I need to purchase new running rigging, sail covers, probably a ton more, advice on best priced shops. West Marine is great but is it the best price?
Need Advise - took on a 1985 project..
- Thread starter TideWalker
- Start date
Yeah, here, I get sail covers, helm covers, cockpit cushions, stuff they get from outside vendors are same price as direct with better customer service. Check the "clearance" section for running rigging and such that may fit your application.
I've purchased a lot of things from this site. They are really good about giving me a call if they think there is any confusion on what is the exact correct part. They have also been really good about answering calls. I've also called them when I could not find a part and (so far) they have been able to run it down for me each time. As a result, I always shop here first and if the price is close, I buy here even if it is a little higher priced.
"Best price" is a subjective term. Do any of these attributes have any value to you: wide selection, adequate stocking, knowledgeable employees, helpful service, quick shipping, good return policy, easy-to-use website?
I have found these online sailboat hardware vendors to be of great value, even if they don't show up on the first few search pages:
nautos-usa.com
riggingand hardware.com
duckworks.com
boltdepot.com
sailorstailor.com
mastgates.com
Not a vendor, but a good source of boat project info: stingysailor.com
I have found these online sailboat hardware vendors to be of great value, even if they don't show up on the first few search pages:
nautos-usa.com
riggingand hardware.com
duckworks.com
boltdepot.com
sailorstailor.com
mastgates.com
Not a vendor, but a good source of boat project info: stingysailor.com
I'll second the SBO site recommendation, but have a few more recommendations. I'm with @jwing , you need to balance the level of service with the cost. I'll always go with a local company if it's within 10% of the on-line. This is not charity - it's maintaining the presence of the local store that will be there on Saturday morning at 10am when I really need a spare fuse or tube of 3M 4200 in a big hurry. Remember to add-in shipping charges.
For online purchasing, I will also check Defender.com, Annapolis Performance Sailing (APLltd.com), Marinebeam, and FisheriesSupply.com -- all have their particular niches, so it's best to cross-compare when you're pricing something expensive. If you don't need new, eBay is a great source of used parts, but you need to know what you're looking at. For anything expendable (think anything soft like cordage, sails, canvas covers, tubing, etc.) I found that buying new will save money as there's usually not much useful life on the used stuff.
For canvas work, I usually go with a local canvas shop. There's enough local business in awnings, boating, and RV's to keep these small shops open. That can't be said for chandlers where the on-line stores have beaten the brick-and-mortar stores to death, like in every other commodity.
For online purchasing, I will also check Defender.com, Annapolis Performance Sailing (APLltd.com), Marinebeam, and FisheriesSupply.com -- all have their particular niches, so it's best to cross-compare when you're pricing something expensive. If you don't need new, eBay is a great source of used parts, but you need to know what you're looking at. For anything expendable (think anything soft like cordage, sails, canvas covers, tubing, etc.) I found that buying new will save money as there's usually not much useful life on the used stuff.
For canvas work, I usually go with a local canvas shop. There's enough local business in awnings, boating, and RV's to keep these small shops open. That can't be said for chandlers where the on-line stores have beaten the brick-and-mortar stores to death, like in every other commodity.
Our canvas prices are really good, same for running rigging and our rig shop. Here's the h28.5 main page:
https://shop.hunterowners.com/hp/model.php?m=28.5
https://shop.hunterowners.com/hp/model.php?m=28.5
I purchased a custom canvas cover for our helm here on SBO. They did a great job, communication, timing and workmanship second to none. As to price? I don't know and don't care if i spend a few extra bucks. I got what I wanted when I wanted it. Sail cover is next.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,513
I needed a windlass and rode. @Dave Groshong here at SBO was extremely helpful and gave me a fair price. I will go back to him again.
Welcome @TideWalker to our forum. It is a place for sailors new and old to share stories and help. Enjoy your experience.
Welcome @TideWalker to our forum. It is a place for sailors new and old to share stories and help. Enjoy your experience.