I'm shocked - reasonably priced boat spares!

[PCUK]

Doing up a Lewmar Pro-series windlass and needed various new parts. Gypsy, control arm, clutch nut, seals and fasteners kit. Expected the worst, but was very pleasantly surprised when the whole lot came to less than £150.00. It's all high quality stuff and I thought the Lewmar name would have added some extra cost, but apparently not. What a nice change to buy something and not feel I've been financially raped!

On the other hand I bought a set of small seals for a Wagner steering ram and was charged £93.00.
Knowing what seals normally cost I reckon a £90.00 mark-up. (Not available from the local seals specialist by the way). Not just a rip-off but theft!

 

[Ceejay]

Out of interest, who did you get the parts from?
Thanks CJ

 

[Cymrogwyllt]

Back in the early 80's I ws charged £40 + for a gasket set to do a head job on a 2l 244 car. That was going through a trade contact. Retail was prob £60 odd. Rip off was one of the kinder things I thought at the time.

Not bought volvo since.

Kid bro was recently charged £87 for a suspension spring for the chariot. He resorted to volvo after repeated breakages of other replacements (£30 odd) He will not accept that his driving has anything to do with it. He claims to slow down for humps. SIL's back says otherwise.

 

[PCUK]

CJ,
Aquafax are the retail suppliers for Lewmar. The Lewmar website offers comprehensive parts lists under the 'Support' button.

 

[cadser]

You can't really say that this is everyday tackle that we use on our boats - that's used in high numbers.
Being a supplier of special equipment to the packaging industry i feel that i can charge a bit more than normal for some parts, one for keeping spares on the self and two, for providing the service. However there is a fine balance between ripping off and repeat custom. If i have the choice i will take the repeat custom ever time.

 

[Ceejay]

Thanks for that info Peter. I'm planning to have a look see at my windlass and steering gear this winter, so may need spares.
CJ

 

[PCUK]

Cadser, your absolutely right. There are degrees of rip-off and this one means I won't be using anything Wagner (or the other makes of equipment they supply) ever again!