I think you have a real find there. Marina stores traditionally charge much
more than
anyone else, maybe because of the convenience factor. I just got the good news
that
a Cabelas Sport Store is moving into my area. I bought a Garelick outboard
bracket from them this year at almost half of what West Marine was asking. I
don't
think West would have bargained down that much, so I didn't even ask. I hope
more will follow, especially those with a good selection of sailboat hardware.

Sherwin D.

Jere Lull wrote:

In article . com,
"boomerswims" wrote:

I'm really sorry that so many of you have had bad experiences with west
marine. I'm probably going to get my lashes by mentioning this, but I'm
going to. I work for west marine.

What I complain about is of no fault of yours.

My complaints mostly center around dramatically increased prices for
things that they stock, and far fewer stocked items than in past years.

I used to be able to get my Maxprop zincs at the Delaware BOAT/U.S. No
longer.

Last year, the West Marine stores had Spade anchors. This year (when I
went to get one) NOT. I probably would have ordered from Glenn anyway,
but I checked in case there was a price differential.

So many times, things that had been in the stores are missing now.

Independent marine stores will match West's prices and usually beat
them. Repeat customers get an even better deal. When they don't have an
item, they'll dig around in the manufacturers' catalogs and order
directly. West can't or won't do that.

West seems to think they've created a monopoly and increased prices
accordingly, but that ain't true in my area. My marina's store gives me
better prices and service.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/