Inflation out of control ! What are some products that my fellow boaters are using that are not necessary marine grade products to save some $

[Capt Robbie]

with inflation skyrocketing, thought it might be interesting to see if anyone here has found any good substitute items that they use on the boat that works as well or better than what the chandler sells as marine grade products such as cleaners, equipment, or anything that you use on your boat.

for me I have two items.

1) Tooth paste $2.99 vs $20 plus for star bright products = for cleaning all metal and cloudy port lights works amazing!

2) bar keepers friend $2.99 vs $25.00 plus for Marykate on off hull cleaner = cleans just as well maybe even better!

 

[Tedd]

McMaster-Carr has a good selection of 304 and 316 stainless fasteners. I haven't compared their prices to my local marine shop but it would surprise me if McMaster's prices aren't lower. They also have hose clamps, fittings of various kinds, and lots of other things that might be suitable for your boat.

 

[Rich Stidger]

Dollar store LA Awesome cleaners. Better than marine high priced formulas.

 

[jviss]

Not boat related, but check this: chicken prices have gone through the roof! I found that a whole, fresh, young chicken is $3 to $4/pound in the regular supermarkets. WalMart, however, still sells them for $1.04/pound! You just have to ask someone when they get them/put them out, as they disappear quickly.

 

[PaulK]

We're planning to use our sails as much as possible instead of our engine.

 

[jviss]

We're planning to use our sails as much as possible instead of our engine.

That's always my plan!

 

[kappykaplan]

That's always my plan!

 

[mikeracca]

We're planning to use our sails as much as possible instead of our engine.

This is the #1 reason I bought a sail boat!

 

[dmax]

I was at Home Depot last night, they have Splash Anti-freeze (the pink stuff, not for engines) for 88 cents a gallon - sure beats WM. They say it's good to -50 F: SPLASH RV & Marine -50 Propylene Glycol Antifreeze | Formulated for -50 Burst Protection

 

[Tater]

Lines/Rope - My 170 has old lines. I am slowly replacing them. My furler had old line and was prone to jamming. I don't need color coding so a good quality braided nylon works well.

My boat lives in a dry basement. Corrosion is not an issue. About the only hardware that will be replaced with MG are blocks.