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.
This roundup is about independent marine suppliers you might not know. Many of these 16 businesses are regional favorites, with retail stores in New England, the Pacific Northwest, California or Florida. Several specialize in sailing hardware and equipment. A few offer used equipment and let sailors sell their old gear on consignment. Some cater to professional and DIY boatbuilders. One offers personalized life rings, boat mats, apparel and other merchandise.
What all these businesses have in common is that they also sell online, so Practical Sailor readers can do business with them even if they’re on the other side of the continent. Most, though not all, also have brick-and-mortar stores and decades of experience in the marine business—with one founded in 1928.
Finally, what most of these independents also have in common is claims to having helpful, knowledgeable staff with deep boating experience or, even better, hardcore sailing, racing, rigging and/or marine safety expertise. Since we can’t substantiate all these claims, we welcome you, the reader, to share your comments about particularly helpful independents.
Who Are Your Favorite Independent Retailers?
We’d also love feedback on which sailing-savvy independents we missed, particularly in places such as the Great Lakes, the Carolinas or the Gulf Coast. If you leave a comment, please do not include clickable links, as they will not be approved.
Note: We’re not after boat dealerships or marinas that also happen to have ship’s stores, and might put their name on the cover of a marine distributor’s catalog. Nor are we after marine electronics specialists, which deserve a collection all their own. In order to be relevant to all Practical Sailor readers, the independent you suggest must sell online, even if their local store(s) help to set them apart.
Click on the slides below to learn about the 16 independent marine suppliers and sailing-specific specialists we chose.
1. Bacon Sails & Marine Supplies
Headquarters: Annapolis, MD
Year Founded: 1959
Retail location(s): Annapolis, MD
Online Store: Yes
Exclusively sail? No
Used/consignment? Yes
Description: Touted by Practical Sailor’s Technical Editor, Drew Frye, Bacon is well known as a purveyor and broker of new and used sails. The used sail inventory includes more than 10,000 sails. Bacon also handles new and used (mostly sailing) equipment and hardware of every description through its retail location and consignment/eBay store.
2. Blue Pelican Marine and Nautical Consignments
Headquarters: Alameda, CA
Year Founded: 2008
Retail location(s): Alameda, CA
Online Store: Yes
Exclusively sail? No
Used/consignment? Yes
Description: Looking for used boat parts? Blue Pelican is a consignment chandlery located at Grand Marina in Alameda, CA. It sells both through its retail location and through eBay. New and used marine equipment is aimed primarily at sailors and ranges from safety gear, winches, and instruments to hardware, rigging, spinnaker and whisker poles, collectibles, charts and more.
3. Boat Owners Warehouse
Headquarters: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Year Founded: 1979
Retail location(s): Fort Lauderdale; Pompano Beach, FL; Riviera Beach, FL; Stuart, FL; Sarasota, FL; Foley, AL
Online Store: Yes
Exclusively sail? No
Used/consignment? No
Description: Boat Owners Warehouse (BOW) bills itself as “the largest independent yacht and marine supply company in the yacht capital of the world, South Florida.” BOW’s 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse supplies six stores, a mega-yacht division and an e-commerce operation. BOW offers 32,000 OEM and aftermarket parts both in-store and online.
4. Defender
Headquarters: Waterford, CT
Year Founded: 1938
Retail location(s): Waterford, CT
Online Store: Yes
Exclusively sail? No
Used/consignment? No
Description: Defender says it’s “the largest independent marine supply firm in the U.S., with 85,000 products from major marine manufacturers.” As the author can attest, Defender’s scale helps it offer highly competitive pricing. Defender is also “the largest single-location dealer of inflatable boats in North America,” and it pairs those boats with Honda, Mercury, Tohatsu and Yamaha gas outboards and Temo and Torqeedo electric outboards. Defender’s online business does considerable business in Canada. In fact, Defender was acquired in 2022 by FortNine, a Canadian company that sells motorbikes, dirt bikes, ATVs and snowmobiles through an e-commerce platform.
5. Fawcett Boat Supplies
Headquarters: Annapolis, MD
Year Founded: 1948
Retail location(s): Annapolis, MD
Online Store: Yes
Exclusively sail? No
Used/consignment? No
Description: A fixture hardware and accessory exhibitor at the Annapolis Boat Shows, Fawcett touts itself as “the go-to destination for the boating community since 1948.” Though rooted in Annapolis, the online store “meets the boating supply needs of customers across the globe.” Fawcett is not sailing exclusive, but it offers a robust selection of sailing hardware and equipment.
6. Fisheries Supply
Headquarters: Seattle, WA
Year Founded: 1928
Retail location(s): Seattle, WA
Online Store: Yes
Exclusively sail? No
Used/consignment? No
Description: Self-described as “the largest distributor of marine products in the Pacific Northwest,” Fisheries Supply originally served commercial fishermen and canneries in the Pacific Northwest. It later expanded to serve wholesale and retail customers in the commercial and pleasure boat markets. Located next to Seattle’s famous Gasworks Park, Fisheries Supply has a 36,000 sq. ft. warehouse that serves boat dealers, builders and yards, chandleries, commercial fishermen and recreational boaters “across the Pacific Northwest and Alaska and beyond.”
7. Hamilton Marine
Headquarters: Searsport, ME
Year Founded: 1977
Retail location(s): Kittery, ME; Portland, ME; Rockland, ME; Searsport, ME; Southwest Harbor, ME: Jonesport, ME
Online Store: Yes
Exclusively sail? No
Used/consignment? No
Description: Hamilton Marine bills itself as “the largest discount ship’s chandlery north of Boston.” Hamilton has the coast of Maine covered, with locations from Kittery to Jonesport, but it sells online to boatbuilders, sailors, pleasure boaters and commercial fishermen “throughout the world.” In addition to sailing gear, fasteners and hard-to-find items, Hamilton offers uniquely downeast items such as lobster bands and traps, pot hauling equipment and buoy paint. The quirky “page turn” monthly flier offers sale items and unique-to-Hamilton merchandise.
8. Jamestown Distributors
Headquarters: Bristol, RI
Year Founded: 1977
Retail location(s): Online only
Online Store: Yes
Exclusively sail? No
Used/consignment? No
Description: Jamestown Distributors’ mission is to “help builders, makers, craftsmen, DIYers with their projects—boats, woodworking, home restoration, art.” Jamestown Distributors got its start selling hard-to-find marine fasteners to local boat builders, and it continues to offer “the best selection of fasteners available,” including everything silicon bronze, stainless steel, brass and galvanized. Boatbuilders will also appreciate the selection of marine epoxies, fiberglass and composite materials as well as marine paints, hardware and tools.
9. Landfall Navigation
Headquarters: Stamford, CT
Year Founded: 1982
Retail location(s): Stamford, CT
Online Store: Yes
Exclusively sail? No
Used/consignment? No
Description: Heavily focused on marine safety, survival gear and navigation, Landfall has been equipping mariners since 1982 and selling online since 1997. Landfall offers a full line of marine safety equipment, worldwide nautical charts, navigation instruments, and foul weather gear. It also offers safe boating courses, seminars and expert advice and articles on the proper use of communications, navigation and safety equipment. Also available are nautical apparel and footwear and unique galley and gift items.
10. LFS Marine and Outdoor/Go2Marine
Headquarters: LFS Marine Bellingham, WA/ Go2Marine Poulsbo, WA
Year Founded: LFS 1967/Go2Marine 2000
Retail location(s): Bellingham, WA; Seattle, WA; Anchorage, AK; Cordova, AK; Dillingham, AK (seasonal); Dutch Harbor, AK; Homer, AK; Naknek, AK (seasonal); Sitka, AK
Online Store: Yes
Exclusively sail? No
Used/consignment? No
Description: LFS Marine & Outdoor was founded in 1967 as an outfitter and supplier to commercial fishing operations in the Pacific Northwest. Go2Marine was separately founded as an online retailer in 2000. The two companies joined together in 2016 and consolidated their online stores in 2019. LFS has the coast of Alaska covered with seven brick and mortar locations, including two seasonal stores.
11. Llewellyn Marine Supply
Headquarters: Alameda, CA
Year Founded: 1936
Retail location(s): Alameda, CA
Online Store: Yes
Exclusively sail? No
Used/consignment? No
Description: Llewellyn Marine Supply, founded in Southern California in 1936, acquired Alameda-based Svendsen’s Marine & Industrial Supply in 2025, giving it a Northern California location in the San Francisco Bay area. Llewellyn’s has consolidated online and business-to-business websites and it announced it would continue to offer the sailing gear and hardware lines formerly carried by Svendsen’s.
12. Mauripro Sailing & Marine
Headquarters: St. Petersburg, FL
Year Founded: 2003
Retail location(s): Online only
Online Store: Yes
Exclusively sail? Yes
Used/consignment? No
Description: Mauripro was founded in 2003 “to support sailors around the world with the equipment, knowledge, and service they need—whether racing offshore, cruising the coast, or rigging a dinghy.” The online business offers performance sailing gear, hardware, sails, and rigging solutions “shipping worldwide.” Mauripro says its team includes “real sailors,” riggers, designers, and technical experts.
13. Sailboat Parts
Headquarters: Grasonville, MD
Year Founded: 2018
Retail location(s): Grasonville, MD
Online Store: Yes
Exclusively sail? Yes
Used/consignment? Yes
Description: Sailboat Parts is a veteran-owned company in Grasonville, MD that salvages parts from vessels that are no longer serviceable, reducing landfill by reusing and recycling serviceable marine hardware, equipment and boat parts. The business offers new and used boat parts “at a fraction of the retail price!” Vintages start in the 1930s, but most items are from “parted out” 1970s-80s sailboats. You can search for parts by boat model. The “Anchors & Oars” side of the business offers home decor, apparel and accessories. Here’s a rare offer: “If you are looking for a way to get rid of an unwanted boat or sails, contact us to learn more about our Boat Removal services.”
14. Sailorman New & Used Emporium
Headquarters: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Year Founded: 1975
Retail location(s): Fort Lauderdale, FL
Online Store: Yes
Exclusively sail? No
Used/consignment? Yes
Description: As Sailorman’s brief history details, “Englishman Cliff Hunt started selling secondhand marine parts from his hatchback in 1975.” Sailorman successively graduated to a garage, a small hole-in-the-wall store and, in 1982, a 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse. In 2017, Sailorman upsized again to its current location on South Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. Self-described as “the world’s largest and most unique new and used marine emporium,” Sailorman offers both new and used equipment for both the sailorman and the boaterman.
15. Vela Sailing Supply
Headquarters: Rockwall, TX
Year Founded: 2011
Retail location(s): Rockwall, TX
Online Store: Yes
Exclusively sail? Yes
Used/consignment? No
Description: As noted in a 2022 profile in Sailing World magazine, Rod Favela launched online chandlery Vela Sailing Supply from his laptop in 2011. The operation now has nine employees, including Favela’s wife and son, and it handles everything “from $1 split cotter rings to $35,000 VX One sportboats.” The e-commerce website and walk-in warehouse specializes in hard-to-find racing and niche gear, as well as parts for popular one-design boats that can’t be found in big-box marine stores.
16. SSNautical.com
Headquarters: Wyandotte, MI
Year Founded: 2001
Retail location(s): Online only
Online Store: Yes
Exclusively sail? No
Used/consignment? No
Description: SSNautical.com (owned and operated by SS Graphics Inc.) helps mariners personalize their boats, docks, and waterfront facilities and homes. Aimed at sailors, boaters, marina operators, waterfront homeowners and anyone seeking nautical gifts, SSNautical.com specializes in custom and personalized life rings, boat mats, boat clothing and accessories, fender covers, marina and dock signage, and nautical home décor and gifts.
Suggest you add the following:
1. Blackburn Marine, 2030 Marina Bay Drive, Kemah, Texas 77565, 281-334-5474
2. Boaters’ Resale Shop, 1440 TX 146, Kemah, Texas 77565, 713-614-8884
John E. Cutler
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.
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
Have been to all of them … loved spending time in each of them…easiest websites to buy online ( for me) are the Binnacle and the Chandlery.
Would love to see a marine engine, motor, and generator list.
I loved seeing LFS featured. They are a Bellingham favorite that always has what you need in-stock. Many avoid West Marine for that reason.
For those in SoCal, definitely check out Downwind Marine….part of San Diego Marine Exchange…a great shop for sailboat owners!
https://sandiegomarine.com/about-us/
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.”
If the “moderator” does not post that comment, I will be cancelling my subscription of many years.
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.
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
Thanks for an informative article. The number of comments indicate that this is an important topic. Personally, I’m fed up with the cheap Chinese crap from Amazon.
Fisheries Supply in Seattle – they also have a good web presence. The staff at the bricks and mortar store are very helpful and knowledgeable.
Brian, Agreed, which is why Fisheries Supply is already listed in this collection (maybe you missed?) Seems to be a favorite up in the Pacific Northwest.
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
For bronze and 316 stainless fasteners, Fair Wind Fasteners (Newport, RI) and Green Boat Stuff (Spokane, WA) will likely have what you need when McMaster Carr falls short.
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
Holy cow – just paid my first visit to Marine Connections in Ft. Pierce, FL. Must be 30,000 sf of used and overstock stuff in there! Great bargains for the DIY crowd.