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Subject: RE: [world-cruising] Options for buying supplies
From: Marce Schulz (m.schulz@XXX.XXX)
Date: Fri Apr 18 2003 - 15:08:56 EDT
Louis,
For larger equipment, Defender has been our primary resource (for a complete
reconstruction of a fire-damaged boat.) Our local Boater's World beats West
Marine by a mile for small stuff, and in fact we don't shop at West Marine
any more unless they send us a coupon. Bad attitude, expensive.
For expensive specialty items we do a lot of research and find friendly
vendors everywhere. We buy our epoxy from Raka (cheaper than -- and as good
as -- West System), our high-gloss Epifanes varnish by the case from Classic
Boat Connection (www.classicboatconnection.com) in Minnesota ($18/liter!),
our Awl-Grip from various sources, mostly from Asher Brothers in Sandusky,
OH, at half the price of Oceana Limited in Annapolis because Asher Bros.
caters more to the race car market. Same product, different price structure.
That's true of a lot of boat supplies and equipment. Remove the word "yacht"
and pay less. We've also had good luck with www.shipstore.com for various
things, including Awl-Grip products.
And so on and so on. When we bought our inverter, we waited for the stars to
align (factory rebate + store special) and saved hundreds.
As others have suggested, local stores are the best. Often cheaper, and even
if they're the same price, you get the satisfaction that you're supporting a
local business. For stainless hardware we found a local hole-in-the-wall
distributor that sells to us even though we're only getting screws, nuts and
bolts by the 10s or 100s. We've found local sources for foam, upholstery
supplies, canvas (Sunbrella $6/yd), etc.
While it might be easier to just walk into WM and fill up a shopping cart, I
find I enjoy the thrill of the bargain hunt.
Rosalie's tips on planning and prioritizing the upgrades are also dead on.
Just give up the idea that the boat will ever be "done." It's a zen journey
of maintenance and upgrades, so just dive in and enjoy the ride.
Marce
Spellbound
Currently awl-gripping the masts in Pittsburgh
--At 01:35 PM 4/18/2003 +0000, you wrote: >Now that I am a boat owner, I realize that all I've done was trade in >my trips to Home Depot for an equal, or greater, number of trips to >West Marine and Boat Owners Warehouse. I just can't stop myself from >constantly wanting to upgrade this or that. If anyone can recommend >some reputable alternatives, either on the internet or through a >catalog, I would be most grateful. Thanks. > >Louis >s/v Synergy >Westsail 32 > > >
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