Catalina - Capri - 25s International Assocaition Logo(2006)  
Assn Members Area · Join
h.jpg Home.
a.jpg Association Forum
s.jpg Ships Store
c.jpg Cruising
r.jpg Racing
t.jpg Technical Tips
g.jpg Photo Gallery - New
o.jpg Boat Search - Updated
m.jpg Manuals & Brochures
3rdrpt.jpg Swap Meet
l.jpg Links
f.jpg Officer Flag Line & Staff
b.jpg Bylaws & Constitution
 
1.jpg Members Area
1.jpg Join the Association
 
Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
 
Association Forum
Association Forum
Home | Profile | Register | Active Topics | Forum Users | Search | FAQ
Username:
 Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

 All Forums
 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 General Sailing Forum
 WM ch11?		  New Topic  Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Author  Topic Next Topic  

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

Member Avatar

USA
5485 Posts
Initially Posted - 05/25/2026 :  07:08:43  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
So last week I received a note in my inbox about WestM’s entrance into chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, including three documents: (1) a cover letter from their legal council to creditors, (2) a notice about a Zoom conference call inviting creditors to listen in for more information, and (3) a letter including legal rigmarole about the move.
Kinda sad, really.
Part of the letter explained that customers can still expect fine service in the stores and online.
On Saturday I received a $25-off coupon for items if I spent at least $75 in the store or online. It shows that they need cash quickly to remain afloat.
Things will likely change now that this ball is rolling.
They’ve got a pretty extensive brick and mortar footprint across North America, so this might change in the future.
They’ve had a policy of matching any valid online price for the same SKU from a different store, I wonder whether this will change.
And I’d have to think that their in-stock inventory will shrink because creditors (e.g.: wholesalers) would be skittish to provide WM with inventory while protected by chapter 11. They might not get paid.
Anybody else get any kind of communication from West on this?
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3513 Posts
Response Posted - 05/25/2026 :  20:42:57  Show Profile  Visit OLarryR's Homepage  Reply with Quote
Received same letter....and I had similar thinking.
Larry
'89 Robin's Nest#5820, Potomac River/Quantico, Va
http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html
Edited by - OLarryR on 05/25/2026 20:44:57
Go to Top of Page

JB
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
118 Posts
Response Posted - 05/28/2026 :  08:28:59  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
This is a shame. Our last West Marine store in North East Wisconsin has closed. WM has excellent customer service both online and in person. It doesn't make sense that companies with terrible customer service thrive and WM struggles.
1988 C25 Wing Keel Std Rig Tohatsu 9.9 Tiller Steering and 2003 C250 Wing Keel Std Rig Inboard Diesel Wheel Steering
Go to Top of Page

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
5485 Posts
Response Posted - 06/03/2026 :  06:40:34  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
JB - I’m hopeful that WM will weather the storm, unfortunately for many who have lost nearby stores, the online experience is not the same.. In our current economy, discretionary spending may continue to be impacted. We’ll see how it goes with WM.
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT
Go to Top of Page

islander
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4036 Posts
Response Posted - 06/16/2026 :  10:59:10  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Well it was on our local LI news today that the Port Washington LI store is closing. It is or was the store that was closest to me. Sad.
Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound


Go to Top of Page

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
5485 Posts
Response Posted - 06/17/2026 :  19:42:16  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I did a quick search on keywords “west marine store closes” and MS Copilot responded:

West Marine is closing 59 stores nationwide as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring.
West Marine, a major retailer of boating, fishing, and marine supplies, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 17, 2026, citing financial challenges including supply chain disruptions, extreme weather events, high debt, and shifts in consumer behavior.
As part of the restructuring, the company plans to close 59 stores across 23 states, while continuing operations in roughly 200 other locations.

Reasons for Closures
The closures are part of a strategic effort to:
Reduce debt and strengthen the company’s financial position
Rationalize the store footprint to align with current business needs
Optimize operations and focus on serving customers effectively.

Affected Locations
The store closures span multiple states, including:
•California: Antioch, Chula Vista, Monterey, Oceanside, Redding
•Florida: Bonita Springs, Fernandina Beach, Jacksonville Beach, South Orlando, Palm Coast, Port Charlotte, Venice, Winter Haven
•New Jersey: Cape May, Eatontown, Toms River
•New York: Port Washington, Rochester, Watertown
•Michigan: Bay City, Grand Haven, Muskegon, Petoskey, St. Clair Shores, Troy
•Washington: Bellingham, Bremerton, Everett, Port Townsend, Spokane
Other states include Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin

Timeline and Sales
Bankruptcy court approved store closing sales on June 9, 2026
Liquidation sales are expected to continue through late September 2026
The company may announce additional closures as it continues to evaluate its store portfolio.

Customer and Employee Information
West Marine remains open at other locations and online
Gift cards, warranties, and reward programs will continue to be honored at remaining stores and online
Employees at closing stores will receive support during the transition.

West Marine’s restructuring aims to stabilize the company financially while maintaining service to boating and marine customers across the U.S.


So, this list of closures is expected to continue if they cannot stem the bleeding.
Think about yourself:
10 years ago if you needed something for your boat, you’d check your local West Marine or chandlery for the item. You’d just pay the price, almost no matter how dear.
Now, more often than not, you’ll check prices at online boating stores, then check Amzn.com or Wal-Mart.com for a better price. Electrical, plumbing, stoves, coolers, lines, and other items, the retailers can almost always offer a better price and fast delivery.
Change is hard.
Edited by - Voyager on 06/17/2026 19:48:20
Go to Top of Page

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1809 Posts
Response Posted - 07/07/2026 :  14:21:44  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Bruce,

I am late in responding. Yes, they are in Chapter 11. I have been barraged with sales each time @20% off. I ordered blue, 3/8 dock line. None was available locally so when I received it it came from Utah! my guess a closed store. My two local stores (Norwalk and Stamford CT) have minimal inventory. To me, it does not look good. Incidentally, Defender also is having big sales. When privet equity buys in, it usually is not good. Similar to the Catalina Yachts story . . . just saying. Hope West makes it!
Peter Bigelow
PO - C-25 TR/FK #2092 Limerick
Rowayton, Ct
Port Captain: Rowayton/Norwalk/Darien CT
Edited by - bigelowp on 07/07/2026 14:24:09
Go to Top of Page

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1809 Posts
Response Posted - 07/07/2026 :  14:29:34  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
So, regrettably, the only good news is if you have items that wear out, purchase inventory NOW so you at least know what you are buying and, most likely, at a lower price than the future. I have taken advantage of updating life jackets, docking line, some electronics and storage stuff.
Peter Bigelow
PO - C-25 TR/FK #2092 Limerick
Rowayton, Ct
Port Captain: Rowayton/Norwalk/Darien CT
Go to Top of Page

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3513 Posts
Response Posted - 07/07/2026 :  21:14:33  Show Profile  Visit OLarryR's Homepage  Reply with Quote
Peter,

Good point regarding taking advantage of the sales for items wearing out or needing replacement. I have a Mustang inflatable vest that has a CO2 hydrostatic valve that expires end of the year. I was going to wait to replace the valve but I may consider replacing it sooner rather than later. The only concern whenever you replace those valves or the vest via online is that it is a recently manufactured product to ensure a long time till next expiration. I believe the hydrostatic valve expirations are about 3 years after manufacturing date. The inflatable vest with the dissolvable pills do not have printed expiration dates but I believe it is recommended replacing it annually - But cost is minimal.
Larry
'89 Robin's Nest#5820, Potomac River/Quantico, Va
http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html
Go to Top of Page

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
5485 Posts
Response Posted - 07/08/2026 :  06:12:51  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I have several WM inflatable PFDs. I’d better go order a few recharge kits now!
I should probably pick up a few new 25ft docklines too, if they have them. My halyards are new but I maybe should buy some spare LED navigation light bulbs.
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT
Edited by - Voyager on 07/08/2026 06:16:49
Go to Top of Page

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1809 Posts
Response Posted - 07/14/2026 :  13:24:12  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I too have WM inflatable PFDs. You may want to go to a different chandlery, such as Defender, with the PFD to see if they offer the same recharge kit. I can not imagine that WM does not use the same charger as Mustang, or other major brands. For working rigging I can give you a name of a Canadian company that is outstanding and thanks to foreign exchange, relatively inexpensive. Things like LED nav lights, including the hull mounted "eye" lights can be found n line. FWIW I have tons of spares from Limerick including aluminum frame windows, lights, etc.
Peter Bigelow
PO - C-25 TR/FK #2092 Limerick
Rowayton, Ct
Port Captain: Rowayton/Norwalk/Darien CT
Go to Top of Page

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
5485 Posts
Response Posted - 07/15/2026 :  07:23:54  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Peter, thanks for the leads. Let’s talk offline about your C25 ephemera. Passage might could use some newer parts.
I’ll send you an email.
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT
Edited by - Voyager on 07/15/2026 07:26:13
Go to Top of Page
   Topic Next Topic  
 New Topic  Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Jump To:
Association Forum © since 1999 Catalina Capri 25s International Association Go To Top Of Page
Powered By: Snitz Forums 2000 Version 3.4.06
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.