Originally Posted by boomerangben
The irony is that the boating fraternity think they are being exploited as well! To a certain extent they are too. If industrial suppliers sold life jackets, I am sure they would be even cheaper!
I've spent most of my life sailing for a hobby,and I can assure you that that there is a great mark up on Yachting Gear.
I don't have my own boat now but when I did I always looked at the manufacturers details and then sourced elsewhere or used generic parts,especially for Volvo engines!
When we had wooden boats we used an industrial machinery paint that was 25% cost of the International marine stuff and a lot more durable.I think it was made by Croda,and when I asked if it was OK for marine use was told that half the trawler fleet in Scotland used it,so it was OK for me.
It always pays to shop around.
Lister
