Where do you buy most of your marine products?

[NCangler]

I thought I'd start a poll to get a feel for where most of our members buy marine products. I've listed a few but feel free to add some names and recommendations in a post about the poll. We'll use this information to see if we can negotiate some discounts for our Captain's Club Members in the near future. So if you could have access to a discount with a marine supplier who would be your first choice?

[k9reno]

I have purchased most of my stuff through Bass Pro Shops. Ihave had nothing but real good experiences with them. Even with messed up orders They corrected with out hesitation, and even when it was a tackle issure they told me to keep what they sent and they sent what I ordered out that day. Damaged delivery was exchanged no problem. I have also ordered a couple things from Hamilton Marine through their catalog. They are out of Maine.

[Cincinnati]

I like buying from the small local tackle and marina guy if the price isn't too high. But if forced, I'll go to West Marine for boat stuff and Bass Pro for tackle.

[NCangler]

Good point Cincinnati. I'll always have some projects that I like to do myself and I'm as cost conscious as the next guy. But when we can we should try to support a local vendor and certainly our local Triumph dealer. The reality is that if we buy a product from a discount house and we have a problem with the product we're on our own. It is unfair (not to mention awkward) if we then ask a local dealer what to do because we can't get the item to work. I understand that his happens very often for dealers with depth finders, radios, other electronics and aftermarket engine parts. Dealers then feel like they get a bad rap if they have to tell us to go back to where we bought the product for support. But if I were in their shoes I'd do the same thing. I didn't sell it so I don't support it. Many times the discount houses will not have technical people on hand to provide that support, and certainly not like a local dealer could. That is a significant reason why the discounter can sell cheaper than a boat dealer can. All that to say, if we buy from a box house we take our chances. Better be prepared to do that self install and "hold please" thing.

Bottom line...build a relationship with a local dealer and support them when you can.

[190steve.s]

I'm actually somewhat even between basspro and boatersworld. Boatersworld is my local tha t I support but basspro is only 30 miles away..Usually I find that westmarine is a dollar or two more on everything.

[mtty]

I usually shop online. I've bought stuff from Florida to Wisconsin most recently. I don't think I've ever used the same place twice and that includes 2 stroke oil. I guess I'm not very loyal but as my college econ professor used to say "price and price only determines demand".

[mtblife]

I bought my VHF Radio, Flush Mount, Antenna, and Antenna Mount at boatersworld.com and bought my Humminbird 937c at anchorexpress.com. It all depends on the prices.

[MolarBoater]

SailNet.com pretty good on prices, keep an eye on them adding taxes online though. BoatersWorld.com for most anything else. Browns Point Marine online has a great selection of Suzuki motor parts, filter, oil etc.

[Genelie]

Out here in San Diego, we do not have alot to choose from, West Marine is the biggest store out here. I oringinally bought eletronics from a local triumph dealer but GOT HOSED. The owner did apologised, said his partner was a bad boy....( like my edit nc angler :-}} ) Maybe someone drop a hint to Basspro, and Cabella's to come out here???????

[NCangler]

Good control genelie.

Originally Posted by genelie

but GOT HOSED. The owner did apologised, said his partner was a bad boy....( like my edit nc angler :-}}