As most sailors, I have hunted the internet and marine catalogs for the "best price". I have used those "best price" discoveries in my purchasing. As an example, West Marine has a policy to "match prices" from published competitor pricing both catalog and sale merchandise. So I have found that Defender Industries generally have a lower price than West Marine so when I shop at West I have my Defender Catalog in my back pocket. Today, while reading another post in HOW I found someone mention www.onlinemarine.com as another place to shop. I checked their prices for radar which I just purchased and found that thier price was better to the unit I purchased than my other sources. So... I thought that it would be appropriate to ask all you other sailors for your favorite place/web-site which has the "best price" for marine items. Having spent $10K plus to refit my boat after a fire, I am sure that list could have helped me and would definately help others. Please respond with your list. Thanks,
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Sailnet.com is a good one
In addition to discount prices like West, Defender, BoatUS, they have a current policy of free UPS shipping within the US.
In addition to discount prices like West, Defender, BoatUS, they have a current policy of free UPS shipping within the US.
My faves.....
First, I have found that all the big retail marine stores will match prices. I leverage Boat/US against WestMarine all the time here in San Diego. It's fun! Second, I want to say that I prefer online sites that are backed by real stores. I prefer that they have toll-free numbers where real people answer the phones and can handle your problems without putting you on hold. That said, the only internet-only store I like is sailnet.com. Even though they have made some collossal errors with me regarding billing, supply and delivery, I was always able to talk to someone whenever I called and the problem was handled promptly. Once you are on their e-mail list you will enjoy the newsletter sailing articles and special sales notices. These guys are really trying hard so I like 'em. I've learned a bunch just reading the newletters. My other picks all have real stores. For performance stuff, especially rigging and hardware,I highly recommend Annapolis Performance Sailing at www.apsltd.com/ for service and good prices. I like www.boatus.com, they have lots of specials. Many on electronics. For boat hardware, the best is Garhauer Marine at www.garhauer.com/. It's a factory site and they distribute to retail stores. But you won't believe the prices when compared to Harken, Lewmar and Shaeffer. They provide original equipment on many Catalinas.
First, I have found that all the big retail marine stores will match prices. I leverage Boat/US against WestMarine all the time here in San Diego. It's fun! Second, I want to say that I prefer online sites that are backed by real stores. I prefer that they have toll-free numbers where real people answer the phones and can handle your problems without putting you on hold. That said, the only internet-only store I like is sailnet.com. Even though they have made some collossal errors with me regarding billing, supply and delivery, I was always able to talk to someone whenever I called and the problem was handled promptly. Once you are on their e-mail list you will enjoy the newsletter sailing articles and special sales notices. These guys are really trying hard so I like 'em. I've learned a bunch just reading the newletters. My other picks all have real stores. For performance stuff, especially rigging and hardware,I highly recommend Annapolis Performance Sailing at www.apsltd.com/ for service and good prices. I like www.boatus.com, they have lots of specials. Many on electronics. For boat hardware, the best is Garhauer Marine at www.garhauer.com/. It's a factory site and they distribute to retail stores. But you won't believe the prices when compared to Harken, Lewmar and Shaeffer. They provide original equipment on many Catalinas.
Sailor's Sourcebook at:
http://www.sailingworld.com/ssbk/gear/index.html is good place to start. Pointers to all the sites. Some of my "Favorites" not including BoatUS, West Marine, Garhauer, and Edson are: http://www.sailors-exchange.com/ http://www.rigrite.com/ http://www.pyacht.com/ http://www.onlinemarine.com/ http://www.sailorman.com/ http://www.marinedieseldirect.com/ http://www.sailrite.com/ After I have exhausted the HOW Chandlery of course
http://www.sailingworld.com/ssbk/gear/index.html is good place to start. Pointers to all the sites. Some of my "Favorites" not including BoatUS, West Marine, Garhauer, and Edson are: http://www.sailors-exchange.com/ http://www.rigrite.com/ http://www.pyacht.com/ http://www.onlinemarine.com/ http://www.sailorman.com/ http://www.marinedieseldirect.com/ http://www.sailrite.com/ After I have exhausted the HOW Chandlery of course
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