Online Purchases - Boat Supplies?

3

33Degrees

New Member
Oct 31, 2010
6
Southern California
Boat Info
1991 420 Sundancer
Engines
375 hp 3208 Cats
Hi Everyone –

I was wondering, what are some of the online resources you guys and gals are using for online purchases?

I’m local in Southern California and feel trapped by West Marine (and ONLY West Marine) for better or for worse.

I’m outfitting another boat (I never learn) and need to assemble a large purchase, just hoping there is the equivalent of an Amazon for boat stuff online!

Thanks,
~33 Degrees North
 
Well, there's BOE (see upper left hand corner of the top of this screen), then there's the iboats store, then there's defender.com, then overtons, but my favorite is c-me sales - only 'cause they've been around forever and have the lowest prices anywhere. Plus, in the dead of winter, I can go there and walk around the store for a few hours and get my boatin' fix... www.c-mesales.com The website's kinda lame, but if you pm me with your address, I'll send you my catalog.
 
You can also try Wholesalemarine.com. They have good prices. I also use Defender and ******* (for mechanical parts).
 
Once I get the part numbers I often type them into Google to find the lowest cost provider. Be sure you consider shipping costs when doing this.
 
Presentation said:
Once I get the part numbers I often type them into Google to find the lowest cost provider. Be sure you consider shipping costs when doing this.
Click to expand...

That's what I do. I've had good luck with buying stuff on line. Usually great value, quality, and quick shipping. The only place I've had problems was with eBay. Even there, I've gotten a couple of good deals from a vendor of boat stuff who turned out to be local. I've also had some real problems there. My rule of thunb there now is to only buy if the seller takes a major credit card so that if there is a problem I have real recourse. Stay away from anyone who only takes PayPal, checks, or money orders.
 
Build relationships. The difference in price is negligible in the long run. Work with BOE, West Marine, and a good local marine dealer. West Marine is the most cost effective marine source available if you use the price matching. My local West Marine handles warranty returns for many marine suppliers, matches internet prices, and knows about marine needs. I have heard similar great things about BOE. Get your cheap internet source to do that!

MM
 
I've used boaterbarn.com several times and was pleased with all aspects of my purchase each time. The main guys name is Don and he's pretty knowledgable and helpful. I belive they are located in Southern Cali!! Just another option.....but with all things being equal I would try BOE first and foremost since they sponsor this great site!!
Todd
 
It depends on what you are looking for... I have bought part online from RV sites, volkswagan parts, defender, boatf-i-x, wholesale marine, OEMs, amazon, ebay, and some sites I don't remember. Just use Google to find what I need. Some sites are better than others. This year I purchase my pink antifreeze form ACE Hardware, for $2.99 a gallon. One thing I found, in a pinch, there is nothing like the local marina parts store. Fortunately, I have about 10 Marines 5 miles from where I live.
 
Personally I'm not a fan of West Marine at all. They're not good for much else than basic supplies which are usually marked up 30% or more.

I typically purchase most of my parts online.

Doug
 
I always check E-Bay and Craigs List first if I am looking for big ticket items like heads , Manifolds and such that would cost a lot to ship . I have a West Marine that is 10 min. from work so I go there on lunch they are a little more expensive but they save me 30 or 40 min of driving one way. These guys are pretty good http://www.wholesalemarine.com/ This out fit has a lot of diffrent parts that are hard to find http://greatlakesskipper.com/ This is the parent company for people in the Chicago & Milwaukee area http://kendormarine.com/
 
Good topic. So I went to my old boating store in my area, West Marine, this past Saturday with a long list of winterizing items to purchase. I ended up being very frustrated and left with only a very small portion of my list. They didn't have the oil I wanted, they didn't have the gear lube I wanted, didn't have the oil filter I wanted, nor the fuel/water seperating filters I wanted. They only carried one brand of spark plug that I didn't want to buy and didn't want to look in the catalog to cross-reference. I ended up buying antifreeze and some token other items (and now I see from this thread I should have went across the street to Ace Hardware!)

I came home and spent awhile searching everything out online, comparing prices and shipping costs. Ended up with three orders to cover everything and need to stop at Advance Auto Parts for my spark plugs.

Amazon.com had all of the oil and fuel filters, with free shipping.
Defender.com had some other winterizing items I needed (inc. a sale on outdrive gear lube).
Advanced Auto has free shipping over $75 and until 11/15, has 10% off $100. My spark plugs will get me over $75 alone. :smt001

I doubt I'll be back to West Marine unless it's something I need today.

Tom
 
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WM is high, but they do price match if they have the same item in their catalog. Just take them the web page. I recently bought some control cables and save $100 by WM price matching. I had them shipped to the store and saved shipping.

So if you pay catolg prices, then you are ripping yourself off...................
 
I go to my local NAPA for my engine parts, plugs were $2 each and their filters are made by Wix which are said to be the best on the market, I also would rather give my money to the local guy I know. Most hardware stores carry the pink stuff some carry oil and SS Screws. Going to a Marina you will pay 30 to 40% more if they have what you need. I know some here can just say fix it I can't so I do a lot of shopping on line and the hardware stores
 
douglee25 said:
Personally I'm not a fan of West Marine at all. They're not good for much else than basic supplies which are usually marked up 30% or more.

I typically purchase most of my parts online.

Doug
Click to expand...
They do price match however including Internet prices. I've done that several times in the past without a problem.
 
beernutz said:
They do price match however including Internet prices. I've done that several times in the past without a problem.
Click to expand...

Some places do match, some places don't. And you have to have the item in stock in order to price match. The West Marine's local to me don't have much more than basic supplies.

Doug
 
WM and I'm sure lots of others discount for volume and wholesale/resale.... I have found that http://fisheriessupply.com/ this outfit with a commercial account set up I achieve a fantastic discount. It's a cash account and I still pay sales tax, but getting 1/3 off ROCKS !!!
 
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