Hong Kong & NZ

[Gazza]

Will be going to New Zealand in mid-February (nothing to do with Lord of the Rings!) with a stopover in Hong Kong on the way back.

I anticipate being able to do some serious shopping for electronic stuff in HK, but don't know about scope for marine equipment in either country. Anyone any experience of "boat shopping" in either country? Am trying to work out how much money I am likely to spend

 

[30boat]

In my experience H Kong is not the best place for a bargain when it comes to boats.
Chandlers are outrageously expensive and boat related eletronics can usualy only be found there.However you can find radios and similar things in Kowloon (Nathan road).The problem is that you have to know where to go as some of the storeowners are sometimes less than totaly honest.
I lived in Macau for 8 years and most of the time resorted to mail order either from the U.S(very cheap)or the UK.However I got my ssb and atu at fantastic prices in H K .I can't really remember where but if you're interested I can find out.

 

[bryantee]

Just got back from xmas/ new year in hong kong.managed a few bits for the boat.no great bargains.some different bits though.a mixture of american/europeanaand new zealand .got some good sailing shoes:Lil Gripper'
Deck shoe bottoms and wet suit type uppers about £12 from N Z.Royal hk Yacht Club shop was the best i managed to find. For Radios and Electronics go to Sho Shuim Po on the MTR and go up to the South side entrance(The North side is all Computer Shops) and browse the Radio Shops .Good value on SSB.The rest of the chandlers are in Aberdeen or Hebe Haven(Well worth a visit).Get an Octopus card and travelling is easy.

 

[Guest]

Hi from New Zealand
For comparison, the Lil Gripper boat shoes sell here for $39NZ.
Prices here seem pretty competitive with the best prices available elsewhere, and the selection is generally good. There are discount supermarkets in Auckland (mostly near the America's Cup village) which generally offer the best value, also a mail order/discount outlet in Christchurch called "Boat" which has a website.
The distinguishing factor about the supply side here is not so much bargains for shoppers, as good knowledgeable total package service for refits. Partly this is because most people who work in the industry are boatowners and very active sailors, and many learned about sailing by building themselves a boat and equipping it by trial and error.

Regards

Andrew Troup