Mike Gardner wrote:


and if you live in the middle of nowhere - where what passes as a marine
store is wal-mart, then where do you order from?

Hi All:

I live in the middle of nowhere also and this is my process:

1) Look at my West Marine catalogue. Get manufacture's model/item
number. Yes WM does list that number along with the WM number. Check
out their price and divide by two for a "typical street price"

2) Enter the item number (not the WM number) and do a web search.
Survey price from several vendors.

3) Call two marine stores in the PNW that cater to commercial fishers
(fisherman).
Englund Marine Supply OR-WA or lately Redden Marine in Bellingham, WA.
They have very competitive rates. Not always cheapest, but 5%-10%
close.

For example, 12 AWG primary boat wire, 100' spool. Prices ranged from
$ 0.52 (WM) - 0.17 per foot (someplace in FL). I went with Englund
marine for $0.19 because I like the place and it is in my state.

Now, in fear of become the target of "marine only" and "the
best" advocates.

When I needed bilge hose I go to an industrial hose supply and ask for
hose that is designed for use in a specific environment with a specific
duty. Same for 316L fasteners or Trojan 6V batteries. I do not mention
marine or the word yacht. However, many times the sales person will
say, "Oh sounds as though you need Acme brand XYZ, Its used mostly
(or was that mostly used) in the marine industry." That is why I am
using some very robust 1 ½" clear pvc "suction hose" for my
bilge system. Why pay 3-8 bucks per foot for "good marine grade"
hose when I can pay $1.80 for something used in an even more demanding
application than the dreaded "below the waterline" bilge system.
Want High Test anchor chain? Go to the industrial truck/logging/farm
supply and ask for 3/8" chain with a braking strength about
19,000lbs. They will say, "Oh, the only thing in 3/8 we have that
tough is some Transport G70." Do not ask for "anchor chain." The
out of work logger/farmer making $8 bucks an hour behind the counter
wont have a clue.
Bob.