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Sources for misc equipment

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kevinmac
Admiral

Member Avatar

USA
732 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/10/2005 : 20:49:12

Hi folks,

Well, it looks like my new C250 will be here in the next week or so. One of the disadvantages to a new boat is you have to buy absolutely all the misc equipment. Here is a list of the things I plan to buy:

Lifesling
3 red flares
2 B-1 Extinguisher
1 horn
Dock lines, heaving line
6 fenders and lines
25lb plow Anchor, chain, line
Light Danforth, light line, bucket for cockpit
2 boat hooks

I could take my 20% off coupon and go to West Marine, but I suspect there are no deals to be had there... Does anyone have suggestions for less expensive web vendors to get this stuff? Or where would you go to get it, if not WM? I live near Portland, OR if that makes a difference on any of this.

Thanks, as always, for your help.

Kevin Mackenzie
Former Association Secretary and Commodore
"Dogs Allowed"
'06 C250WK #881
and
"Jasmine"
'01 Maine Cat 30 #34

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 12/10/2005 : 21:48:37

Defender Industries, [url="http://www.defender.com/"]http://www.defender.com/[/url]

Good people, small family business, better prices than West Marine. Their online catalog wasn't as polished as West Marine the last time I checked. They will send you a paper catalog upon request or with an order. The paper catalog, once again, isn't as fancy as West Marine's, but that's all part of saving money. Obviously we pay for those fancy catalogs.

-- Leon Sisson

Edited by - on

atgep
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

1009 Posts

Response Posted - 12/10/2005 : 22:15:16

You might try www.onlinemarine.com I have been pretty happy with past purchases. I give a big second to defender as well. Check local businesses. I have a discount boat shop that sells used, salvage parts and has very low prices on new as well. I always try to give money to the shop on the corner first.

For the dock lines, don't skimp on getting short ones. I would advise you to get at least 4-25 footers and 2-30 footers. They get a lot shorter after you put a hitch around a piling. I like 3 strand nylon, but most go for a lower stretch double braid. A couple of each would be nice.

Congrats and good luck.

Tom.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 12/10/2005 : 22:19:14

I use Defender and have always been happy with them. However, if I were buying a new boat I would take that list to the dealer and beat him up hard. I would think the dealer would sell you most of the list for cost as a courtesy for buying the boat.

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 12/11/2005 : 07:50:59

If you have received a W/M gift card for the holidays, they are adding another 15% to the value of the card if used XMAS week. I like W/M because I can usually feel what I'm buying. They are by far the closest retailer for me to drive to in upstate N.Y. Just my "two cents" worth. "Good Luck" on your delivery process.

Edited by - on

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 12/11/2005 : 10:09:06

These guys are great:
http://www.mauriprosailing.com/
as are these people:
http://www.layline.com/
and Defender also gets my vote.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

3072 Posts

Response Posted - 12/11/2005 : 11:05:28

Some thoughts.

Portland? You will have plenty of ship traffic.

A VHF radio is a must. I reckon a handheld should work for the river. Get a fully-waterproof one. A 12V charger/cradle is a plus.

A radar reflector is also a 'must have' for the Columbia River and Puget Sound.

Add a quick deploy/throwable MOB device. Lifesling has it's place (recovery on board), but you'll also want a floatation assist that you can get to a MOB very quickly.

Docklines... get a pair of long (25') medium (15') and short (6'). Each one has their place.

Add 1 waterproof 'spotlight' 1 waterproof flashlight. It gets really dark out on the water at night. I added strips of 3M SOLAS reflective tape to all my lifejackets, throwable, and placed some strips strategically on the boat too. It has amazing reflective ability and really allows you to be seen in low-light conditions.

I really don't know why some sort of 'reflective' materials aren't required on small craft and lifejacktets, it's really cheap and would save lives.

If you pre-shop and have your 'best deals in hand' WM can be pretty good at matching/beating prices. If you just walk up to the counter with wallet out, they will cheerfully let you pay full price.

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 12/11/2005 : 12:37:49

The best thing about the West Marine catalog is that you know for sure that their prices are the maximum that you will have to pay anywhere.

Edited by - on

rclift
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
152 Posts

Response Posted - 12/11/2005 : 14:40:54

Kevin,
Just looking over your list of items to buy and would suggest you change that 25lb plow anchor to a 16lb but 99% of the time the Danforth will hold just fine on the Columbia. I bought a 16lb for the San Juans a few years ago and have rarely used it. In fact I put it in the deck box in the spring and never took it out until pullout day in Septemeber. Sextons marina out on Tomahawk Island gives me the better deal compared to West Marine but still not as good as an online vendor. You may want to check out the used stuff at the Tomahawk Bay Marina. There is quite a group of Catalina 25/250 owners in the area so check out http://home.comcast.net/~fleet94/.

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 12/11/2005 : 17:00:38

Thanks Ray. I was wondering what anchors worked the best on the Columbia. Actually, upon further reflection, I was thinking of buying a Spade anchor, for use in the San Juans as well as on the river.

I have been talking with Gary Bruner about Fleet 94. Will get involved as much as I can, but I will be keeping the boat in St. Helens, which will make it hard to join some activities.

I note the other gentleman suggesting a VHF and radar reflector. The VHF is on my list. The reflector for the San Juans makes sense, but I am not sure why it would be useful on the Columbia...maybe someone can explain.

Edited by - on

rclift
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
152 Posts

Response Posted - 12/11/2005 : 17:16:09

Guess we'll be neighbors. My boat will also be in St. Helens this year.

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 12/11/2005 : 21:01:42

Very cool. I sent you private email, maybe we can do some sailing... :-)

Edited by - on

Alan Therrien
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
113 Posts

Response Posted - 12/13/2005 : 13:11:54

Kevin,

Check out www.plastimousa.com Plastimo is a European company with a USA outlet in FL. I purchased a galvanized, hinged, plow anchor from them last year for about $55, plus about $24 shipping. It was less than half the cost of most plow anchors, and appears to be of equal quality. They also carry other items at substantial savings that you might be interested in.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 12/13/2005 : 19:32:58

Although I've never ordered from them, [url="http://www.marisafe.com/"]MariSafe[/url] looks to have good prices.

One note...When purchasing flares, try to get the ones that have the best expiration date(like reaching to the back of the cooler to get the freshest milk at the store). A boater I know once bought a package of flares from a small bait shop without looking at the expiratioon dates only to find that they only had two months left.

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 12/13/2005 : 20:11:31

I've used MariSafe before. I got a anchor and other stuff from them, no problems.

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2005 : 11:23:11

Thanks everyone, the sources you provided will be a great help.

I am in Seattle today, commissioning my new boat under dealer supervision, should be dragging it home to Portland tomorrow.

Only problem, it is COLD here (26 right now). Ya, I know, you guys in colder climates sunbathe in that weather, but for us Pac NW folks, this is really cold. So of course, I get to rig a boat in this weather. Brrrr...

Pictures to follow.

Edited by - on

RickStevens
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
62 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2005 : 13:04:06

Kevin,

I'm only a Newbie here, but I think I speak for everybody when I say "Congratulations!" Commissioning the new boat is exciting. Can't wait to see the slip in your signature filled with boat.

Edited by - on

djn
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2005 : 13:07:33

Hi Kevin, so you are sailing it back to Portland??? Great time of the year for that. Enjoy.

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2005 : 22:11:59

Well, I may motor part of the way... ;-)

Edited by - on

PamC
Navigator

Members Avatar

171 Posts

Response Posted - 12/17/2005 : 11:46:19

Congratulations Kevin! The long awaited commissioning is here! What a cool Christmas gift!
We took Prozac on that route in September and were able to achieve 60mph hull speed

Watch out for those following Toyotas though, almost got swamped by one as we crossed into Portland. I guess it worked out okay since the driver waved enthusiastically as he passed us...

We're also having those low temps here in the banana belt of the PNW - Medford, OR. Lots of sunshine though

Have fun with your new baby!

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 12/17/2005 : 21:31:23

Thanks Pam. Wish I had a picture of one of those Toyota car carrier ships cruising down the columbia to respond with. You know "Is this guy that swamped you?" ;-)

Edited by - on

Gary B.
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
969 Posts

Response Posted - 12/18/2005 : 05:02:19

Kevin, and Ray, too:

If I am able to negotiate a "FLEET RATE" at Tomahawk (I have a date tomorrow), would that possibly make Tomahawk more attractive to you? Love to see you both there, although I will admit that St. Helens has better wind...and is much closer to where you live. I am going to really miss not seeing BUZZ around this summer!!!!

Kevin, If you need good ADVICE, WM is a good bet, so I shop there in spite of high prices... sometimes. Boater's World at Jantzen Beach is cheaper, but their sailing specific gear is limited (more of a powerboat store and the help is not real knowledgeable, IMHO).

Online, I have had good luck with both Defender and SailNet (back up and running after some problems).

Columbia Marine Exchange as a bit of new, mostly used gear for "sail", and check the backroom at Sexton's for used, consignment gear. They don't GIVE it away, but it's cheaper than new....

Just a thought for everyone to consider....if we all buy everything online, the local "touchy feely" stores won't make it forever. I always try to spend some at Sexton's Marine, a local, independent chandelry, too. I hate to see the small guys go under to the Mega-stores.

Frankly, I cringe everytime people talk about the all the money they spend (and save) at Wal-Mart. Yup, they're cheap alright....but there is a COST to all that saving....somebody's getting screwed, and it AIN'T the stockholders.......

I am buying my hardware/tools and supplies at the locally owned Ace Hardware Store. I spend a BIT more for great service and keeping some of the money at home.....but the employees actually get a living wage and a few bennies.....

I am DONE with the Mega-stores whenever possible.....I WASTE a ton of time waiting in lines, looking for help, etc. They have cut back on everything in order to make profit, profit, profit, of which only the RICH cats benefit (stockholders). Screw them..., I say.

Gary B.
Encore! #685, SK/SR

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 12/18/2005 : 10:10:00

Gary,

Thanks for the info on sources.

As for the fleet rate, no, sorry, Tomahawk is much further away, and the Hwy 26/I5 traffic impinges after work sailing for me too much. Wish I could join you there...

I *would* like to join in on the San Juans trip this year, when you start planning it...

Thanks.

Edited by - on

John V.
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 12/22/2005 : 21:05:09

Congratulations on the new boat. try www.surplusunlimited.com.
Most of their inventory is overstock and fine quality. Though not oriented towards sailing they have as wide selection of supplies.
Their prices are considerably lower than West Marine. for example the lovely brass reading lamps West sells for $35, S.U. sells for $18.
Merry Christmas all,

Edited by - John V. on 12/22/2005 21:14:08

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