Update on Defender

[dlochner]

Saw this article about the sale of Defender in February.

Click Here for Everything

FortNine’s acquisition of Defender could create a massive online marketplace for boat owners

www.soundingsonline.com

 

[Leeward Rail]

Sounds like other marine retailers may have a serious threat.

 

[dlochner]

Sounds like other marine retailers may have a serious threat.

Since FortNite is a Canadian company, I wonder if they will work to expand Defender's market in to Canada with a Canadian branch?

 

[Leeward Rail]

I wonder if they will work to expand Defender's market in to Canada with a Canadian branch?

I hope so. A warehouse here to kill the need for international shipping and the resulting PITA for the customer would be nice. Not to mention increased selection.

Edit: That said,.our small local shop can get most anything in 2 days. At least they could until the pandemic started and shipping and inventory went goofy.

What we lack here is the rigging,.sailmaker, mobile diesel repair type stuff for sailboats.

 

[dlochner]

I hope so. A warehouse here to kill the need for international shipping and the resulting PITA for the customer would be nice. Not to mention increased selection.

Edit: That said,.our small local shop can get most anything in 2 days. At least they could until the pandemic started and shipping and inventory went goofy.

What we lack here is the rigging,.sailmaker, mobile diesel repair type stuff for sailboats.

It's not much better here in Central NY. From my marina it is 30 minute drive to a small marine shop in a marina with limited and expensive items. The nearest West Marine an 90 minute drive. If something breaks, then I get to fix it, no yard to hire. On the other hand, the area is not crowded and it is affordable.

 

[Leeward Rail]

From my marina it is 30 minute drive to a small marine shop in a marina with limited and expensive items.

Having to drive a distance and still pay high prices with a limited selection, sucks.

Most boats here are powerboats with a definite focus on fishing but with more and more barge/pontoon boats. The problem with our dealers is they don't carry inventory of much of anything in the way of parts and accessories. They sure are willing to sell you a new boat though.

In a city of 800,000, we have one family run place that is the only real source for both power and sail stuff. They do a fantastic job for a small store and I am more than willing pay a bit more to keep them in business.

There is a rumour that this year our marina will be dealer for a Canadian marine distributor. I am hoping I can order stuff and have it there by the next weekend. May not have a complete selection, and cost a bit more than the small city store, but it will be very convenient, and anything I can do to help the marina is a good thing. Great owners.

A defender.ca site with a warehouse would be great because it would increase selection beyond what the local guys can handle.

If something breaks, then I get to fix it, no yard to hire.

I see that often as a good thing and what should be the default mode for sailors. But I have a shop full of tools and years of fixing and making stuff.. so that may be just an addiction of some type.