And it's only an hour away from me.
I like Defender. They started off a little shakey,
but have come around quite a bit.
At least out west here, Port Supply is the wholesale arm of West
Marine.
Do you have Port Supply retail stores in NC?
>>
>>At least out west here, Port Supply is the wholesale arm of West
>>Marine.
>>Do you have Port Supply retail stores in NC?
>>
>
> I don't know of any.... and I've been lead to believe that it is no
> longer worth the effort to jump through all the hoops to get an
> account.
>
> How do their prices compare to West Marine? Same?
> --
>
> Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC.
I have found West Marine to normally be on the high side. If I need
something in a hurry I will shop there as there is one just down the street
from my marina. Hardware items like SS screws can be purchased cheaper at
the Ace Hardware store across from West Marine. If I have more time I will
normally buy it off the net from Boaters World, Defender or an endless list
of other web marine stores. Things like bottom paint and batteries are
always purchased locally.
There may be different levels of discount available through Port
Supply.
The prices should always be at least a little cheaper than through
West Marine directly. Port Supply "wholesales" stuff to stores that
compete with West Marine retail shops, as well as to some independent
repair facilities and boatyards.
WM will be on the high side, but they normally have the small hardware in
stock, and better quality stainless than screws than Ace and better
selection. I do shop the net for a lot of items, but WM is still very handy
for the small stuff.
>Anybody want to start posting their favorite suppliers? We could all
>benefit from knowing all of the suppliers....
>
>I'll contribute those that I have traded at:
>
>West Marine
>BoatUS
>Defender
>Bass Pro
http://www.pyacht.net - good prices and service on electronics
BoatersWorld - Local stores frequently cheaper than WM on small stuff
>Boatersworld..how reliable is this company?
I only have experience with the local store. They basically carry the
same stuff as WM but typically at better prices. I've never had the
need to return anything so I can't speak to that. WM's return
policies are excellent of course.