FAQ: Mail Order

Where can I get boat supplies and parts by mail order?
Is this a good way to shop?

You could try the following.

For general marine gear:

Boat/US 800-937-2628
Defender 800-628-8225
E&B Discount Marine 800-262-8464
JSI (Johnson Sails, Inc) 800-234-3220
M&E Marine 800-541-6501
Marine Exchange 800-888-8699

You might want to try the following for communications gear:

H. F. Radio On Board 510-814-8888
Waypoint 800-584-4114

The boat shows like Annapolis, Miami, etc. are great places to window shop and get great deals. I went to the Annapolis Boat show in October and probably saved 30% on normal catalog pricing, but I was buying a lot of gear for my 34 also. ($12,000+). The key is shop around and watch the shipping charges, they can break an otherwise great deal. At the boat show I got several deals where it included shipping in the already discounted price (Gerry Misener).

I also use West Marine, but also find Defender Marine a very good and low
cost provider (Craig McAllaster)

Although Defender is without a doubt usually cheaper than the others, they have a VERY tough return policy. For C-34 parts, the best place is the factory who you can contact at 818-884-7700 or fax 818-704-6612 (Ron Hill, C34 National Association Technical Editor)