Just found out that my A/C unit has died. I'm looking for a 12k btu Cooling Unit. I have no need for a reverse cycle in my area. Where is the cheapest place to find them? Online? West Marine? Boat US? Thanks!
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Defender?
Found the lowest price(Dec. 1999) from Defender for my Mermaid 12K unit. But I think you might get just as good pricing from the manufacturer. Give them a call(link below).
Found the lowest price(Dec. 1999) from Defender for my Mermaid 12K unit. But I think you might get just as good pricing from the manufacturer. Give them a call(link below).
Me Too!
Hi, I bought my Mermaid from defender too, got the best price. Best to determine what comes with the unit, and what if anything you have that is worth saving. The "installation kit" has a lot of extra stuff. you may not need. John K s/v Fifty Fifty
Hi, I bought my Mermaid from defender too, got the best price. Best to determine what comes with the unit, and what if anything you have that is worth saving. The "installation kit" has a lot of extra stuff. you may not need. John K s/v Fifty Fifty
Big discount on 'outfitting' order at Defender..
.. almost 200$ less than their catalog price ( for Mermaid 12k cool only), and manufacturer price ( which , on catalog are the same).Surprisingly , West Marine catalog-and quote-price was about 200$ more than both... Eventually , I bought from Mermaid Company directly , as Defender price became unproportionally higher , when including international DHL shipping cost.. But for local US location , I suppose Defender is the cheapest deal..
.. almost 200$ less than their catalog price ( for Mermaid 12k cool only), and manufacturer price ( which , on catalog are the same).Surprisingly , West Marine catalog-and quote-price was about 200$ more than both... Eventually , I bought from Mermaid Company directly , as Defender price became unproportionally higher , when including international DHL shipping cost.. But for local US location , I suppose Defender is the cheapest deal..
Defender Problems
It's easy to get hooked on the basic Defender prices but I've had a heck of a time trying to hold them to reasonable add-on charges. No matter how hard I've tried to nail them down on bottom line FOB my house they have always managed to find a way out. Recommendation: Check with the shipper ahead of ordering the item what the costs are; pickup and shipping and for which service. This way you can talk shipping cost at the time of the order. Also discuss "handling" costs. That's what they charge to get back the profit they lost in the lower advertised/catalog price. Want a "new" item, untouched by human hands? Specify that or you can get something that has been repackaged; hopefully everything is there. When I first bought my boat and was outfitting it I bought a lot of stuff from them. Each time I said I wouldn't do it again, but then I told myself this time would be different. Well, each time it was different. Recommend talking to them on the phone get the info you need but don't order it; write the order up and fax it to them. In the past few years I've found other places to buy my boating stuff at competitive prices without having problems like having to argue about what was agreed, costs not to exceed, etc. GOOD LUCK with ordering!
It's easy to get hooked on the basic Defender prices but I've had a heck of a time trying to hold them to reasonable add-on charges. No matter how hard I've tried to nail them down on bottom line FOB my house they have always managed to find a way out. Recommendation: Check with the shipper ahead of ordering the item what the costs are; pickup and shipping and for which service. This way you can talk shipping cost at the time of the order. Also discuss "handling" costs. That's what they charge to get back the profit they lost in the lower advertised/catalog price. Want a "new" item, untouched by human hands? Specify that or you can get something that has been repackaged; hopefully everything is there. When I first bought my boat and was outfitting it I bought a lot of stuff from them. Each time I said I wouldn't do it again, but then I told myself this time would be different. Well, each time it was different. Recommend talking to them on the phone get the info you need but don't order it; write the order up and fax it to them. In the past few years I've found other places to buy my boating stuff at competitive prices without having problems like having to argue about what was agreed, costs not to exceed, etc. GOOD LUCK with ordering!
Defender warehouse
I have had similar bad experiences with defender mail order, out of stock, long delays, credit charges with stocked out backorders, etc. On the other hand Their warehouse is close by and I have been very happy buying on the spot at the warehouse. They have great prices on line remnants and if stocked out West Marine is a few miles down the road.
I have had similar bad experiences with defender mail order, out of stock, long delays, credit charges with stocked out backorders, etc. On the other hand Their warehouse is close by and I have been very happy buying on the spot at the warehouse. They have great prices on line remnants and if stocked out West Marine is a few miles down the road.
I've had no problems with Defender for over 6 year
I've dealt with them for over 6 years, both in New Rochelle (when they were there) and in Waterford. Their mail order has always been right on the money when I didn't have time to drive up there.
I've dealt with them for over 6 years, both in New Rochelle (when they were there) and in Waterford. Their mail order has always been right on the money when I didn't have time to drive up there.
Believe it or not....
Defender actually beat Mermaid's direct cost. I would never have guessed that. Thanks for the advice.
Defender actually beat Mermaid's direct cost. I would never have guessed that. Thanks for the advice.
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