Parts and accessories

[Adaero]

I need to kit out a new boat with safety equipment, SSB, electronics, spares etc, etc. As you can imagine this is a huge list and rather expensive.
I was looking for your recommendations on suppliers in the US as unfortunately here in Europe we have something called VAT which at 17.5% in the UK makes all boaty bits currently about 25% higher than in the States.
I will be attending the boat show">Miami boat show but I want to send out the enquiries now so I can finalise details at the show and have the equipment shipped to Cape Town where I will be collecting the boat.
I know of West Marine but any other suppliers would be helpful.
Many thanks
Adaero

[Pblais]

None of these people will be at the show but it couldn't hurt to talk with them. They would be able to by pass FL sales taxes. You'l pay those in FL. It's not as bad as VAT. In the end the shipping is going to be the more expensive part so I would deal on that end.

You might try Discount Marine and Boat Supplies - Inflatable Sales - Defender I know they will ship and they have decent prices. I would email them and discuss the issues of shipping.

For electronics I usually use: http://ww.brokenlegdave.com He is a small internet reseller in NJ. If you send him a long list of stuff he often wil cut you a discount on top of what you need. He might also be able to help with the shipping.

I think thee are a lot better deals to be had over the internet and if you can sort out the shipping issues you may be able to get an even better deal. At the show bargins are always a good eal so at the show you may be able to talk about the shipping. Otherwise you will need to make all those arrangements. I suppose given the costs hanging around a few extra days wouldn't be the worst idea though.

Could be worse - could be Annapolis in February.