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West Marine - 14 reviews
Watsonville, CA
Reviewer Comments:
Submitted by: D MIller
Denison, TX
10/25/2005
West Marine has the advantage of being one of the few chandleries in the area of Lake Texhoma. Their prices are high, but they have had pretty much whatever I needed at the time. The service is pretty decent, with fairly knowledgeable staff. For big purchases it is a toss-up as to buy from them, and pay more at the register or buy online and pay for shipping. They are definitely better than the Marina chandlery, and not having other alternatives, fill the bill.
Submitted by: Jeffrey Bacon
Huron, OH
10/24/2005
West Marine has a "Price Match" policy which really frosts me. In essence, they are saying that our prices are high and unless you catch us, we will continue to charge that high price. I prefer to shop at retailers that price fairly at the outset. Why give WM the credit for the other guys work?
Submitted by: michael durfey
san diego, CA
10/19/2005
Employees can be condescending, belittled a neophyte who mistakenly called a windlass a winch.
Submitted by: James Williams
Alameda, CA
10/13/2005
I loved West Marine and was a very loyal customer for several years, because you could count on finding what you need, a wide choice of brands, and, with their rebate policy, a fair price. But in 2004, fewer and fewer items have been stocked, brand choices are limited, and prices have climbed astronomically. Now, despite my past loyality, I always go first to Svendsen's Chandlery.
Submitted by: Alex Kossack
portsmouth, NH
10/11/2005
It's ok for power, weak for sail boats. Specially for racing sailboats. Material in stock is standard material, if you're looking for race winches, blocks, etc. Have to call the 800 number or go online. If going online, then there are better options, at lower prices. However, its good for emergencies, or to get "standard" stuff quick. People at the store..... RUDE!!! And not sailors!
Submitted by: Joe Baker
Biloxi, MS
10/04/2005
I live in Arkansas and vacation in Biloxi, MS. I try to make it a point to get a list from all my sailing buddies and go to the West Marine store to load up. Mike and the guys (and girls) have treated me like gold. I bought a West Marine Pro-Grill, had it a year and had a problem with it. They gave me a full refund and I bought a Magma Grill. I have totally outfitted my Hunter 33 for a 1 year Caribbean cruise with West Marine. Keep it up guys and girls.
Submitted by: Joe Baker
10/04/2005
I have shopped at West Marine for two years getting my Hunter 33 ready for the Caribbean. They have always had what I needed and had lightning fast shipping. Prices are a little higher than others, but their knowledge, shipping, and return policy get two "thumbs-up" in my book.
Submitted by: Bob & Maxine Mahaffy
Hampton, VA
09/15/2005
I enjoy shopping at the Hampton, VA store. Their prices are almost always higher than their local competitor, but customer service, broad sailing knowlege of employees, and their return policy mitigate this some. It is still my local store of choice,
Submitted by: Greg Van Belle
Everett, WA
09/09/2005
All I can say about the Everett, WA West Marine is that they are close to my boat. Oh, and two of their employees actually know what they are talking about. The rest are unaware that sailboats exist.
Submitted by: John Heinisch
Pensacola, FL
08/17/2005
While their prices are extraordinarily high, they usually have in stock what I'm looking for when I need it. They also match published prices of any other retailer. What's most annoying is the amount of time that it takes to pay for one's purchases at a WM store. What gives, people?!!! Just take my money so I can get back to the boat! Thanks.
Submitted by: Dick Westwood
Stamford, CT
08/11/2005
I use them just for emergency or fill-in purchases. They have a pretty good selection, but their prices are way high. Their service is spotty: a few great people who are knowledgeable and help a lot; a number of people who know little (and sometimes try to pretend they know a lot).
Submitted by: Rick Lucas
Long Beach, CA
08/10/2005
West Marine is now my store of last resort. Their prices higher than the other local chandleries. The staff, while generally helpful, is less knowledgable than those at the other stores in the area. Their selection is better than the other brick and mortar stores, but if I'm looking for specialized or esoteric bits, I'll go online to get them.
Submitted by: Guy Johnson
Gloucester, MS
07/28/2005
Express store, limited hours
