Best Sources for Gear...

[Mimsy]

I know about WM, but what other shops have you used for gear? I'm looking specifically for ones that are online and have good customer service. Thanks!

[trantor12020]

Right here. shop.sailnet.com

[christyleigh]

Defender.com ..... Almost always cheaper, good service, and unless you live in CT no sales tax.

[artbyjody]

Originally Posted by Mimsy

I know about WM, but what other shops have you used for gear? I'm looking specifically for ones that are online and have good customer service. Thanks!

Fisheries Supply here in Seattle (they do internet as well) Marine Supplies from Fisheries Supply - Everything for the Boat Owner

Mimsy - since you are buying a boat. If you are a member of BoatUS, West Marine will give you 30 days of what is called "New Boat Owner Discount". This discount is on top of whatever low price matching you can find on the internet. Simply bring in the printed page off the internet or catalogue. They will honor the discount up to 15 days after purchase as well (just bring the receipt and above).

Fisheries Supply has a similar program as well for new boat owner discount - 60 days if I recall correctly. I use Fisheries Supply because it is local, but also because of the fact if you have a tax-id (own a business, spend more than 5 grand a year and create a an account, or you belong to a yacht club or sailing group) they will give you wholesale prices. It is on a sliding scale (based on spending) but over the years I have saved tons (on avg 35-60%) and probably the only reason I have been able to go gangsters on purchases for "HG".

West Marine has a similar program as part of their Port Supply discount program.

Not sure if Sailnet (this site), Defender or others have similar programs but it behooves you to check as outfitting a "new to you" boat - is quite expensive and it adds up quickly. But you have to ask about these programs.

Hope that helps

[TxLnghrn]

Mimsy,
Close to us is Blue Water Ships Store. Although there selection isn't quite as varied as WM, I have found there staff to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful. There prices are usually much closer in line with online retailers like Defender and you can open an account with them and receive an ~10% discount on all purchases.

For online, I have been very satisfied with Defender, Cajun Trading for running rigging http://www.cajuntrading.ca/index.htm and here at Sailnet. (Although the Sailnet store still needs some work to make it user friendly).

Another great store is Sailors Solutions, LED lighting, soundproof, Sailor's Solutions Inc. they seem to follow a premise of only offering the best quality items so there selection is very limited but they always have very neat items for sale.

Michael

[kiprichard]

I've always been satisfied:
The Binnacle Boating Supplies - Binnacle.com

[sailingdog]

These are the vendors I use most in no particular order:

Discount Marine and Boat Supplies - Inflatable Sales - Defender
Hamilton Marine Supplies
Mauri Pro Sailing - Sailboat Hardware, Sailing Gear and Sailboat Equipment
APSLTD.com: Annapolis Performance Sailing
www.sailnet.com
SailboatOwners.com - Home
LED lighting, soundproof, Sailor's Solutions Inc.

[Mimsy]

Thanks so much! You've all been most helpful.

[jrd22]

I've usually found the best prices on electronics at a site called Dave's Marine Electronics. If you need more info. or can't find what you need, just email Dave. I have also had good luck and excellent customer service from Pyacht. Defender, as others have mentioned, is usually very competitive and the site works very well. Mauri Pro is quite often the best price on sailing hardware. As Jody mentioned, Fisheries Supply in Seattle is good, and I buy a lot of stuff there, but I find the website kind of frustrating and without a commercial discount the prices aren't that great. And last but not least, Sailnet, the sale prices can be very good.

[dacap06]

Google Shopping is your friend! I used it to find folks with among the lowest advertised prices for my Yanmar 2GMF and found Niemiec Marine (marinedieselparts.com). I ordered from them and from Marine Diesel Direct. Niemiec parts dept called me a few minutes later to make sure I know to replace the O-ring when I replace my fuel filter (ordered the O-rings from MDD), and that sold me on them. I have talked with them several times with questions and placed multiple parts orders with Niemiec for a number of things since. Their friendliness and service is first-rate and their prices are pretty good too. If you are looking for engine parts and engine knowledge, I can't recommend them highly enough!