Online juggernaut Amazon, big-box behemoth Walmart, and West Marine—with more than 250 stores nationwide—are the biggest sellers of marine supplies in North America. But bigger isn’t always better. In fact, the big names don’t always have the widest selection, unique and niche items, or the best prices. In the case of Amazon and Walmart, you can likely forget about knowledgeable or available staff.

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Doug Henschen
Doug Henschen has been sailing in and around the waters of the lower Hudson River, New York Harbor, and the Long Island Sound since the 1980s. A career editor and journalist, Doug served as associate editor and managing editor of The Waterway Guide from 1984 until 1987 and as executive editor of Boating Industry magazine from 1990 to 1996. Doug is American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) certified on Marine Systems, Marine Electrical, Corrosion Mitigation, Disaster Avoidance and Outboard Repowering Considerations.

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24 COMMENTS

  2. Freeport Marine Supply, NY

    Our Story

    Since 1939, Freeport Marine Supply has proudly served the boating community. It all began when Arthur Ross opened the original store, crafting handmade counters and shelves filled with the best marine products of the time. Driven by a passion for boating, Arthur made a promise to “Never leave a customer high and dry,” a commitment that still defines us today.

    In 1964, Arthur’s son, Irwin, joined the family business, growing its reputation and creating our iconic “Hot Dog Sale,” a customer favorite that brought boaters together every spring. Under Irwin’s leadership, Freeport Marine Supply became known for reliable service and strong community ties.

    Today, the business is led by Arthur’s grandson, Justin, who continues the family’s legacy of exceptional customer care and industry expertise. With three generations of marine knowledge and a passionate team, we’re committed to making sure you have everything you need for your next adventure on the water. From in-store to online, we’ve got you covered with quality products, fast service, and a friendly, knowledgeable crew.

    OUR PURPOSE
    More Boating, Less Hassle

    At Freeport Marine Supply, we’re all about making your time on the water more enjoyable. That means helping you spend less time and money on parts and more time out on your boat. With a wide range of products, fast shipping, and a team of friendly experts ready to assist, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re stopping by our 3,200 square feet of showroom space or counting on us to ship from our 18,000 square foot warehouse, we make sure you get what you need, when you need it. We’re here to make your boating experience smooth and hassle-free from start to finish.

  3. Great article and I love promoting and supporting our local chandleries!

    Here a few in Canada:
    The Boathouse (also own Montreal Shipwright Services), Pointe-Claire, Quebec
    Marine Outfitters, Kingston, Ontario
    The Chandlery, Ottawa, Ontario
    The Binnacle, Halifax, Nova-Scotia
    Stevenson Marine & Hardware, Multiple locations in British Columbia

  7. I would also include San Diego Marine Exchange / Sailing Supply. Beyond being the primary supplier to the boatyards and service industry in San Diego, they’re exceptionally well set up to support long-range cruisers. They regularly ship parts and equipment to boats cruising in Mexico.
    While sailing my Mason 63 from San Diego to Puerto Vallarta for the winter, my inverter failed just south of Cabo. I called them via satellite phone, ordered a replacement, and by the time I arrived, the inverter was waiting for me at the marina. That level of logistical support is invaluable when you’re offshore and on a schedule.

  8. Just a casual observation. I have been a subscriber for years – more than 20? I know and accept you are USA centric, but Canada actually has marine suppliers as well. West Marine does not exist here – tried a couple of times but pulled out. You do have readers in Canada.
    Yes there is Amazon.ca and Walmart is here, but they are hardly a marine chandler.
    Defender.ca is an online. Stevenston Marine, Binnacle, Brewers Marine, Marine Outfitters, the Chandlery, are but a few that exist and service the industry north of the border.
    Maybe, from time to time, you might acknowledge that.

    • Thanks for pointing those out. I did note Defender’s special presence in Canada (and it’s recent Canadian ownership), but thanks for adding to the list of Canadian suppliers. Marc Robic, commenting above, noted some of the same outfits as well as additional examples in the eastern provinces. I’m a U.S.-based freelance contributor to Practical Sailor, so the U.S. bias/Canadian oversight was mine rather than Practical Sailor’s.

  9. I’d definitely add Minney’s Yacht Surplus to the list:

    Minney’s Yacht Surplus
    (You can find them online by searching on their name)
    1500 Newport Blvd.
    Costa Mesa, CA
    92627
    Phone: (949) 307-3983 Johnny

    Their storefront is now open only Th-Sat, but their inventory is truly impressive.

  10. I would add Garhauer Marine (garhauermarine.com) and Catalina Interiors and Canvas (catalinainteriorsandcanvas.com).

    Both have ties to Catalina Yachts but cater to other brands as well.

    If you’re in the Costa Mesa California area then Minney’s Yacht Surplus is a must see (minneysyachtsurplus.com).

  11. Excellent article and list. I heartily recommend adding Longship Marine in Poulsbo, Washington. This is a home-grown marine consignment store with an excellent inventory for DIY sailors of every stripe. Erin, Niko, and Pam are friendly and knowledgeable, and the store, located on the water front on the Puget Sound, is always a delight to visit. Their website is informative and well maintained.

    Copy longshipmarine into your browser window.

  12. My favorite supplier of marine LED lighting and related items is Marinebeam.com, founded by a member of the Beneteau-Owners Google Group. Good quality products and great service.
    Marinebeam
    660 Riverland Drive, Ste B
    Charleston, SC 29412

    tel:(843) 885-8644

    “Since our founding in 2007, we have become one of the most recognized and innovative leaders in advanced LED technology made specifically for boats and marine applications.”

  14. It really saddens me that a magazine I once cherished suggests that Defender qualifies as an “Independent Marine Supplier”. I mean, the fact that Defender is owned by another company is even included in your blurb! But worse is that a moment of online search reveals that Defender’s parent company, Fortnine, is in turn owned by the private equity firm NovaCap. From Novacap’s website:

    “Founded in 1981, Novacap is a leading Canadian private equity firm with CA$3.6 billion of assets under management… Backed by leading global institutional investors, Novacap’s deals typically include leveraged buyouts, management buyouts, add-on acquisitions, IPOs, and privatizations. Over the last 39 years, Novacap has invested in more than 90 companies and completed more than 130 add-on acquisitions. The company has offices in Toronto, Ontario and Brossard, Quebec.” Does that sound “independent”?!

    This magazine used to spend months on a single test to determine best practices for DIY boaters, now it can’t verify its own words. Just sad.

    • Andrew, Private equity firms are, indeed, buying out many private/ “independent” retailers, particularly as they are being squeezed by real giants, like $648 billion revenue Walmart and $637 billion revenue Amazon. West Marine went down this path several years ago when it was acquired by private equity firm L. Catterton, which has a $37 billion portfolio. By comparison, Fortnite and its $3.6 billion portfolio backer, Novacap, seem like small potatoes, but you’re absolutely right that formerly family owned Defender is no longer a mom and pop shop. As the freelance contributor who wrote the article, I was simply interested in exposing readers to lesser-known suppliers — as noted, smaller than giants Amazon, Walmart and West Marine — that sailors might not know about.

  15. I would add The Yacht Rigger to the list.
    Competitive prices, and moreover, FANTASTIC tech support.

    Theyachtrigger.com
    +1 727 490 9553
    Text +1 727 490 9533

    200 14th Avenue Southeast, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
    7C San Bartola Drive, Saint Augustine, FL 32086

  18. Good to see Bacon and Fawcett there; I worked at Fawcett in the 1980’s and it was then (and is now) one of the best in the country. If you’re in Annapolis make a pilgrimage to both.

    I agree that Defender no longer belongs on the list and seriously doubt that there is a sailor in the country who isn’t aware of them.

    Fisheries (in Seattle) on the other hand is a gem and I can’ give them a high enough recommendation

    Scott

  20. Mike, Thanks so much for sharing this. Unfortunately, your suggestion came after finalizing our new “Readers’ Choice: 14 More Marine Suppliers You Should Know About” slide show, posted 1/27/2026. The fastener category might merit a separate article. I now get my bronze from BoltDrop.com