I suspect this 'term' comes from a few of my posts and refers to the caliber
of their in-store staff.

I have not had all that many favorable experiences with this outfit.

I have, until recently, favored doing business with Boat/US because I felt
their sales personnel were more knowledgeable. (Maybe that's because two of
my sons worked there while going to college.) And it was much easier to get
a wholesale (builders account) with Boat/US.

When Boat/US moved out of Seattle, I switched my wholesale account over to
Fisheries Supply.. (Don't be deceived by the name. They have about as much
rec. boat and sailing gear as West Marine.) Plus they have a staff of old
and young pros. Very helpful and not afraid admit when they don't have what
you want (and point you to a source). Also, there is always a dozen or so
helpful staff in the store. They have a separate wholesale counter but the
wholesale customer is still welcome to shop in the retail store and will
receive his generous discount at the checkout.

About the only truly helpful and trust worthy technical info you can get
from West Marine is from the WEST ADVISOR bulletins. I have always found
these to be very helpful and about the only part of my annual catalog that I
ever refer too.

I was sorry to find out that West Marine has taken over their only true,
national competition (Boat/US).


--
My opinion and experience. FWIW

Steve
s/v Good Intentions