What's your best (or favourite) chandlery or online supplier?

Bealieau Boat Jumble, unless I absolutely have to buy something new (like fuel or electrical parts) in which case ASAP, SSLDiesel or other specialist suppliers.
 
I'm interested to read so many positive responses.

I found a type of budget rowlocks (crutches) and sockets, online at Marine Megastore...but bizarrely, the place doesn't seem to be open at weekends. Are they just a warehouse of chaps filling vans with stuff for delivery/dispatch?

Their prices certainly seem impressively low - although I've heard that may relate to questionable levels of service.
 
dancrane said:
I'm interested to read so many positive responses.

I found a type of budget rowlocks (crutches) and sockets, online at Marine Megastore...but bizarrely, the place doesn't seem to be open at weekends. Are they just a warehouse of chaps filling vans with stuff for delivery/dispatch?

Their prices certainly seem impressively low - although I've heard that may relate to questionable levels of service.
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I haven't used Marine megastore but testimony from this forum has convinced me not to bother. Seems to be a guy in a room somewhere, no stock, no real shop as such.

If you want rowlocks... Stornoway fisherman's coop is where I always buy mine :) Get a pair with socket plates, galv, for a fiver. Probably get a free shackle or split pin or whatever thrown in. Might be quite a long drive for you though Dan...

Speaking of good service, I was very impressed by a place called Sail Sport, sadly closed now. I ordered a set of self bailers along with some machine screws (for a different project). I had just ordered via the website when the owner immediately phoned me to explain that the bailers came with screws included, and offered a refund on the ones I'd ordered. Nice to feel that a place is really looking out for its customers sometimes.
 
Mavanier said:
Might be quite a long drive for you though Dan...
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Very long, I'm afraid!

Fantastic to find a store where, once you've visited a few times, your name/vessel/requirements aren't totally shrouded in cold unfamiliarity. It's sad and a bit surprising, that so few shops judge themselves able to take such care - I always go back to places where the staff give a damn and know me.
 
dancrane said:
I'm interested to read so many positive responses.

I found a type of budget rowlocks (crutches) and sockets, online at Marine Megastore...but bizarrely, the place doesn't seem to be open at weekends. Are they just a warehouse of chaps filling vans with stuff for delivery/dispatch?

Their prices certainly seem impressively low - although I've heard that may relate to questionable levels of service.
Click to expand...

Contrary to most posts I have found them ok. Low prices and 15% discount through CA or RYA. Have been one or two positive posts on here but most get shot down. I have saved significant beer tokens by using them. Perhaps not to be used if you need something tomorrow but if you can wait no problem.
Not a popular view on this forum I know but I can only speak as I find.
 
Vote for my local chandler, Duncan Yacht Chandlers in Glasgow. They have a good range and advice. Pricing is very similar to many on line places, and they are always helpful.

I have a major issue if we use local chandlers for finding out what we want, then going on line to find the cheapest price. Fair enough if you do your own information search, then shop around, but if you use your local to find out the best item to suit your needs, only fair IMHO to give them the business.

This was highlighted for me in a YM article a year or so ago, when the author described how they kept costs down by trying on wet weather gear in the local chandlery, then saved a packet by buying it on line!
 
I use Barry's at Canvey, but also use TCS. They know me, and put the effort in to get me good delivery times and know that I will have researched keen pricing, so always keep their pencil sharp. They ring me when the stuff is in, and send it to the Wallasea branch so I only have a short diversion to collect.
Also helpful with electronics advice too.
 
I would use any of the following again: Arthur's in Gosport, when in person; marine super store in port Solent, also in person (don't find their website very informative); ASAP supplies (quick delivery and very knowledgable); sea-screw; seamark nunn were very good over a delayed order for a Kobra 2 anchor (just before plastimo went bust); fox's - in person very helpful, but perhaps not the widest stock, but they did honor a price advertised on their website for a cooker which was £20 less than the price in store; you boat in Gosport - helpful in person, with a wide stock.

Neil
 
KREW2 said:
If it's electronic gear I always go to JG Technologies, the rest is as and when.
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Their price is usually very good.
However, a word of caution: before ordering on-line check whether or not they have what you want in stock.
If it's not a stock item, you could be in for a (very) long wait.
And, they take your money as soon as you place your order, not when they ship it. :mad:
 
I have used Marine Store a few times and found them very good. They have shops in Maldon, Burnham, West Mersea and Walton.
Competitive and knowledgeable. Not totally web based, they sometimes phone and a human speaks to you to keep you informed.
 
DanTribe said:
I have used Marine Store a few times and found them very good. They have shops in Maldon, Burnham, West Mersea and Walton.
Competitive and knowledgeable. Not totally web based, they sometimes phone and a human speaks to you to keep you informed.
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I have used them and visited the stores, sadly the Walton store is a shadow of it's former self, about half the floor area and stock. However they are always helpful. I d most of my chandlery shopping at Fox's as they are nearest, Seamark Nunn are good for some things but twice as far. I prefer to buy face to face unless online is either the only option or outrageously cheaper.
 
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