Do you always purchase gear designed for the marine environment or do you think most of that stuff is just too overpriced? You may have a local chandlery you’d like to support, perhaps there’s a West Marine nearby... but can you get the materials you need for some boat projects at landlubber supply centers like hardware stores or even warehouse stores like WalMart or Home Depot? Share your supply tips here vote in the Quick Quiz on the home page. (Discussion topic and quiz by Trevor MacLachlan)
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Ouch - thats a tough question because you said always
Much of the stuff you get in the marine stores is not marine grade. Such is the case with most bronze parts because naval or Red bronze is hardly made any more. many pipe fittings or other fittings for use in salt water is made of brass, definitely not marine grade. But in response to the question I always analyze the service an determine if a less than marine grade is acceptable. So I guess my answer is no.
Much of the stuff you get in the marine stores is not marine grade. Such is the case with most bronze parts because naval or Red bronze is hardly made any more. many pipe fittings or other fittings for use in salt water is made of brass, definitely not marine grade. But in response to the question I always analyze the service an determine if a less than marine grade is acceptable. So I guess my answer is no.
Depends what the product is!!
Some items can be substituted from a local hardware store, while others make more sense to purchase from a marine chandlery. Just beacuse something cost less, doesn't mean it's a better buy.
Some items can be substituted from a local hardware store, while others make more sense to purchase from a marine chandlery. Just beacuse something cost less, doesn't mean it's a better buy.
"always" sounds a little too much like commitment
... but I will usually give non-boating stores a look if I have the luxury of time to do so. I picked up some decent marine-grade stainless steel shackles and some swivel snaps for my lifelines at Lowes. I think it depends on what you're buying.
... but I will usually give non-boating stores a look if I have the luxury of time to do so. I picked up some decent marine-grade stainless steel shackles and some swivel snaps for my lifelines at Lowes. I think it depends on what you're buying.
For plumbing I go to my local wholesaler. For lumber
I go to my local lumber yard and have them order what I need. For electrical goods I go to the electrical supply house and specify for corrosive enviroment. For fasteners I go the Hamilton Marine or Jamestown Distributors. McMaster-Carr meets many of my needs.
I go to my local lumber yard and have them order what I need. For electrical goods I go to the electrical supply house and specify for corrosive enviroment. For fasteners I go the Hamilton Marine or Jamestown Distributors. McMaster-Carr meets many of my needs.
Depends on what the difference is
I beg to differ with Jim who seems to think, to quote him, that " Marine grade material cost more because it will not rust or catch on fire." If that were true, we'd never have to polish anything or have fire extinguishers. The reality is there is marine grade toilet paper and marine grade metal polish, both of which are silly but true examples of misnomers as compared with a wide variety of bronze and brass alloys and SS so it would appear the knowledgeable boater chooses based on substance rather than advertizing (or price).
I beg to differ with Jim who seems to think, to quote him, that " Marine grade material cost more because it will not rust or catch on fire." If that were true, we'd never have to polish anything or have fire extinguishers. The reality is there is marine grade toilet paper and marine grade metal polish, both of which are silly but true examples of misnomers as compared with a wide variety of bronze and brass alloys and SS so it would appear the knowledgeable boater chooses based on substance rather than advertizing (or price).
I know for a fact there is marine grade TP,
cause the household stuff will bind/clog the macerator. Varnish, sandpaper, brushes I buy at my local hardware retailer. Metal polish? I bought a can of Bright Boy cause I wanted it right then and I was in WM. Many things, especially for the interior, can be purchased at RV stores, but marine electrical components are worth the extra money cause they are more corrosion resistant. Hardware store stainless fasteners are frequently inferior foreign made stainless. I prefer WM for that. Everyone makes their own choices.
cause the household stuff will bind/clog the macerator. Varnish, sandpaper, brushes I buy at my local hardware retailer. Metal polish? I bought a can of Bright Boy cause I wanted it right then and I was in WM. Many things, especially for the interior, can be purchased at RV stores, but marine electrical components are worth the extra money cause they are more corrosion resistant. Hardware store stainless fasteners are frequently inferior foreign made stainless. I prefer WM for that. Everyone makes their own choices.
love hate
Its tough to stick to my 'support local' guns when the WM is within walking distance from the dock. We have a love/hate relationship.
Its tough to stick to my 'support local' guns when the WM is within walking distance from the dock. We have a love/hate relationship.
plain ole scott
plain ole scott tissue is pound for pound, sheet for sheet the best deal. It's cheap, large rolls, single ply, and will breakdown as good as any MGTP. However, there is NO good TP after you eat the big burrito special at Montezuma's Guatalajara restaurant.
plain ole scott tissue is pound for pound, sheet for sheet the best deal. It's cheap, large rolls, single ply, and will breakdown as good as any MGTP. However, there is NO good TP after you eat the big burrito special at Montezuma's Guatalajara restaurant.
just to clarify
someone have have misunderstood what I intended to say - there is no such thing as marine grade toilet paper, marine grade metal polish, or for that matter, marine grade lube oil but that apparently doesn't stop people from buying all three..
someone have have misunderstood what I intended to say - there is no such thing as marine grade toilet paper, marine grade metal polish, or for that matter, marine grade lube oil but that apparently doesn't stop people from buying all three..
Second vote for Ace Hardware
I always look at Ace Hardware or Taylor's Do It Center first. They have a Rustoleum brand of marine paint which I think is wonderful, and it's less half the cost of other marine paints. I only use the West Marine here if I need something ASAP, otherwise I shop the internet.
I always look at Ace Hardware or Taylor's Do It Center first. They have a Rustoleum brand of marine paint which I think is wonderful, and it's less half the cost of other marine paints. I only use the West Marine here if I need something ASAP, otherwise I shop the internet.
Shop Prudently - Sometimes it is marine grade sometimes not.
I buy screws and bolts from a local fastening wholesaler if I need quantities. I can specify grade and get whatever I want as long as I want 100 or more for screws and bolts in 10s. They cost 20% or regular retail and 10% or WM. Interior items I always buy from hardware stores - plates are unbreakable from kitchen supply or Walmart Canvas goods I make from Sailrite. Wood from local hardwood supplier at 40% of Marine stores and cut to my specs.
I buy screws and bolts from a local fastening wholesaler if I need quantities. I can specify grade and get whatever I want as long as I want 100 or more for screws and bolts in 10s. They cost 20% or regular retail and 10% or WM. Interior items I always buy from hardware stores - plates are unbreakable from kitchen supply or Walmart Canvas goods I make from Sailrite. Wood from local hardwood supplier at 40% of Marine stores and cut to my specs.
If it is specific...
for a sail boat... its the Marine store for me. Anything else... anything goes (just use common sense).
for a sail boat... its the Marine store for me. Anything else... anything goes (just use common sense).
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