How to Save Big on Sailboat Parts: Our Top Buying Secrets and Where to Shop Online
Outfitting your sailboat doesn’t have to break the bank! Whether you're upgrading, repairing, or stocking up, these buying secrets will help you save big while keeping your boat in top shape.
2/2025 Written by Chris & Su Wallace from Squid and Jelly's Great Adventure
Sailing is an amazing adventure - it's exhilarating, offering a sense of freedom and adventure on the open water. However, let’s be real—it’s also expensive! Keeping your sailboat in top condition, wanting the newest upgrades and inevitable repairs, your boat can feel like a bottomless money pit. But don’t worry! We’ve mastered the art of scoring great deals on top quality products, and now we’re sharing our go-to shopping spots and techniques with you.
To help you navigate the often-overwhelming market of sailboat parts, we’ve compiled a list of insider tips and websites that will empower you to save big without sacrificing quality. From timing your purchases to leveraging online resources, you'll learn the essential secrets to getting the best deals. Get ready to trim those expenses and set sail towards calmer financial waters!
SAJGA Top 10 Tips for Best Deals
1. Ask for That Discount!
Many small marine shops offer a veterans discount—typically 10%—but they won’t always advertise it. Just ask! They may offer other discounts that aren't listed. The worst they can say is no, and the best? Instant savings!
Know someone in the industry? Friends, acquaintances, or fellow boaters who work in the marine world can often steer you towards a deal. A friendly chat could lead to big savings.
2. Get Lucky with Raffles & Forums
Cruisers Forum Ultra Giveaway and other online groups often have raffles, discounts, or giveaways for gear. Keep an eye out—you might just score free stuff.
3. Join the Facebook Group "New Sailboat Parts: Best Deals & Discounts"
Join the New Sailboat Parts: Deals & Discounts Facebook group - a community where sailors share the latest deals and discounts on sailboat parts and supplies. Members post up-to-date information on where to find the best prices on NEW items. Stay informed, save money, and connect with fellow boaters who are always on the lookout for great bargains!
4. Buy Smart: Don’t Rely on the Boatyard
If you’re planning a haul-out, don’t assume the yard has what you need at a fair price. More often than not, you’ll have to source and ship it yourself for a better deal.
Case in point: A screw up on our part - we made a deal with the marina to buy their paint at a fair price. When we got the paint and noticed right away that it was expired by 2 years, leaving us to find paint quickly since this was holding us up from getting our boat back in the water. What we should have done was to have sourced the paint ahead of time and had it delivered to us in advance of starting the job. After that fell through, we had to scramble to find a solution which in turn caused us to pay more for the paint and also pay for additional time in the boatyard.
5. Talk to Your Boat Neighbors
See someone working on a project similar to yours? Strike up a conversation! They’ve probably done a ton of research and can point you to the best suppliers and prices—saving you time and money.
6. Pack Like a Smuggler (Legally, Of Course!)
- Flying back to the boat? Bring supplies with you! Airlines allow 50 lbs per checked bag, so maximize space by removing bulky packaging (unless fragile).
- Thrift store suitcases are a game-changer. They’re cheap (approximetly $7 - $10), easy to find, and you won’t care if they get banged up. Be sure to measure and weigh them (we use a small digital scale). You want to make sure your new purchases will fit and choose the lightest ones (they can range from 6-13 lbs) so you can bring more!
- We typically return with 2 checked bags, 1 carry-on, and a backpack each—fully loaded with boat parts, provisions, and even special treats. Once we unload, we pass our suitcases along to fellow cruisers or locals.
7. Shipping Hacks for the Caribbean & Beyond
If you’re in the Caribbean, Central, or South America, skip expensive air freight and use a freight forwarder instead.
Consolidate your shipments! Most freight forwarders charge per shipment (often $100+ just in paperwork fees), so sending everything together saves big.
8. Play Competitors Against Each Other
Getting quotes from multiple companies? Let them know! We did this with Parasailor and Oxley, and guess what? Parasailor lowered their price when they realized we were shopping around. Competition works in your favor - use it!
9. Don’t Get Taken - Protect Your Purchase!
Not all retailers deliver on their promises, and if they drop the ball—wrong item, damaged goods, or no delivery at all—you don’t have to just accept it. Take action!
Here’s how to handle it like a pro:
- Keep all records - order confirmations, tracking info, emails, and any chats with customer service.
- Contact the retailer first - give them a chance to make it right.
- If they don’t fix it, dispute the charge - file a claim with your credit card company. Even partial disputes work - if only part of the order was wrong, you can still get some money back!
Credit card companies offer buyer protection for a reason - use it! You paid for something, and you deserve to get what you ordered - or your money back.
10. Join Sailing Clubs, Sailing Organizations or Sailing Associations for the PERKS!
Being part of a sailing club or organization isn’t just about camaraderie - it can save you serious money on boat supplies, marina fees, and more! Check out local sailing clubs, but here are two of our favorites:
- Ocean Posse – One of the best perks? Access to a West Marine Pro account! Some boat parts never go on sale, but with West Marine Pro, we regularly score 10-15% off compared to other retailers. Plus, if you're staying in a marina, many offer 10% off your bill just for being a member!
- Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) – If you plan on hauling out or docking long-term, this one’s a winner. Their membership perks include discounts at boatyards and marinas, helping keep those big expenses in check.
A small membership fee can go a long way—so why not let your club membership pay for itself while you enjoy the benefits?
Chart Your Course To Savings With These Suppliers!
Whether you need rigging, electronics, or comfortable stylish flooring, here’s our go-to list of places to shop smart and keep your budget afloat.
Be sure to check all these websites when shopping for parts, because isn't it frustrating to find that you found the same items at a fraction of the cost elsewhere after you already purchased them?
• Amazon
The behemoth of online shopping. They stock tons of useful sailing gear, and if you have the Amazon credit card, you’ll earn 5% back on purchases (sometimes even 6% if you opt for slower shipping). Want to save even more? Use CamelCamelCamel.com for price tracking, or add items to your cart and monitor price drops. Amazon Prime membership is worth joining for the benefit of free shipping and exclusive discounts. Try their free 3 month Trial.
Check out the boat parts and supplies we purchased on Amazon.
• B&G Electronics
We use B&G electronics for navigation, and their website sometimes offers rebates or specials. One sneaky way to save? Buy last year’s model—same great tech, but cheaper!
• Binnacle
When shopping for boat parts, I always compare prices across multiple sites—and Binnacle sometimes comes out on top. Just recently, I scored a Harken winch for over $50 less than the best price I could find anywhere else! They have a US and Canadian website - so pay attention to which store you are ordering from.
• Bay Marine Supply
Our go-to for FTZ Power Lugs, wiring terminals, large lugs and MTBF fuses. They have solid prices, but keep in mind they ship from California, so delivery may take a bit longer.
• Defender
Defender used to be our absolute favorite place for marine parts and supplies. Since their ownership change, the website is harder to navigate, and checkout is a hassle. We still compare their prices, but we rarely buy anymore.
• Fisheries Supply
Reputable company with great pricing - especially for hard to find parts. We always check here before making a purchase.
• The Foam Factory
If you need high-quality foam for your salon, cockpit cushions, or mattresses, this is the place. They even send free samples with spec details! Just note, they don’t carry closed-cell floatation foam or sew foam - you would need to source those items from Sailrite.
This might seem obvious, but it’s a powerful tool. Type in the part name and number, and you’ll likely find multiple retailers selling what you need. Just double-check shipping costs, taxes, and seller reputation before hitting "buy."
• The GPS Store
Best prices and lightning-fast shipping for marine electronics like B&G chart plotters and FLIR night vision cameras.
• Hodges Marine
When it comes to marine parts and supplies, Hodges Marine has earned its place as our top online retailer. They consistently offer some of the best prices, a huge selection, and FREE shipping - a trifecta that’s hard to beat! Before we buy anything for the boat, we always check Hodges Marine.
• Infinity Luxury Woven Vinyl
This is our favorite flooring for our boat - stylish, durable, comfy, and super easy to clean. We installed it in our cockpit and throughout the interior, and our feet are forever grateful. We are dealers for this company and can get you the best price. Ask us for a quote!
• Maple Leaf Ropes
Did you know that our 40 foot sailboat has over 2000 feet of lines and ropes, not including spares? Getting a good deal is absolutely necessary! MLR carries all kinds of ropes, including our favorite brand, New England Ropes. SAJGA Tip: Never buy rope at full price - wait for clearance sales and save up to 70%! You might not get your favorite color, but hey, quality beats aesthetics when you’re out at sea.
• Marine Parts Source
When it comes to marine toilets, hoses, and our Suzuki outboard parts, they typically have the best prices. We always compare, but they usually win.
• MauriPro Sailing & Marine
If you’re in the market for Harken sailing hardware, this is a must-check. Their sale prices can be seriously competitive, and they drop-ship pretty quickly.
• North Sails
They’re the biggest sail manufacturer in the world for a reason! Our go-to loft is North Sails Antigua, run by Andrew Dove in English Harbor - great service and expertise.
SAJGA On Cosmos we have Outland Hatch covers in sizes 10, 40 & 60.
• Outland Hatch Covers
A budget-friendly way to protect your acrylic hatches from crazing and extend their lifespan. We prefer these covers over fabric hatch covers since they let ambient light in. We recommend that you remove these when sailing in strong winds.
• Powerwerx
Best source we’ve found for Anderson Powerpole connectors.
• PKYS
A fantastic resource for Victron solar and battery electronics. They have great prices, fast shipping, and a super helpful tech support team—including direct email access to the owner!
• PredictWind
Our go-to weather forecasting and routing service. We wouldn’t plan a trip without it!
• Sailboat Owners
They sometimes have the lowest prices on Harken gear, but fair warning—they are SLOW at processing and shipping orders.
• Sailrite
For top-notch sewing supplies, fabrics, and DIY marine projects, Sailrite is hard to beat. Their pricing is usually the best, and their instructional videos are top-tier. Email support is great, but online chat? Not so much.
• Toad Marine Supply
When it comes to Yanmar diesel engine and saildrive parts, this is the only site we trust.
• Vela Sailing
One of the top places to check for Harken and Antal hardware. They offer competitive pricing and solid customer service.
• West Marine Pro
Sometimes, they’re the only store offering discounts on essential parts. We always check here before making a big purchase, especially for rope clearance sales (because who doesn’t love saving up to 70%?!). Their customer service is excellent, though shipping can be a bit slow.
• The Yacht Rigger
A fantastic, family-owned business partially owned by our friend Stephen Lloyd. They specialize in solar and battery electronics and can put together custom package deals. If you’re in St. Petersburg, Florida, they also offer full rigging services and custom installations. We are a dealer for this company so Contact Us and we can provide you competitive pricing from The Yacht Rigger.
How to Score Big Savings
Timing is everything when it comes to big-ticket boat purchases! Major holiday sales and boat show specials can save you serious cash. Take our B&G Zeus 3S 12” chart plotter, for example - it normally retails for $4,000. No discounts anywhere… except for West Marine Pro, which knocked off about $700. Not bad, right?
But patience really paid off when we waited for Black Friday at Hodges Marine —BOOM! We snagged it for just $2,250! That’s nearly half price!
When to Stock Up
Sometimes, it actually pays to buy multiple when the price is right. If you know you’ll use it and it has a long lifespan, why not grab a few at the lowest price?
When you’re outfitting your boat, an upgrade can increase reliability, reduce maintenance, and prevent potential failures, it’s usually worth the extra investment, however, knowing where and when to shop can save you a small fortune! We’ve learned the hard way that prices vary wildly, so always shop around. And if you’re part of a sailing membership like Ocean Posse, take advantage of those hidden perks! Upgrade wisely, and sail with confidence! ⛵
What’s your favorite place to shop for boat parts? Send us a message at squidandjellysgreatadventure@gmail.com - we love discovering new savings hacks!
Read our other articles:
Our Favorite Snorkel Gear for Unforgettable Adventures
Electrical Energy – Powering Your Boat Efficiently
Sailboat Parts Reviews: RuuviTag Pro Sensor
How to make Winch Covers with an inside choker using SCRAPS - FREE Pattern
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