T&T: Portland Oregon Sources was --> Re: West Marine 2009 catalog

[Al Thomason]

Hi, I am also in Portland. I find West marine very expensive, and try not to 
use them unless I need to.  I also have seen their quality (esp West branded 
items) drop...

Myself, I like Sextants on Hayden Island.  Good selection, local company and 
fair prices.  They are also able to order things (like spare parts for my 
Dickinson stove, Ideal windlass) that West Marine would have no ability to 
do.  Plus, folks been in the biz for a long time and have great knowledge.

Columbia Marine Exchange is also a good place, in addition to used parts Kim 
will order anything you need and have it in a week.   She supplies a lot 
through Fisheries up in Seattle, and typical is 20-30% off the Fisheries 
price.  But not just them:  Dynobattery, New Found Metals, etc...

These two are localy owned business, have fair prices, and I always try to 
support them 1st.

I also look at BoatersWorld (is that store still open?  have not been there 
after the New Year), and Fisherman's located next to Goe's (next to West 
marine in North Portland).  Selecting is limited, but if they have what I 
need great!  Of Course ACE hardware.  Aloha and ParkRose have great fastener 
selections.  Tochoma Screw for Bronze.  HomeDepot/Loves, mostly for Plumbing 
fittings.

Mail order:  I tend to use eBay (take a LONG time, but can get stuff for 
15-30% of list, of - not off!), Defenders, Hamilton marine, and Jamestown 
(both out of New England area).

I have also fond that many items are simply 'rebranded' and you can purchase 
outside of marine industry for much less.  e.g.:  Wire crimps are Pundit and 
available for about 20% of the price of Ancor.  I just replaced a water 
heater element, $40 at West Marine, $8.85 at A-Boy.  McMasters-Carr is a 
great resouce to start with.

45' Monk / McQueen
Vilking Star

-al



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ken MTBDEMON" <mtbdemon at msn.com>

> So, where do people obtain most of the marine supplies if not West Marine?