West Marine
 

Anybody go shopping lately at West Marine?

I hadn't been there for a couple of years. I stopped in today because I was
thinking of picking up three new LED type cockpit light fixtures to replace
the halogen bulb types.
I did this a few years ago in the upper station .... replaced the stock
halogens with red LED types. IIRC, the fixtures were about 15 bucks each
then.

Found them today at West Marine and grabbed three. Then I noticed the price.
$34.95 each. Hung them back on the display rack.

Talk about big oil ripping off the customers.

35 bucks for a 75 cent plastic fixture and a 2 dollar LED?

Gimmie a break.

Eisboch

West Marine
 

On May 18, 7:02 pm, "Eisboch" wrote:
Anybody go shopping lately at West Marine?

I hadn't been there for a couple of years. I stopped in today because I was
thinking of picking up three new LED type cockpit light fixtures to replace
the halogen bulb types.
I did this a few years ago in the upper station .... replaced the stock
halogens with red LED types. IIRC, the fixtures were about 15 bucks each
then.

Found them today at West Marine and grabbed three. Then I noticed the price.
$34.95 each. Hung them back on the display rack.

Talk about big oil ripping off the customers.

35 bucks for a 75 cent plastic fixture and a 2 dollar LED?

Gimmie a break.

Eisboch

There's been seeveral threads on west marine feeling they should
charge more for a lot of items.

There was a long on I believe on R.B cruising jsut a couple monts or
so ago.

I dont know where one is close by, but I'm not tempted to go in there,
even for curiosity sake, now....

West Marine
 

"Eisboch" wrote in message
...
Anybody go shopping lately at West Marine?

I hadn't been there for a couple of years. I stopped in today because I
was thinking of picking up three new LED type cockpit light fixtures to
replace the halogen bulb types.
I did this a few years ago in the upper station .... replaced the stock
halogens with red LED types. IIRC, the fixtures were about 15 bucks each
then.

Found them today at West Marine and grabbed three. Then I noticed the
price.
$34.95 each. Hung them back on the display rack.

Talk about big oil ripping off the customers.

35 bucks for a 75 cent plastic fixture and a 2 dollar LED?

Gimmie a break.

Eisboch


I only buy last minute needs from them (they are 1/2 mile from my boat)
unless I cannot find the item at the local hardware store (also 1/2 mile
from the boat).....otherwise I buy from the net. ;-)

I am replacing a 2 step swim platform ladder with a 3 step..........West
Marine wanted $179 for a 3 step ladder. I said no thanks and purchased a
better quality ladder over the net from Overton's for $114.

West Marine
 

"JimH" wrote in message
...

"Eisboch" wrote in message
...
Anybody go shopping lately at West Marine?

I hadn't been there for a couple of years. I stopped in today because I
was thinking of picking up three new LED type cockpit light fixtures to
replace the halogen bulb types.
I did this a few years ago in the upper station .... replaced the stock
halogens with red LED types. IIRC, the fixtures were about 15 bucks each
then.

Found them today at West Marine and grabbed three. Then I noticed the
price.
$34.95 each. Hung them back on the display rack.

Talk about big oil ripping off the customers.

35 bucks for a 75 cent plastic fixture and a 2 dollar LED?

Gimmie a break.

Eisboch


I only buy last minute needs from them (they are 1/2 mile from my boat)
unless I cannot find the item at the local hardware store (also 1/2 mile
from the boat).....otherwise I buy from the net. ;-)

I am replacing a 2 step swim platform ladder with a 3 step..........West
Marine wanted $179 for a 3 step ladder. I said no thanks and purchased a
better quality ladder over the net from Overton's for $114.


I also found some nylon bungie cord clips that I've been searching for. I
needed 10 of them for a sunscreen that goes on the cockpit area of the boat.
I figured they would be a couple of bucks each, at most. Nope. They come
two to a package, $7.95 per package.
So, 5 packages of stupid, cheap nylon clips cost almost 40 bucks.

We need some civilian oversight on this.

Eisboch

West Marine
 

BBBuuut, it's Marinized...

Anyway, WM has great Stainless hardware, and not too expensive. Always
go ther for SS.
JR
Eisboch wrote:

Anybody go shopping lately at West Marine?

I hadn't been there for a couple of years. I stopped in today because I was
thinking of picking up three new LED type cockpit light fixtures to replace
the halogen bulb types.
I did this a few years ago in the upper station .... replaced the stock
halogens with red LED types. IIRC, the fixtures were about 15 bucks each
then.

Found them today at West Marine and grabbed three. Then I noticed the price.
$34.95 each. Hung them back on the display rack.

Talk about big oil ripping off the customers.

35 bucks for a 75 cent plastic fixture and a 2 dollar LED?

Gimmie a break.

Eisboch




--
--------------------------------------------------------------
Home Page: http://www.seanet.com/~jasonrnorth

West Marine
 

Try Ebay for LEDs.

West Marine
 

Eisboch wrote:
Anybody go shopping lately at West Marine?

I hadn't been there for a couple of years. I stopped in today because I was
thinking of picking up three new LED type cockpit light fixtures to replace
the halogen bulb types.
I did this a few years ago in the upper station .... replaced the stock
halogens with red LED types. IIRC, the fixtures were about 15 bucks each
then.

Found them today at West Marine and grabbed three. Then I noticed the price.
$34.95 each. Hung them back on the display rack.

Talk about big oil ripping off the customers.

35 bucks for a 75 cent plastic fixture and a 2 dollar LED?

Gimmie a break.

Eisboch


Many boaters on Long Island have had it with West to the point where
they have closed several stores. The stores that are left are poorly
stocked and overpriced.

Meanwhile the local mom and pops are thriving. Good for them.

Larry Weiss
"...Ever After!"

West Marine
 

Send some of those Mom and Pop stores to the Chicago area. West Marine has
got things sewed up here, except for a Boating World store in the far west
suburbs.

I keep my boat in Racine Wisconsin with a nearby West Marine. I can expect a
50% chance of not finding items for my boat. Just last week I needed a fuel line
connector for my Yamaha 9.9 outboard. Of course, they were out of them. There
is nothing like a bit of healthy competition to wake these guys up.

Sherwin D.

Larry Weiss wrote:

Eisboch wrote:
Anybody go shopping lately at West Marine?

I hadn't been there for a couple of years. I stopped in today because I was
thinking of picking up three new LED type cockpit light fixtures to replace
the halogen bulb types.
I did this a few years ago in the upper station .... replaced the stock
halogens with red LED types. IIRC, the fixtures were about 15 bucks each
then.

Found them today at West Marine and grabbed three. Then I noticed the price.
$34.95 each. Hung them back on the display rack.

Talk about big oil ripping off the customers.

35 bucks for a 75 cent plastic fixture and a 2 dollar LED?

Gimmie a break.

Eisboch


Many boaters on Long Island have had it with West to the point where
they have closed several stores. The stores that are left are poorly
stocked and overpriced.

Meanwhile the local mom and pops are thriving. Good for them.

Larry Weiss
"...Ever After!"

West Marine
 

On May 18, 8:02 pm, "Eisboch" wrote:
Anybody go shopping lately at West Marine?

I hadn't been there for a couple of years. I stopped in today because I was
thinking of picking up three new LED type cockpit light fixtures to replace
the halogen bulb types.
I did this a few years ago in the upper station .... replaced the stock
halogens with red LED types. IIRC, the fixtures were about 15 bucks each
then.

Found them today at West Marine and grabbed three. Then I noticed the price.
$34.95 each. Hung them back on the display rack.

Talk about big oil ripping off the customers.

35 bucks for a 75 cent plastic fixture and a 2 dollar LED?

Gimmie a break.

Eisboch

When they bought all the competition up round here, it seems to have
gotten worse. I don't even consider them when thinking about supplies,
not even on my list of stops.

West Marine
 

Only if I have no choice. They consistently have the highest prices.

"Eisboch" wrote in message
...
Anybody go shopping lately at West Marine?

I hadn't been there for a couple of years. I stopped in today because I
was thinking of picking up three new LED type cockpit light fixtures to
replace the halogen bulb types.
I did this a few years ago in the upper station .... replaced the stock
halogens with red LED types. IIRC, the fixtures were about 15 bucks each
then.

Found them today at West Marine and grabbed three. Then I noticed the
price.
$34.95 each. Hung them back on the display rack.

Talk about big oil ripping off the customers.

35 bucks for a 75 cent plastic fixture and a 2 dollar LED?

Gimmie a break.

Eisboch

West Marine
 

On May 18, 11:22 pm, sherwindu wrote:
Send some of those Mom and Pop stores to the Chicago area. West Marine has
got things sewed up here, except for a Boating World store in the far west
suburbs.

I keep my boat in Racine Wisconsin with a nearby West Marine. I can expect a
50% chance of not finding items for my boat. Just last week I needed a fuel line
connector for my Yamaha 9.9 outboard. Of course, they were out of them. There
is nothing like a bit of healthy competition to wake these guys up.

Sherwin D.



Larry Weiss wrote:
Eisboch wrote:
Anybody go shopping lately at West Marine?

I hadn't been there for a couple of years. I stopped in today because I was
thinking of picking up three new LED type cockpit light fixtures to replace
the halogen bulb types.
I did this a few years ago in the upper station .... replaced the stock
halogens with red LED types. IIRC, the fixtures were about 15 bucks each
then.

Found them today at West Marine and grabbed three. Then I noticed the price.
$34.95 each. Hung them back on the display rack.

Talk about big oil ripping off the customers.

35 bucks for a 75 cent plastic fixture and a 2 dollar LED?

Gimmie a break.

Eisboch

Many boaters on Long Island have had it with West to the point where
they have closed several stores. The stores that are left are poorly
stocked and overpriced.

Meanwhile the local mom and pops are thriving. Good for them.

Larry Weiss
"...Ever After!"- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Any marine retailer has a pretty tough row to hoe, and a general
chandlery one of the toughest.

With marine supplies, you're selling into a very small market. So
small, and so seasonal in many parts of the country, that the Mom and
Pop's are disappearing or have already disappeared. To compound
matters, this very small market is then factionalized to an incredible
degree. To have every part on hand that somebody might need for any
boat would mean tying up far too much money for far too long. There
are parts that somebody might call for once a year, maybe.

IMO, most serious shopping is now done by catalog. The retail stores,
particularly in smaller communities, primarily exist to sell only the
highest-turnover and convenience items. The WM catalog has 2-3 times
as much stuff listed than you will find stocked in even the largest
stores.

Something that WM contributes to in boating and for which they get
very little credit is new product development. If a designer or
inventor can get WM to buy a new item, that provides enough volume to
get a fledgling enterprise pretty well established.

I shop WM fairly regularly. I don't expect to find any real bargains
most of the time, but
they are convenient. I also patronize some of the local and regional
"specialists" to support their independent businesses, but for general
stuff WM gets a portion of my boating dollar.

West Marine
 

"Chuck Gould" wrote in message
oups.com...

IMO, most serious shopping is now done by catalog. The retail stores,
particularly in smaller communities, primarily exist to sell only the
highest-turnover and convenience items. The WM catalog has 2-3 times
as much stuff listed than you will find stocked in even the largest
stores.


Just for giggles, I just visited West Marine's online store. They didn't
list the type of LED light fixtures I was looking for, but I almost couldn't
resist taking advantage of their offer of a roll of "premium" vinyl black
electrical tape. 7 bucks a roll.

Eisboch

West Marine
 

On May 19, 9:29 am, "Eisboch" wrote:
"Chuck Gould" wrote in message

oups.com...



IMO, most serious shopping is now done by catalog. The retail stores,
particularly in smaller communities, primarily exist to sell only the
highest-turnover and convenience items. The WM catalog has 2-3 times
as much stuff listed than you will find stocked in even the largest
stores.

Just for giggles, I just visited West Marine's online store. They didn't
list the type of LED light fixtures I was looking for, but I almost couldn't
resist taking advantage of their offer of a roll of "premium" vinyl black
electrical tape. 7 bucks a roll.

Eisboch

Checking another, competing, catalog source that's even larger than
WM's catalog, I can't find any LED lights listed for what I have the
impression you want to pay.
Lots of LED's available for every imaginable application, but not for
just a few bucks apiece.

While ordering that electrical tape, don't forget to stock up on
"marine" sandpaper. :-)

West Marine
 

On Sat, 19 May 2007 12:29:42 -0400, "Eisboch"
wrote:

Just for giggles, I just visited West Marine's online store. They didn't
list the type of LED light fixtures I was looking for, but I almost couldn't
resist taking advantage of their offer of a roll of "premium" vinyl black
electrical tape. 7 bucks a roll.

Don't forget the "special marine" sand paper.

And the "special marine" magazines for the head.

West Marine
 

On Sat, 19 May 2007 16:02:57 -0400, Gene Kearns
wrote:

On Sat, 19 May 2007 01:22:53 -0500, sherwindu penned the following
well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

Send some of those Mom and Pop stores to the Chicago area. West Marine has
got things sewed up here, except for a Boating World store in the far west
suburbs.


West Marine is 60 miles to Myrtle Beach, SC and 40 miles to
Wilmington, NC..... and they almost never have what you need.... they
parrot that it can be ordered on line. I wouldn't be standing in the
brick and mortar if I wanted to screw with the time delay and hassle
of shipping.

I'm celebrating the new Boaters World opening about 6 miles away.

Isn't Boater's World owned by West?

West Marine
 

"Gene Kearns" wrote in message
...


Still not $2.75, but.......


http://www.boatersworld.com/product/196790554msk.htm



Thanks Gene. Problem is I need the recessed, waterproof type like:

http://www.boatersworld.com/product/...erior-lighting

except in LED instead of halogen.

Maybe I am dreaming and West Marine's price is what they cost now.

No biggie ... one advantage of the halogens is that you can use a DC
dimmer.
I just thought red LEDs would be cool in the cockpit as well as the upper
station. I like the soft lighting they produce plus the night vision
advantage.

Eisboch

West Marine
 

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 19 May 2007 16:02:57 -0400, Gene Kearns
wrote:

On Sat, 19 May 2007 01:22:53 -0500, sherwindu penned the following
well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

Send some of those Mom and Pop stores to the Chicago area. West Marine
has
got things sewed up here, except for a Boating World store in the far
west
suburbs.


West Marine is 60 miles to Myrtle Beach, SC and 40 miles to
Wilmington, NC..... and they almost never have what you need.... they
parrot that it can be ordered on line. I wouldn't be standing in the
brick and mortar if I wanted to screw with the time delay and hassle
of shipping.

I'm celebrating the new Boaters World opening about 6 miles away.

Isn't Boater's World owned by West?

I don't think so. West Marine and Boat/US are one and the same though.

West Marine
 

On Sat, 19 May 2007 16:24:27 -0400, "JimH"
wrote:


"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
.. .
On Sat, 19 May 2007 16:02:57 -0400, Gene Kearns
wrote:

On Sat, 19 May 2007 01:22:53 -0500, sherwindu penned the following
well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

Send some of those Mom and Pop stores to the Chicago area. West Marine
has
got things sewed up here, except for a Boating World store in the far
west
suburbs.


West Marine is 60 miles to Myrtle Beach, SC and 40 miles to
Wilmington, NC..... and they almost never have what you need.... they
parrot that it can be ordered on line. I wouldn't be standing in the
brick and mortar if I wanted to screw with the time delay and hassle
of shipping.

I'm celebrating the new Boaters World opening about 6 miles away.

Isn't Boater's World owned by West?

I don't think so. West Marine and Boat/US are one and the same though.

Ah - that's right.

West Marine
 

"Chuck Gould" wrote in message
oups.com...
On May 18, 11:22 pm, sherwindu wrote:
Send some of those Mom and Pop stores to the Chicago area. West Marine
has
got things sewed up here, except for a Boating World store in the far
west
suburbs.

I keep my boat in Racine Wisconsin with a nearby West Marine. I can
expect a
50% chance of not finding items for my boat. Just last week I needed a
fuel line
connector for my Yamaha 9.9 outboard. Of course, they were out of them.
There
is nothing like a bit of healthy competition to wake these guys up.

Sherwin D.



Larry Weiss wrote:
Eisboch wrote:
Anybody go shopping lately at West Marine?

I hadn't been there for a couple of years. I stopped in today
because I was
thinking of picking up three new LED type cockpit light fixtures to
replace
the halogen bulb types.
I did this a few years ago in the upper station .... replaced the
stock
halogens with red LED types. IIRC, the fixtures were about 15 bucks
each
then.

Found them today at West Marine and grabbed three. Then I noticed the
price.
$34.95 each. Hung them back on the display rack.

Talk about big oil ripping off the customers.

35 bucks for a 75 cent plastic fixture and a 2 dollar LED?

Gimmie a break.

Eisboch

Many boaters on Long Island have had it with West to the point where
they have closed several stores. The stores that are left are poorly
stocked and overpriced.

Meanwhile the local mom and pops are thriving. Good for them.

Larry Weiss
"...Ever After!"- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Any marine retailer has a pretty tough row to hoe, and a general
chandlery one of the toughest.

With marine supplies, you're selling into a very small market. So
small, and so seasonal in many parts of the country, that the Mom and
Pop's are disappearing or have already disappeared. To compound
matters, this very small market is then factionalized to an incredible
degree. To have every part on hand that somebody might need for any
boat would mean tying up far too much money for far too long. There
are parts that somebody might call for once a year, maybe.

IMO, most serious shopping is now done by catalog. The retail stores,
particularly in smaller communities, primarily exist to sell only the
highest-turnover and convenience items. The WM catalog has 2-3 times
as much stuff listed than you will find stocked in even the largest
stores.

Something that WM contributes to in boating and for which they get
very little credit is new product development. If a designer or
inventor can get WM to buy a new item, that provides enough volume to
get a fledgling enterprise pretty well established.

I shop WM fairly regularly. I don't expect to find any real bargains
most of the time, but
they are convenient. I also patronize some of the local and regional
"specialists" to support their independent businesses, but for general
stuff WM gets a portion of my boating dollar.


In the SF Bay area, they seem to be very competitive and if they do not have
the part in stock will get it in a day. Helps that the corporate offices
and main warehouse is about 40 miles from San Jose.

West Marine
 

resist taking advantage of their offer of a roll of "premium" vinyl black
electrical tape. 7 bucks a roll.

we had a short that killed the engine -- we seperated the wires out (plastic
melted after touching a manifold) the closest marina was "Narrows Marina" at
day island.

Now I like these guys; they're nice -- friendly, and fuel prices are reasonable.
the electrical tape -- $15.99

yes; I bought it.



Don't forget the "special marine" sand paper.

And the "special marine" magazines for the head.

West Marine
 

"Josh Assing" wrote in message
...

resist taking advantage of their offer of a roll of "premium" vinyl black
electrical tape. 7 bucks a roll.

we had a short that killed the engine -- we seperated the wires out
(plastic
melted after touching a manifold) the closest marina was "Narrows Marina"
at
day island.

Now I like these guys; they're nice -- friendly, and fuel prices are
reasonable.
the electrical tape -- $15.99

yes; I bought it.



Next time you're at Lowe's or The Home Depot:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...1029-133-41029

Eisboch

West Marine
 

"Eisboch" wrote in message
...

"Josh Assing" wrote in message
...

resist taking advantage of their offer of a roll of "premium" vinyl
black
electrical tape. 7 bucks a roll.

we had a short that killed the engine -- we seperated the wires out
(plastic
melted after touching a manifold) the closest marina was "Narrows
Marina" at
day island.

Now I like these guys; they're nice -- friendly, and fuel prices are
reasonable.
the electrical tape -- $15.99

yes; I bought it.



Next time you're at Lowe's or The Home Depot:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...1029-133-41029

Eisboch


Hey, it is not 'marine rated builders ultra super premium grade' ordinary
plastic adhesive electrical tape!!!!!!

West Marine
 

On Sat, 19 May 2007 21:00:29 -0400, "JimH"
wrote:


"Eisboch" wrote in message
m...

"Josh Assing" wrote in message
...

resist taking advantage of their offer of a roll of "premium" vinyl
black
electrical tape. 7 bucks a roll.

we had a short that killed the engine -- we seperated the wires out
(plastic
melted after touching a manifold) the closest marina was "Narrows
Marina" at
day island.

Now I like these guys; they're nice -- friendly, and fuel prices are
reasonable.
the electrical tape -- $15.99

yes; I bought it.

Next time you're at Lowe's or The Home Depot:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...1029-133-41029

Hey, it is not 'marine rated builders ultra super premium grade' ordinary
plastic adhesive electrical tape!!!!!!

Best. Electrical. Tape. Ever.

http://tinyurl.com/228hal

West Marine
 

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 19 May 2007 21:00:29 -0400, "JimH"
wrote:


"Eisboch" wrote in message
om...

"Josh Assing" wrote in message
...

resist taking advantage of their offer of a roll of "premium" vinyl
black
electrical tape. 7 bucks a roll.

we had a short that killed the engine -- we seperated the wires out
(plastic
melted after touching a manifold) the closest marina was "Narrows
Marina" at
day island.

Now I like these guys; they're nice -- friendly, and fuel prices are
reasonable.
the electrical tape -- $15.99

yes; I bought it.

Next time you're at Lowe's or The Home Depot:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...1029-133-41029

Hey, it is not 'marine rated builders ultra super premium grade' ordinary
plastic adhesive electrical tape!!!!!!

Best. Electrical. Tape. Ever.

http://tinyurl.com/228hal

He-he-he.

I never had the 'Whatever Is On Sale for $0.50/Roll Inferior Quality Not
Recommended' grade electrical tape fail me.

It is what it is.........what is important is the quality of the electrical
connection, not the tape. ;-)

West Marine
 

we had a short that killed the engine -- we seperated the wires out
(plastic
melted after touching a manifold) the closest marina was "Narrows Marina"
at
day island.

Now I like these guys; they're nice -- friendly, and fuel prices are
reasonable.
the electrical tape -- $15.99

yes; I bought it.



Next time you're at Lowe's or The Home Depot:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...1029-133-41029


Well -- Why would I buy a 70 cent roll of tape when I have a 16 dollar roll???
Mine MUST be better.

We were underway; and didn't want to abandon our trip to go home.... If I had
been home, there was a couple of rolls in the trunk of the car.... But I'd have
spent that much in fuel to go home to get it...

West Marine
 

Best. Electrical. Tape. Ever.

http://tinyurl.com/228hal

That's my $16 roll I bought.

but I can't tell the difference between that and my el-cheapo @ home...

West Marine
 

On Sat, 19 May 2007 18:49:58 -0700, Josh Assing
wrote:

Best. Electrical. Tape. Ever.

http://tinyurl.com/228hal

That's my $16 roll I bought.

but I can't tell the difference between that and my el-cheapo @ home...

You will with two or three years of exposure at 100 feet in the air
exposed to the elements.

West Marine
 

On Sat, 19 May 2007 21:39:55 -0400, Gene Kearns
wrote:

On Sun, 20 May 2007 01:19:03 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing penned the
following well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

On Sat, 19 May 2007 21:00:29 -0400, "JimH"
wrote:


"Eisboch" wrote in message
news:5didnaLP944aBNLbnZ2dnUVZ_rmdnZ2d@giganews. com...

"Josh Assing" wrote in message
...

resist taking advantage of their offer of a roll of "premium" vinyl
black
electrical tape. 7 bucks a roll.

we had a short that killed the engine -- we seperated the wires out
(plastic
melted after touching a manifold) the closest marina was "Narrows
Marina" at
day island.

Now I like these guys; they're nice -- friendly, and fuel prices are
reasonable.
the electrical tape -- $15.99

yes; I bought it.

Next time you're at Lowe's or The Home Depot:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...1029-133-41029

Hey, it is not 'marine rated builders ultra super premium grade' ordinary
plastic adhesive electrical tape!!!!!!

Best. Electrical. Tape. Ever.

http://tinyurl.com/228hal

Indeed, it is! And, if you must.... you can coat with this:
http://tinyurl.com/2lddml

All my antenna connections were taped and coated with that stuff.

I also used a putty like sealant I got from Radio Shack of all places.
That stuff worked great.

West Marine
 

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 19 May 2007 21:39:55 -0400, Gene Kearns
wrote:

On Sun, 20 May 2007 01:19:03 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing penned the
following well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

On Sat, 19 May 2007 21:00:29 -0400, "JimH"
wrote:


"Eisboch" wrote in message
news:5didnaLP944aBNLbnZ2dnUVZ_rmdnZ2d@giganews .com...

"Josh Assing" wrote in message
...

resist taking advantage of their offer of a roll of "premium" vinyl
black
electrical tape. 7 bucks a roll.

we had a short that killed the engine -- we seperated the wires out
(plastic
melted after touching a manifold) the closest marina was "Narrows
Marina" at
day island.

Now I like these guys; they're nice -- friendly, and fuel prices are
reasonable.
the electrical tape -- $15.99

yes; I bought it.

Next time you're at Lowe's or The Home Depot:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...1029-133-41029

Hey, it is not 'marine rated builders ultra super premium grade'
ordinary
plastic adhesive electrical tape!!!!!!

Best. Electrical. Tape. Ever.

http://tinyurl.com/228hal

Indeed, it is! And, if you must.... you can coat with this:
http://tinyurl.com/2lddml

All my antenna connections were taped and coated with that stuff.

I also used a putty like sealant I got from Radio Shack of all places.
That stuff worked great.

I often use an orange colored tape from Radio Shack that seals an electrical
connection as tight as heat shrink tube.

West Marine
 

On Sat, 19 May 2007 22:34:28 -0400, "JimH"
wrote:


"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
.. .
On Sat, 19 May 2007 21:39:55 -0400, Gene Kearns
wrote:

On Sun, 20 May 2007 01:19:03 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing penned the
following well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

On Sat, 19 May 2007 21:00:29 -0400, "JimH"
wrote:


"Eisboch" wrote in message
news:5didnaLP944aBNLbnZ2dnUVZ_rmdnZ2d@giganew s.com...

"Josh Assing" wrote in message
...

resist taking advantage of their offer of a roll of "premium" vinyl
black
electrical tape. 7 bucks a roll.

we had a short that killed the engine -- we seperated the wires out
(plastic
melted after touching a manifold) the closest marina was "Narrows
Marina" at
day island.

Now I like these guys; they're nice -- friendly, and fuel prices are
reasonable.
the electrical tape -- $15.99

yes; I bought it.

Next time you're at Lowe's or The Home Depot:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...1029-133-41029

Hey, it is not 'marine rated builders ultra super premium grade'
ordinary
plastic adhesive electrical tape!!!!!!

Best. Electrical. Tape. Ever.

http://tinyurl.com/228hal

Indeed, it is! And, if you must.... you can coat with this:
http://tinyurl.com/2lddml

All my antenna connections were taped and coated with that stuff.

I also used a putty like sealant I got from Radio Shack of all places.
That stuff worked great.

I often use an orange colored tape from Radio Shack that seals an electrical
connection as tight as heat shrink tube.

Somewhere in my radio shack junk/spare parts drawer, I have shrink
tape.

Doesn't work all that well. :)

West Marine
 

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 19 May 2007 22:34:28 -0400, "JimH"
wrote:


"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
. ..
On Sat, 19 May 2007 21:39:55 -0400, Gene Kearns
wrote:

On Sun, 20 May 2007 01:19:03 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing penned the
following well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

On Sat, 19 May 2007 21:00:29 -0400, "JimH"
wrote:


"Eisboch" wrote in message
news:5didnaLP944aBNLbnZ2dnUVZ_rmdnZ2d@gigane ws.com...

"Josh Assing" wrote in message
...

resist taking advantage of their offer of a roll of "premium"
vinyl
black
electrical tape. 7 bucks a roll.

we had a short that killed the engine -- we seperated the wires out
(plastic
melted after touching a manifold) the closest marina was "Narrows
Marina" at
day island.

Now I like these guys; they're nice -- friendly, and fuel prices
are
reasonable.
the electrical tape -- $15.99

yes; I bought it.

Next time you're at Lowe's or The Home Depot:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...1029-133-41029

Hey, it is not 'marine rated builders ultra super premium grade'
ordinary
plastic adhesive electrical tape!!!!!!

Best. Electrical. Tape. Ever.

http://tinyurl.com/228hal

Indeed, it is! And, if you must.... you can coat with this:
http://tinyurl.com/2lddml

All my antenna connections were taped and coated with that stuff.

I also used a putty like sealant I got from Radio Shack of all places.
That stuff worked great.

I often use an orange colored tape from Radio Shack that seals an
electrical
connection as tight as heat shrink tube.

Somewhere in my radio shack junk/spare parts drawer, I have shrink
tape.

Doesn't work all that well. :)

The tape I use from RS works perfectly well. You may not be using the same
stuff. ;-)

West Marine
 

On Sat, 19 May 2007 22:43:52 -0400, "JimH"
wrote:


"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
.. .
On Sat, 19 May 2007 22:34:28 -0400, "JimH"
wrote:


"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 19 May 2007 21:39:55 -0400, Gene Kearns
wrote:

On Sun, 20 May 2007 01:19:03 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing penned the
following well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

On Sat, 19 May 2007 21:00:29 -0400, "JimH"
wrote:


"Eisboch" wrote in message
news:5didnaLP944aBNLbnZ2dnUVZ_rmdnZ2d@gigan ews.com...

"Josh Assing" wrote in message
...

resist taking advantage of their offer of a roll of "premium"
vinyl
black
electrical tape. 7 bucks a roll.

we had a short that killed the engine -- we seperated the wires out
(plastic
melted after touching a manifold) the closest marina was "Narrows
Marina" at
day island.

Now I like these guys; they're nice -- friendly, and fuel prices
are
reasonable.
the electrical tape -- $15.99

yes; I bought it.

Next time you're at Lowe's or The Home Depot:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...1029-133-41029

Hey, it is not 'marine rated builders ultra super premium grade'
ordinary
plastic adhesive electrical tape!!!!!!

Best. Electrical. Tape. Ever.

http://tinyurl.com/228hal

Indeed, it is! And, if you must.... you can coat with this:
http://tinyurl.com/2lddml

All my antenna connections were taped and coated with that stuff.

I also used a putty like sealant I got from Radio Shack of all places.
That stuff worked great.

I often use an orange colored tape from Radio Shack that seals an
electrical
connection as tight as heat shrink tube.

Somewhere in my radio shack junk/spare parts drawer, I have shrink
tape.

Doesn't work all that well. :)

The tape I use from RS works perfectly well. You may not be using the same
stuff. ;-)

Is it a shrink tape?

West Marine
 

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 19 May 2007 22:43:52 -0400, "JimH"
wrote:


"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
. ..
On Sat, 19 May 2007 22:34:28 -0400, "JimH"
wrote:


"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
m...
On Sat, 19 May 2007 21:39:55 -0400, Gene Kearns
wrote:

On Sun, 20 May 2007 01:19:03 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing penned the
following well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

On Sat, 19 May 2007 21:00:29 -0400, "JimH"
wrote:


"Eisboch" wrote in message
news:5didnaLP944aBNLbnZ2dnUVZ_rmdnZ2d@giga news.com...

"Josh Assing" wrote in message
...

resist taking advantage of their offer of a roll of "premium"
vinyl
black
electrical tape. 7 bucks a roll.

we had a short that killed the engine -- we seperated the wires
out
(plastic
melted after touching a manifold) the closest marina was
"Narrows
Marina" at
day island.

Now I like these guys; they're nice -- friendly, and fuel prices
are
reasonable.
the electrical tape -- $15.99

yes; I bought it.

Next time you're at Lowe's or The Home Depot:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...1029-133-41029

Hey, it is not 'marine rated builders ultra super premium grade'
ordinary
plastic adhesive electrical tape!!!!!!

Best. Electrical. Tape. Ever.

http://tinyurl.com/228hal

Indeed, it is! And, if you must.... you can coat with this:
http://tinyurl.com/2lddml

All my antenna connections were taped and coated with that stuff.

I also used a putty like sealant I got from Radio Shack of all places.
That stuff worked great.

I often use an orange colored tape from Radio Shack that seals an
electrical
connection as tight as heat shrink tube.

Somewhere in my radio shack junk/spare parts drawer, I have shrink
tape.

Doesn't work all that well. :)

The tape I use from RS works perfectly well. You may not be using the
same
stuff. ;-)

Is it a shrink tape?

Yep. Orange colored. I normally solder the connection then wrap it in the
tape. I do not boat on salt water so your experience with it may be
different than mine as I have never had a failure.

West Marine
 

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 19 May 2007 21:00:29 -0400, "JimH"
wrote:


"Eisboch" wrote in message
om...

"Josh Assing" wrote in message
...

resist taking advantage of their offer of a roll of "premium" vinyl
black
electrical tape. 7 bucks a roll.

we had a short that killed the engine -- we seperated the wires out
(plastic
melted after touching a manifold) the closest marina was "Narrows
Marina" at
day island.

Now I like these guys; they're nice -- friendly, and fuel prices are
reasonable.
the electrical tape -- $15.99

yes; I bought it.

Next time you're at Lowe's or The Home Depot:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...1029-133-41029

Hey, it is not 'marine rated builders ultra super premium grade' ordinary
plastic adhesive electrical tape!!!!!!

Best. Electrical. Tape. Ever.

http://tinyurl.com/228hal

For boats PVC tape is better. After you tape it, put a little PVC pipe glue
on the tape, and it will be welded solid and not let any water in. Works as
well as liquid tape on the trailer light connections.

West Marine
 

"Josh Assing" wrote in message
...
we had a short that killed the engine -- we seperated the wires out
(plastic
melted after touching a manifold) the closest marina was "Narrows
Marina"
at
day island.

Now I like these guys; they're nice -- friendly, and fuel prices are
reasonable.
the electrical tape -- $15.99

yes; I bought it.



Next time you're at Lowe's or The Home Depot:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...1029-133-41029


Well -- Why would I buy a 70 cent roll of tape when I have a 16 dollar
roll???
Mine MUST be better.

We were underway; and didn't want to abandon our trip to go home.... If I
had
been home, there was a couple of rolls in the trunk of the car.... But
I'd have
spent that much in fuel to go home to get it...


That is one of the items in the boat tool kit. Plus a meter and some wire
of different colors. Plus some butt connectors and other end connectors.

West Marine
 

On Sat, 19 May 2007 21:00:29 -0400, "JimH"
wrote:


"Eisboch" wrote in message
m...



Next time you're at Lowe's or The Home Depot:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...1029-133-41029

Eisboch


Hey, it is not 'marine rated builders ultra super premium grade' ordinary
plastic adhesive electrical tape!!!!!!

Maybe you didn't read it correctly.
Duck Electrical Tape.
A duck is an aquatic, or marine bird.
That's marine tape there. Good stuff for da boat.
But Navy tape would be better.

--Vic

West Marine
 

but I can't tell the difference between that and my el-cheapo @ home...

You will with two or three years of exposure at 100 feet in the air
exposed to the elements.

You mean to tell me I'll come to fully appreciate $16 electrical tape? I mean;
I'm already appreciative of it becuase it kept us boating that day... so it was
worth it -- but "in the scope of things" it's not worth it.

West Marine
 

\That is one of the items in the boat tool kit. Plus a meter and some wire
of different colors. Plus some butt connectors and other end connectors.


I could make a lot of excusses for why the tape was in the car and not in the
boat -- but communication break down was a major cause.

One thing I keep on the boat now is a coat hanger -- the coat hanger allowed me
to jump the house battery to the starting battery & get the engine going again
until we located the cause of the problem... You just don't hear enough folks
say "keep a wire coat hanger on board"

-j

West Marine
 

Just for comparison, I remember many years ago there was a store in Chicago called
Land's End that carried almost every conceivable kind of boat hardware.
Unfortunately, the bean counters got control of the company and now they are a
catalog and outlet store with dappy nautical looking clothing. There was a similar
store called Chicago Navigation Equitpment that simply vanished that had an excellent
supply of boat hardware and supplies. It's all catalogs and internet shopping now,
but I miss those stores where you could actually handle something before you bought
it.

Sherwin D.

sherwindu wrote:

Send some of those Mom and Pop stores to the Chicago area. West Marine has
got things sewed up here, except for a Boating World store in the far west
suburbs.

I keep my boat in Racine Wisconsin with a nearby West Marine. I can expect a
50% chance of not finding items for my boat. Just last week I needed a fuel line
connector for my Yamaha 9.9 outboard. Of course, they were out of them. There
is nothing like a bit of healthy competition to wake these guys up.

Sherwin D.

Larry Weiss wrote:

Eisboch wrote:
Anybody go shopping lately at West Marine?

I hadn't been there for a couple of years. I stopped in today because I was
thinking of picking up three new LED type cockpit light fixtures to replace
the halogen bulb types.
I did this a few years ago in the upper station .... replaced the stock
halogens with red LED types. IIRC, the fixtures were about 15 bucks each
then.

Found them today at West Marine and grabbed three. Then I noticed the price.
$34.95 each. Hung them back on the display rack.

Talk about big oil ripping off the customers.

35 bucks for a 75 cent plastic fixture and a 2 dollar LED?

Gimmie a break.

Eisboch


Many boaters on Long Island have had it with West to the point where
they have closed several stores. The stores that are left are poorly
stocked and overpriced.

Meanwhile the local mom and pops are thriving. Good for them.

Larry Weiss
"...Ever After!"

West Marine
 

sherwindu wrote:
Just for comparison, I remember many years ago there was a store in Chicago called
Land's End that carried almost every conceivable kind of boat hardware.
Unfortunately, the bean counters got control of the company and now they are a
catalog and outlet store with dappy nautical looking clothing. There was a similar
store called Chicago Navigation Equitpment that simply vanished that had an excellent
supply of boat hardware and supplies. It's all catalogs and internet shopping now,
but I miss those stores where you could actually handle something before you bought
it.


Land's End is now owned by Sears.

Hell, I remember when Abercrombie and Fitch was a real outfitter to
sportsmen, instead of a purveyor of clothes to young yups.