and not being able to buy an electrical plug or a paintbrush. You would probably not go to that store again. That is West Marine today.

davil · 02-05-2023, 04:19

Many ACE and TRUE VALUE stores located close to water activities such as boating and fishing more likely carry many items we use.

I cannot remember the last visit to my local West Marine, part because of the outrageous prices and second the total ignorance of the staff.

When somebody approaches me with the "may I help you"? my standard answer i
YES, stay away from me.

Today will drive to my local Walmart to pick up an order placed yesterday

Orion HP Red Aerial Marine Flare.
$27.83/ea
Qty 1

Was the best price found, even better than Amazon.

The only item I am still buying from WM, lines, they carry New England and no other store will have it locally.

davil · 02-05-2023, 04:28

As a side

is very easy to castigate WM, they brought on themselves because of their corporate decisions, when I was outfitting in San Diego, late 90s we used to call them "the evil empire"

However, the only advantage not to overlook is the ability to return an item without delay.

Depending on the store management, that is.

many defective items can be exchange for a replacement (most times)

The Yacht Rigger · 02-05-2023, 04:48

There certainly is value in knowing alternatives to West Marine, especially for items that may be labeled "marine grade" but in reality are nothing special - think solar panels, fasteners, pumps, bearings, etc. You just need to know what materials you are looking for - for instance, the 304 "stainless steel" fasteners from Home Depot are vastly different from 316 stainless fasteners you can buy from Ace or other more specialized fastener suppliers.

I guess a lot of it comes down to your own knowledge and general competence. If you are unsure, there really is also value to be found in using a reputable marine specialist who can point you in the right direction when it comes to material choices, reliable brands, systems that will integrate well together, etc. Just make sure you are dealing with a place that isn't charging you a massive premium for the words "marine grade". Luckily the internet is so awesome in terms of price checking.

Keep in mind that you may pay slightly higher prices at specialty places with systems knowledge, but they will likely have higher overhead and better paid staff than online megastores that can function on tiny margins, but offer you no expertise. Balance in everything.

davil · 02-05-2023, 05:18

Keep in mind that you may pay slightly higher prices at specialty places with systems knowledge, but they will likely have higher overhead and better paid staff than online megastores that can function on tiny margins, but offer you no expertise. Balance in everything.
The Yacht Rigger is online now Report Post

yes

davil · 02-05-2023, 05:20

when buying, prefer to support small independent business .

One of my prefer stores

The GPS Store excellent services and prices.

**hpeer** · 02-05-2023, 06:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by davil

Many ACE and TRUE VALUE stores located close to water activities such as boating and fishing more likely carry many items we use.

I cannot remember the last visit to my local West Marine, part because of the outrageous prices and second the total ignorance of the staff.

When somebody approaches me with the "may I help you"? my standard answer i
YES, stay away from me.

Today will drive to my local Walmart to pick up an order placed yesterday

Orion HP Red Aerial Marine Flare.
$27.83/ea
Qty 1

Was the best price found, even better than Amazon.

The only item I am still buying from WM, lines, they carry New England and no other store will have it locally.

I agree with ACE and TruValue. And Beaufort, NC has some of the best stocked hardware stores I have seen. Sadly they are not everywhere. They are extinct in some larger metropolitan areas. Been run out by HomeDepot and Lowes.

I was doing a home job and needed some 1/4” lag bolts. It was not something I wanted to screw up. Unfortunately the bolts I bought at the BIG NAME store broke off with little effort. Complete crap.

**Jammer** · 02-05-2023, 08:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knotical

Also, you forgot Amazon

They do have their place and I do use them occasionally.

I no longer trust the provenance or safety of their items or their speed of shipping. I've received counterfeit goods from them and while they're quick to refund the order it's frustrating and leads to delays. Just yesterday we received a package from them that was due last Friday, some methyl methacrylate adhesive, and so we had to find a local source so we could proceed with a repair.