tutu10

like many here, I have physically walked into a WM store and bought a few items. After doing a couple laps around the entire place, it was nice to see “all stuff boating” in one location, but I was shocked at the prices....feeling sorry that I was the only customer in the store and that staff was very helpful in their sincere asking if I needed any help, I bought a few small items, including some very over priced Collinite 925.

i am a member of their club, and receive their emails constantly. This morning I received another stating 30% off Marine batteries. Like any boat owner, 30% deserves a look at least. The 30% off price ended up at $100+ for a group 24 starting battery....wtf? I just purchased (2) Group 27 DP batteries at Menard’s for $80/each...plus a mail,in rebate for another 11% rebate. It seems to me that West Marine is just way out of the ballpark on pricing in just about anything...others’ thoughts, Experiences? It’s nice to walk into a place and see and feel stuff...old school I know, but I prefer it that way. Even on-line, WM prices are way over the top when compared to identical items. Has anyone pushed the “price match” upon them? Is it worth it?

you can’t beat the Velcro rope wrappers though for $.99 each....tough to stay in business selling those all day..

On a side note, we just had “Ice Out” here in HELL....let the games begin!

thirdchildhood

iTrader: (6)

Kind of an odd first post. I had thought about starting a thread about Menards having such a good deal on batteries.

kjm5125

endeavour32

iTrader: (4)

Batteries are not batteries. While I completely agree with you that West Marine's prices are out of touch with reality, their branded products are typically an OK value. Back to batteries, that Menards battery is most likely the cheapest battery that can be found, West Marine batteries are typically very high quality. Pick up your Menards battery and then go pick up the West Marine battery. I'm willing to bet that West Marine battery weighs more. That extra weight means more lead, more lead means a better battery. I've got Northstar AGM batteries in my boat, and they are $400 per battery, each weigh over 80 pounds, and they have a 4 year non-prorated warranty. You get what you pay for in batteries, and $100 for a QUALITY wet cell group 24 battery is the going price.

Keith Atlanta

When I lived in Atlanta I never shopped at WM but down here, I always shop at WM. Your stores may not be high volume, but the stores down here are pretty busy. Whenever I go in my local store it is always busy. I think their higher volume stores have better deals and more inventory. I use port supply and the prices are pretty good.

Walk in to the Ft Lauderdale West Marine superstore and you will understand why they are still in business. Its like a boat candy store.

jsboat

Prices are high but they have a brick and motar footprint everywhere there is a sizeable body of water. Our Walmart has some basic attwood boat stuff you may need in a bind for a small boat or center console but when you need something particular and you want it now to get on the water the only answer is West Marine. I'm in South Florida there are one every 15 miles on US 1. In the great lakes, they are nearby as well, expensive but useful.

BUP

iTrader: (9)

Basically its one stop shopping and some of the sales persons do have a bit a boat education. I say some education inwhich is better than none. Basically I have ever bought from them was maybe some Racor filters and some ropes cause I was out of stock and needed it that day. I do not carry ropes - skis - life jackets - fenders and so on anymore cause you never sell that stuff like in the past. Total waste of time to have that kind of stock for a boat dealership that sells boats and provides service work.

Also alot of west marine business is the guy on the way to the lake or ocean that needs that last minute boat thing or oil or whatever.

And many times if its something I do not have or can not get in hurry for whomever - my reply to that person asking is - have you tried WEST MARINE or Bass Pro ?

BUP

iTrader: (9)

Baja Rooster

iTrader: (1)

SB

iTrader: (1)

Atleast you guys have a marine store you can drive to.