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Bill,

For small stuff I almost always shop locally. For engine parts I go to a Mercury dealer or a trusted independent near our home. For general things like lubricants, etc. Walmart or AutoZone gets the nod.

We have only one well stocked store for marine supplies, West Marine. If I need something RIGHT NOW I'll always shop there. Once in a while I'll be able to find something at The Bass Pro store but they sell a lot of cheesy stuff and are a little high and the staff is often marginally qualified. A big exception is the marine section manager, Greg. The guy has been in marine retail for over twenty years. I do buy most of my tackle there.

Higher end stuff is exclusively cyber. Even new ground tackle came from Defender. All electronics purchases are cyber.

For some higher end items that are planned purchases that can wait I'll bide my time and wait for a good West Marine sale.

IMO, the marine store market is way too competitive. If I had the funding to start a marine business I'd put it in the stock market. Better ROI and no lost sleep over the long haul.