Buying supplies at boat shows

[radiocontester]

Hi Folks,

I'm a new boat owner and have a large list of items that need to be purchased before the start of the season. Is it worth spending the time shopping for line, fenders, safety gear etc. at a boat show or are the prices still the best from online sources? There is a show in Milford, NH this March that I'm considering attending. For those of you who attend boat shows is it your experience that there are killer deals to be had on accessory-like items? Just curious as I've never attended a show before.

Thanks.

[BroadHopper]

Reasonably priced boat supplies. You will be amazed how quickly they deliver!

[thinkxingu]

The Milford boat show had almost no accessories last year--I was looking at picking up a tube and rope, etc. and couldn't. Also, not convinced boat show prices are that great (I posted about what a couple dealers told me on another thread).

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[DesertDweller]

I would agree with the above post. Usually don't see much in the way of supplies/accessories at boat shows. Definitely worth shopping around online for them. There are a ton of online sellers out there and the prices are all over the place. Certainly can go the West Marine, Bass Pro Shops, etc. approach if you want to see it before you buy it.

[ishoot308]

I have always found that Parafunalia in Gilford has most everything you need at very fair prices. Whatever they don't have in stock they can order and have in a couple days. Great people to deal with also!

Dan

[Blue Thunder]

Reasonably priced boat supplies. You will be amazed how quickly they deliver!

Another vote for Amazon....hands down.

BT

[radiocontester]

Thanks all....you saved me the hassle. I'll stick with my usual online sources...i.e. Defender, Amazon etc...

[LIforrelaxin]

Beyond Amazon, look at:

Overtons
http://www.overtons.com/

Barts
http://www.bartswatersports.com/

West Marine
http://www.westmarine.com/

Most of these websites have the same products, however some items are better priced on one...... between the 4 I have always been able to find all I have ever needed.

Boat show are not likely to be a good place to get bargains on accessory

Also as Dan points out Parafunalia is a good place for supplies while in the lakes region......and I hope still have a large rental fleet of skis, wake boards, etc. so that you can try an item before shelling out the bucks.... however I also suggest checking the various websites I listed for price comparison....if you try a high priced ski, or wake board you like by renting it form Parafunalia.

[radiocontester]

Beyond Amazon, look at:

Overtons
http://www.overtons.com/

Barts
http://www.bartswatersports.com/

West Marine
http://www.westmarine.com/

Most of these websites have the same products, however some items are better priced on one...... between the 4 I have always been able to find all I have ever needed.

Boat show are not likely to be a good place to get bargains on accessory

Also as Dan points out Parafunalia is a good place for supplies while in the lakes region......and I hope still have a large rental fleet of skis, wake boards, etc. so that you can try an item before shelling out the bucks.... however I also suggest checking the various websites I listed for price comparison....if you try a high priced ski, or wake board you like by renting it form Parafunalia.

Thanks for the suggestions although I've found West Marine's prices to be overly inflated on just about everything of interest. Defender is usually the most competitive....Overtons a close second. I'll check out Bart's as well.

[Winnisquamer]

For cheap stuff like bumpers or pool style floats you'd be surprised what you'll find at ocean state job lot.. I had quite a few extra bumpers last summer teaching my family how to dock the new boat.

And we all know how cheap they are! West marine in my opinion is always too expensive. I've used Overtons online and found their website nice to cruise in the off seasons

[pjard]

I have always found that Parafunalia in Gilford has most everything you need at very fair prices. Whatever they don't have in stock they can order and have in a couple days. Great people to deal with also!

Dan

I agree with Dan on Parafunalia. They have a very good selection at internet prices...maybe a bit more, just a bit.

[Happy Gourmand]

I agree with Dan on Parafunalia. They have a very good selection at internet prices...maybe a bit more, just a bit.

I'll 3rd this recommendation. I buy my 2 cycle oil by the case from them. Great folks to deal with, and they are local. Go check them out, you won't be sorry.

[VitaBene]

Amazon Prime for me- very reasonable and 2 day shipping!!

[dippasan]

Gotta love eBay!
It allows you to view prices from many different retailers/sources and has filters to narrow your search based on price etc.

I've had great luck on ebay

[Winnisquamer]

Amazon Prime for me- very reasonable and 2 day shipping!!

Amazon prime is ridiculous! I abuse Amazon like its going out of style and even when I don't use prime I still get my items in like 2-3 days tops. Really don't know how I used to live before being able to order things so easily!

[LIforrelaxin]

Amazon prime is ridiculous! I abuse Amazon like its going out of style and even when I don't use prime I still get my items in like 2-3 days tops. Really don't know how I used to live before being able to order things so easily!

How quickly you get things from Amazon really depends on your location, and where they have items located..... Common things are in warehouses all over the country, and generally come very fast even with out prime. More specialized items however often come from across the country or even from outside the country.... And believe me prime is worth the extra cost, to know that if the prime label is attached, you get it 2 days no questions asked....

[VitaBene]

How quickly you get things from Amazon really depends on your location, and where they have items located..... Common things are in warehouses all over the country, and generally come very fast even with out prime. More specialized items however often come from across the country or even from outside the country.... And believe me prime is worth the extra cost, to know that if the prime label is attached, you get it 2 days no questions asked....
Between the 2 day shipping and all of the TV/ Movies, it was a no-brainer for us!

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Between the 2 day shipping and all of the TV/ Movies, it was a no-brainer for us!

Downloading all my photos from my iPhone/iPad onto Amazon Prime photos is a big storage saver. Prime also allows you to 'borrow' kindle books from other kindle owners.

In Seattle Washington you can now get booze delivered to you in ONE HOUR with Amazon Prime.
http://bgr.com/2015/08/27/amazon-prime-now-alcohol-delivery/

[Descant]

I've bought lines, fenders, etc on the last day of the NE Boat show when the shop just didn't want to load stuff on to the truck and take it back. You have to barter not just pay the sticker price.

[Rich]

Boat show prices... check what you are buying. Gimicks and gadgets are often over priced. Regular supplies may not be very over priced as we tend to know more about what we normally buy.

Bring your smart phone, check online prices when at the show. If you can get it significantly cheaper on Amazon or Defender, then as the vendor if they want to meet online prices, or if they are close to the price, just buy it from them to support your local guy.

When I've purchased things at a show that were being pushed hard, or with a lot of demo time, they tend to be very over priced, sort of like the snake oil hawkers of the old days.

I phone gets a lot of work checking prices lately when I shop, especially at shows.

[Descant]

OP said "New boat owner". If you bought from a dealer, take the list to them and see if they'll offer a package.

As you use the boat more, preferences may change. Don't overbuy just because it's fun.

Put your list on Amazon. Maybe you'll get Father's Day presents? Throw a "Christening Party" and let folks know where you're registered. Duplicates are good. Two anchors & line, two charts, etc.

Using a local dealer means easy return/swap. Parafunalia is nice about this, even if you special order. Maybe a clerk who will say "Not many people buy these, try this" Sometimes upselling, but often good advice.

What's your vessel name? You can get embroidered stuff at the NE Boat show while you are at the show. Also, almost anything with the name on it from www.vistaprint.com.

[Patofnaud]

Put your list on Amazon. Maybe you'll get Father's Day presents?

That's what I did prior to Xmas, now I can't wait for Spring. Santa was nice. :)

[Old Sarge]

I bought a new boat last year and purchased most of my gear from Amazon, cheap prices and mostly free shipping. I did wander into Parafunalia in Gilford a short time later and was really surprised at the low prices as well as the helpful and friendly service!

[V ger]

It is not necessary to go to boat shows to get boat show prices. Places like Defender Industries and Hamilton Marine as well as many others give boat show prices for online or telephone orders during major boat shows. Every March Defender has a huge spring sale at their warehouse/store. This place is a true marine chandlery rather than the typical boat boutique. They are the largest seller of inflatable boats in the world. Their spring sale is populated with hordes of venders so it is a good place to see the products and talk to the manufacturers. They carry many more items than are shown online or in their catalog so just ask if you do not see what you need. They have been my best source of otherwise non-stocked items.

[Alton Bay]

I have shopped at Parafunalia many times over the years and they really do have great prices. Better than West Marine and lower than other other shops in the lakes region. Don't know about you, but I know these local businesses need local shoppers and I like to be able to see the stuff I'm buying.

[noreast]

As has been said, Overtons usually is cheapest for stuff I've needed. I go back and fourth with them and Amazon prime.

[thinkxingu]

All things being equal, I'd buy from a local dealer. All things not so equal, I'd still buy from a local dealer.

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