HEY THERE, FELLOW BOATERS!
At some point, all boats need a little TLC – whether it’s a refurbish, an upgrade, or a complete refit with new products and accessories. If you’re considering any of these, here are some money-saving tips about why you should buy marine products and how that will make your boating life a breeze.
Having been in the marine industry all my life, I can tell you there’s a world of difference between marine parts and non-marine parts. Whether it’s for your engine, cabin, or deck, trust me, you want the real deal. For over half a century, our marine store sold and our service department installed a whole range of genuine marine products for boats.
The Difference
You wouldn’t consider seeing a dentist for an eye examination; likewise, you wouldn’t get an auto mechanic to fix your boat motor. They are trained differently specific to their jobs. When it comes to the boat, you need marine parts and marine technicians.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Marine products cost more!” But there’s a good reason for that, and it’s not because the marina or marine store is making a bigger markup. Marine products are designed specifically for boats, focusing on safety, functionality, durability, fit, and utility.
On the other hand, non-marine parts might work, but not as well or as long as products made specifically for marine use. They might lack the necessary safety features, securing brackets, electrical breakers, or non-corrosive materials. In fact, they could cause you more problems than you’d like to encounter.
Something Brenda learned from her father’s television sales and repair business, when she was a young girl was from Zenith’s motto: “Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.” This holds true in boating as well. Paying a little more upfront for quality marine parts could end up costing less in the long run and serve you far better. It’s like most things in life – you really get what you pay for.
Marine Refrigerator
Take the marine fridge, for example. When you buy marine, it’s designed with a door locking catch, so that the door won’t open and spill the contents all over the galley in rough seas. It has brackets to hold it in place, is a standard size for most boats, and has parts suitable for moisture. Stainless steel avoids corrosion, and some even have integrated evaporators and edges (sea rails) on the front of the shelves to stop things from falling out. They are designed to give you more in less space.
They run on 12V or a combination of 12V and 110V, giving you greater flexibility while cruising. More than adequate insulation, the correct size of compressor, and non-flammable refrigerant are all taken into consideration on marine fridges. They are engineered and built to operate under tough conditions, withstand violent movement, operate noiselessly, be thoroughly reliable, and most importantly, consume an absolute minimum of battery power.
Do lots of research on frigs vs marine frigs, before you waste your money on a cheap alternative.
Marine Sink Hardware
Another example is taps, faucets, and drains for the head or galley. It’s easy and inexpensive to pick up a set of taps from your local discount store, but they might not be made of non-corrosive material, making them unsuitable for a boat installation. The mechanism for lifting the drain is different on a boat, and the under-sink space is much more confined than in a typical residential bathroom.
Check out the sink hardware carefully before purchasing. You may find it better and less expensive in the long run to buy marine products from your local marina or marine store.
Canvas
When installing or replacing canvas, there are many things you can request your canvas installer to include to prevent annoying leaks. Get referrals and inspect the work done on other boats before jumping into a $2,000 to $6,000 or more canvas job.
We have many canvas articles with tips to help you improve your canvas.
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Canvas Repair—Don’t Wait! – Boating With Dawsons
Solve the Canvas Puzzle – Boating With Dawsons
Marine Heads
Marine toilets and holding tanks are engineered to work on boats. Charging the holding tank with holding tank chemical not only reduces the odor, but also breaks down the sewage and paper. It’s important to use RV/Marine grade biodegradable toilet paper. Using double or triple-ply paper from home isn’t wise, as it doesn’t break down the same way in a marine holding tank.
When repairing your toilet, buy marine genuine parts for your make and model, or you could face some smelly consequences. Some boaters who have repaired toilets with the wrong parts have been punished unbearably with the condition worsening and the corrective surgery very costly. You’ve heard the expression “shit happens.” Well, don’t let it happen in your bilge. Buy the right marine parts and have them installed properly.
Marine Deck Chairs
Deck chairs are a necessary purchase for most larger cruisers and yachts to accommodate guests. Deck chairs should fold and stow easily, have a lower center of gravity for stability, and rubber-type non-skid feet to prevent sliding. Marine deck chairs offer this, whereas some patio chairs are too high with feet too close together to offer stability. There are no rubber feet on patio chairs, allowing them to slide across the deck in rough water.
Don’t use your patio deck chairs on the boat because they aren’t made for the movement of the boat and could allow you to slide across the deck and/or tip over in rough water.
For the safety of your crew and guests, buy marine deck chairs for the best seat aboard your boat.
Marine Hardware
Boat hardware should be stainless steel or marine-grade plastic, so it won’t corrode or deteriorate. Installing aluminum or cheap fittings will look dreadful after a year or so, and stop being functional, requiring repair or replacement. If you have to replace cheap hardware every year or two, it sure makes sense to spend a little more to get the right marine grade the first time. Buy it right and buy it once.
Marine BBQ
A marine barbeque on your boat is safer and way less frustrating than a typical domestic barbeque. There is a lot to consider before purchasing a barbeque for your boat. Here are a few examples:
- Marine-grade stainless steel resists rust and corrosion from saltwater exposure.
- A hinged lid and sturdy mounting systems keeps the BBQ securely in place in rough water.
- Having a push-button ignition and anti-flare-up design to handle windy conditions are necessary safety mechanisms.
- A Marine BBQ is mounted securely often with swiveling mounts for easy access and stability.
Buying a marine barbeque will ensure hassle-free barbequing for your family and guests every time.
Marine Cleaning Products
Washing the boat with the wrong product can shorten the life of the paint and/or gelcoat. Be sure to use marine cleaning products to extend the life of your finish.
If areas have soot from the engines or stains around through hull fittings (A/C outlets, cooling water outlets, etc.), find a product at your local marine supplier that is made for that purpose, or you may harm the finish.
If you ever get oil and sludge in your bilge, use the marine absorbent pads to soak it up and dispose of it according to your local environmental regulations.
All marine cleaning products should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Some work better than others, so do your research before buying.
Buy Marine
These are only some examples; there are many more. Any marine operator could rhyme off a handful of horror stories without even thinking about it. Marine stores have heard all the horror stories of people buying non-marine, having troubles, then coming to get the right marine product to do the job.
Buy Right and Buy Once
When you consider all the above, it makes sense to go marine. Even though it may cost a bit more in the beginning, it usually costs less in the long run. Buy right and buy once for hassle-free boating. Buy Marine!
