West Marine

They are a little expensive, but they are the only place around with a decent supply of boat equip. You get the customer service you deserve. and if you can’t tell a stowaway stern nav light in the store, perhaps we’d all be alot safer if you stayed on land.

Ditto to Chris. This place… wow. Third time’s the charm, eh?
1. Went in to find boat lettering (which is way back in the store) and if you’ve been here before, things can be a bit difficult to find. After wandering around for a few minutes, I went to the counter and asked someone for help. They took me to the lettering and walked away. After a quick glance I noticed they were out of a few letters that I needed and *employee* was still close so I asked him if they had any additional letters in the back. He shrugged and walked away. Not even a verbal answer. Strike one.
2. Went with the boyfriend to ask for help about our motor. We were having trouble with the power trim and were looking for advice about some cheap fixes before calling a mechanic. Man responds, «I’ll go get *employee*, he knows a lot about boats.» –Brings back employee– We explain the situation to him and he recommends trim lube. We ask him where to put it and he says, «I don’t know,» and walks away. Strike two.
3. Had to return something today. Waited in line for over ten minutes, not exaggerating, while one girl was the only one checking people out. When it was my turn, I had the package and the receipt was right on top. I said, «I’d like to return this please,» and the girl behind the counter says, «Umm, do you have the receipt?» in a nasty tone of voice. Funny thing was, she picked up my item WITH THE RECEIPT IN HER HAND before she asked. I told her she had it in her hand and she looked up at me with disdain and began the return process. She did not say another word until she handed me two receipts, one of which had a bottom portion for me to fill out. They wanted my name, phone number, address and email. So I asked her if I had to fill out all of that information (as I do not prefer to be on a mailing list of any kind) and she shrugged her shoulders and said, «I don’t know!» again with the nasty attitude. Strike three, West Marine. You’re out.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS. Go down the street or to Tavernier Marina. Don’t support these conglomerate businesses who hire employees that *excuse me* just don’t give a rat’s a$$.

In this past weekend I was here twice a day. The first time to buy something, the second time to bring it back and fix their mistake.
On Saturday it was the stern navigation light, I needed a stowaway light kit, and was having issues finding the right screw pattern. When I asked for help, we found the right screw pattern, and the gentleman assured me that it was stowaway when I asked.
Got home, and went to install it, to see it wasn’t stowaway, so I drove back up, and found the right one on my own this time.
On Sunday I went up to get a trailer ball lock, so nobody can hook up to my boat trailer. When I got home, the key was missing. The Key was Missing! What kind of bullshit was that?! So I had to make another trip up there.
The sad part is that since Boater’s World went out of business, they don’t have any real competition for at least 20 miles, so they can get away with this crap.
My new solution is to plan better before leaving Miami, next time I go to the keys.