AliExpress for Boaty Bits ?

[LONG_KEELER]

I've just received a low priced engine part that has taken three weeks to arrive but earlier than originally advertised. About a third of the price elsewhere. It's the first time I've used AliExpress .

Anyone else used them for boaty bits and did it all work out. ?

 

[Neeves]

We use it frequently, including for boat bits. There area number, probably a large number, of reputable manufacturers in China and possibly many more that are not quite so reputable. I bought my chain winch, load cells, coating thickness meter, chain hooks, shackles, blocks, micrometer etc etc. Just think CMP make their chain, shackles and anchors in China, Lewmar their anchors and undoubtedly much more, Ronstan their LFRs. Just do your homework and you will not be disappointed and will probably be pleasantly surprised.

Jonathan

 

[footsoldier]

Just do your homework and you will not be disappointed and will probably be pleasantly surprised.

No experience with boat bits, but I would imagine it is similar to car components. I was unable to source a replacement for the broken indicator repeater in a door mirror - only available in Europe as the whole unit at £500 !! I was pleasantly surprised to find that for £12.95 posted I could get just the indicator light component via Aliexpress. BUT, as Neeves says, it is the Chinese equivalent of Ebay, and there are numerous different suppliers there some of whom will be better than others. You really need to read the full item descriptions and any reviews very carefully. (When my item arrived it was clearly the OEM component with which the original mirror had been assembled!)

 

[Neeves]

The coating thickness meter I bought is, or was, a common item in the Australian galvanising industry - all I did was cut out the Australian importer of the same device saving oodles. The LFRs I bought were marked 'Ronstan' - though the company who made them also made me some prototype components.

The stainless exhaust elbow for a MD2020 looks identical (including the picture) offered by a UK parts supplier. I suspect they have the same source.

Its all part of the research.

Jonathan

 

[fredrussell]

I bought an AIS transponder from AliExpress- no problems at all, been on boat a year or two, doing what it’s meant to. Less than half the price of buying from Uk.

 

[LONG_KEELER]

I was surprised that AliExpress came up after entering the maker's part number into google. They seem to be on the ball.

 

[Neeves]

I was surprised that AliExpress came up after entering the maker's part number into google. They seem to be on the ball.

They are very slick and their soft ware must be amazing. Once you have looked at something - they will remind you to buy, once you have bought something they send you a list of similar items etc etc. Its all. very clever.

Jonathan

 

[ChromeDome]

Did anyone experience fees, duties and VAT collection as it is goods imported?

 

[HenrikH]

There is the Silk Market i Beijing. Sells Western brand clothes at 1/10 price (after hagling). but they degrade quickly (personal experience). AliExpress- hope you are lucky!

 

[Neeves]

There is the Silk Market i Beijing. Sells Western brand clothes at 1/10 price (after hagling). but they degrade quickly (personal experience). AliExpress- hope you are lucky!

I've been using my coating thickness meter for 10 years, it is identical to one available in Australia. I have been using my chain winch and 2 load cells one 500kg the other 2,000kgs for slightly less than 20 years. My micrometer and callipers seems as accurate today as 10 years ago. All hardware items we buy are branded and if you search you can find details of the manufacturer through their website. The 'T' shirts we have bought have stood the test of time (and are 100% pure cotton) and seem no different in quality to those made in Bangladesh or Sri Lanka. The attachments for chain, hooks, omega links, hammer locks, claws (and the chain itself) have all been tested by NATA approved test facilities and found well within spec.

If you buy from some nefarious stall off a street market, whether Birmingham or Beijing, - you are totally reliant on the reputation and integrity of the tradesman who you don't know from a bar of soap - no wonder they cost 1/10th the price. Its not that you did much homework - you bought on price.

Your experience is hardly comparable, actually no comparison at all, to someone who does do the homework.

Jonathan

 

[GHA]

There is the Silk Market i Beijing. Sells Western brand clothes at 1/10 price (after hagling). but they degrade quickly (personal experience). AliExpress- hope you are lucky!

Street market traders don't have online feedback and reviews for the world to see. Successful online traders in eBay, aliexpress etc will try very hard to keep the feed back and reviews positive. Or go bust cos no one will use them. Completely different ball game.

 

[ean_p]

On a personal level I try and not use Chinese manufactured / supplied goods when ever possible even if to do so costs a percentage more. Yes I know that the vast majority of 'stuff' I buy will have had its origin in China but ............

 

[baart]

While looking for other boat bits I have come across Seaflo twist and lock pump. I need to replace the old Jabsco pump and Seaflo is available on Aliexpress for half the price of the original one. Has anyone had any experience with that brand?

 

[fredrussell]

With perhaps a few exceptions everything available on AliExpress will be a cheaply made copy of a well made product. I’ve bought a few boaty things on there and they’re all still working, but I bought them all accepting I was taking a bit of a gamble on their quality.
My friend just bought a chinaspacher heater. It’s stopped working two weeks after fitting (probably ecu fault). You pays yer money…

 

[KenF]

In my experience of working in China, the workers are diligent and frugal (and much younger than us European customers) and all components were 'CE' marked, however when CE certificates could not be produced we were told CE meant 'China Export' - just saying.

 

[gregcope]

I have brought various bits and bobs. Some of it is a cheap copy, some very good. You take your chances … i would not generalise its all rubbish.

 

[Neeves]

We have bought a lot, 2t load cell, checked and still works well 15 years later; Coating thickness meter, for galvanising coating thickness, industry standard in Oz; custom made parts, cheap and well made; chain winch, a bit agricultural but its fine. Lifting chain, fully accepted here in Oz. LFRs with Ronstan logo at a fraction of the price. We do our homework and we speak to the supplier. MG, Great Wall motors etc - seem to be carving a niche. You phone, tablet etc etc is made in China -

Don't knock quality (unseen) - just check (and double check)

Prices are rising, or the difference between the identical item sold on eBay or from a big importer (say chain) and from Aliexpress or Alibaba (same company) is closing.

Jonathan

 

[AngusMcDoon]

You phone, tablet etc etc is made in China...

Unless it's a Samsung, the world's number 1 phone manufacturer, who make no phones or tablets in China.

 

[Neeves]

Samsung may be the largest single manufacturer of mobile phones but 70% of mobile phones (tablets,,,,??? etc etc) are made in China. Basically most people, internationally, have a phone assembled in China.

But the numbers are not so important - China has become 'the', or 'a', manufacturing centre of the world.

You, we, may not be comfortable with the idea - but that's the reality and Aliexpress, Alibaba etc etc offer us a window on the 'opportunity'. Aliexpress and Alibaba survive because they are successful.

Jonathan