Conference vicki::boats

re                  <<< Note 562.0 by GUEMUS::SASLOW_ST "STEVE" >>>
>                             -< BOAT US MEMBERS? >-

	Not me.  I have a few catalogues which I keep around for price 
reference, often times there is a Bliss flyer in the car.  Whenever I 
see something that I want at boat us it "*_seems_*" like I saw it in a
bliss flyer for less (less than the claimed member price).  A quick
stroll out to the car usually confirms my recollection and if the
price difference is worth the extra few miles, or if I'll be going
near there soon anyway, I go to bliss.  It hasn't yet been worth my 
while to  "join".

	R

    I have belonged to Boat US since 87. I think there prices are very
    competive when it comes to catologe shopping. I'm lucky that they
    have a store here in Maryland. I also shop at E&B Marine. It depends
    on what your looking for,sales and what not.
    As for insurance I was with Nationwide who demaned to underwrite
    their policy aganist my home and I was paying them 520. a year.
    After many calls I went with Boat US and knocked my insrance to
    320. a year for the same coverage. You do get a discount for the
    Coast Guard course,I think most companies do. What got me going
    was the cheap cost of membership and their towing insurance. I had
    a engine go to lunch on me this summer and was looking at a three
    hundred dollar bill. The guy ask me if I belonged to Boat US and
    just used my number to bill them directly. Boat US called to verifiy
    the bill with me. All in all I think Boat US has done me well.
    Think Spring
    Walt

We've been Boat/US members for about 12 years, and we buy a significant 
percentage of our equipment and supplies there (West Marine is our other 
major supplier). Lowest price doesn't always get our business -- customer 
service is, for us, also very important, and Boat/US's customer service has 
been excellent. Example: I bought a Surrette battery there once. It was 
defective, so I took it back. Boat/US exchanged it without even asking to 
see the sales slip -- no questions, no hassle. I have not always had similarly 
good experiences elsewhere. In my experience, Defender Industries has the 
lowest prices and absolutely awful customer service. We only buy from them 
when there is no other reasonable alternative.

As always, you get what you pay for.

Another vote for BOAT/US.  I've been a member for 3 years, and have
been very happy with their service.  As the other replies have stated, 
their price is not always the best, although it usually is.  I don't 
think you'll find a store of any type that always has the best prices 
on everything they carry.  But you can go into BOAT/US with your shopping 
list and walk out with 90% of what you were looking for.  And if they're
out of a normally stocked item they'll order it from their warehouse and 
ship it to your house.

Unless Bliss has improved drastically, you certainly can't say the 
same for them.  They lost me as a customer 2 or 3 years ago, right
after they merged with E&B.  I went in there with my spring outfitting
list, and they were out of stock on almost everything I needed.  The
stainless steel hardware rack and most of the other shelves were *EMPTY*.
So I picked up the few items I needed that were in stock, and walked
over the the checkout line to find 18 people in line with ONE register
open.  I placed all my stuff on a shelf near the register, walked out,
and haven't been back since.

Another bonus with BOAT/Us is the towing insurance, which covers your
boat whether it's on the trailer or in the water.  You get $50 worth of
basic insurance as a member, and can pay additional premiums for extra
coverage.  I pay an extra $5.50 to get $150 worth of coverage.  A month
after I became a member I lost a wheel off my trailer, and they paid for
the tow with no questions asked.

They've also lowered their basic membership rate down to something like 
$12 or $13 per year.

Rick

    
    
    I am very pleased with Boat US- Their catalog prices are high, but they
    do offer some items that E&B/Bliss, Goldberg Marine,M&E, Defender, and
    some of the others don't.  Their service is excellent and fast.
    
     For $12.00 per year, I find that I have a lobby fighting for me, and
    with the newsletter I am kept informed about what's happening in
    legislation, and some issues around boating manufacturers,what the
    latest issues with the Coast Guard are, plus periodic reorts such as the 
    one on testing PFD's. I also get a $50 towing allowance.
    
     I like to consider myself a resposible Boater, and a lobby that looks
    out for my interests as a Boat owner, plus lobbies and promotes boating
    safety is something worthwhile to join.
    
     If you are simply looking to join to save money on purchases- Stick
    with the other catalog suppliers. I've gotten excellent service at
    better prices from Golberg marine. I'll also go along with defender as
    far as service goes- although they do carry a lot of stuff the others
    don't.
    
     For the record- a good source of Boatbuilder's supplies is Jamestown
    Supply in Jamestown RI.- THey have a good selection of fasteners at
    fantastic prices, and are a good source of some hard to find stuff-
    like Good quality Manila Line ( I do some fancy rope work/knot tying
    and I like to use Manila), 
    
     For the price of a case of brew ( not even premium!) I find being a
    member of BOAT US  is well worth it, particularly considering the other
    costs of owning even a small boat.
    
    Dick
    
    

    I also have been a member of Boat U.S. (for about 8 years now) and
    am VERY Pleased with their Customer Relations ---
    
    I showed up one night a half hour after they were closed and they
    asked "..do you know what you want and where it is? ...and could
    you pay cash vs charge?"  upon receiving yes/yes for an answer they
    let me run in as they were counting the til.
    
    As stated previously Bliss/EB stinks in all aspects and Boat US
    will ship out of stock items to your home.
    
    As for Price -
    	I agree with the benifits of the "lobby" & towing under the
    membership; BUT, unless something has change while I wasn't looking
    there is indeed another benifit -- They will not be undersold on
    any of the items they carry in their catalogue!  If you want something
    that is cheaper in another store -- bring in an ad that states it
    is the same mfg/part #  and they will match the price.
    
    How can you beat that?
    
    			I'll stay with them,
                                               Lou

    I can't agree with some of these statements that other catalogs
    are cheaper. I have at my desk a Boat US, Overtons, E&B, Goldbergs
    (which is identical to E&B, even the same address), and an Outer Banks.
    
    I have looked up identical pieces of equipment from VHFs, bilge
    pumps, fire extinguishers, hot water tanks to stoves and BOAT US
    is ALWAYS cheaper than all the above mentioned catalogs.
    
    Where are these impressions coming from?
    

    Look at the Post Marine catalog.  I have bought some stuff from them,
    but Boat/US has much better service, so I continue as a member.
    
    J

    Re: .7
    
    The reason BOAT US is always cheaper (in your comparisons) is precisely
    because of who (Overton, E&B, Goldberg, et al) you are comparing them
    with. For the life of me, I can't figure out how the outfits you
    mention stay in business.
    
    I would be almost willing to GUARANTEE that I can find a better price
    somewhere else other than BOAT US, but, as been beaten to death in this
    file as well as in sailing, price is not what sets BOAT US apart.
    
    I've been a member of BOAT US for 7-8 years and except for an
    occasional foray into their Waltham store for an emergency purchase,
    I've never been tempted to order from their catalog.
    
    West Marine is generally as good, or better, with the added advantage
    of no sales tax in MA.
    
    Defender is usually better, no tax, watch out for shipping charges.
    
    BTW when making comparisons, if price is your final criteria, be sure
    to factor in tax, and more importantly, shipping charges. Defender is
    famous for it's shipping chart which 'looks like' a UPS chart but
    really isn't.
    
    Also, watch for the annual fall 'excess inventory' sales from Skipper
    and Defender as well as the 'wheel & deal' style of Marine Buyers Co-op
    (or Anchor Electronics, whatever they're calling themselves today) at
    the Jan-Mar boat shows.
    
    J_R

    
      My father has been a member of Boat US since 1974 and I am also
    a member now. Even IF their catalog prices weren't competetive,
    the towing insurance is well worth the membership price! They have
    also increase their towing coverage limits for 1990.
    
       I have just received the 1990 Boat US equipment catalog and right
    on the inside of the cover they now state that not only will they
    NOT be undersold, they will match any competetor's price AND give
    you 10% more back!! So now I guess they really DO have the lowest
    prices!
    
    					Kenny

    THIS IS NOT A NEGATIVE COMMENT, BUT CONSTRUCTIVE.
    
    Several years back, i had a lower price on an item, i called
    Boat US, and they were able to verify the price, and decided
    to "pass" as they could not match the price. I fi understand
    you correctly, they not going to pass anymore...
    
    Jim.
    

    
     yup. that's what it says - They WILL match any competetors price
    on an identical item - excluding closeouts etc.
    
    
    					Kenny

    
    
    Would someone please post the address to receive the BOAT US catalog.
    
    thanks...

    The customer service number is 800-937-9307..You can call them and they
    will send you one.I assume you are a member otherwise I am not sure they
    will oblidge.Hope this helps.

    
    You have to be a member of BOAT/Us to receive a catalog or
    buy from them.  The cost of membership is well worth it
    (in my opinion).  They may be able to do a membership
    application over the phone, or at minimum will mail you 
    one.  You can also stop by their Waltham store and sign up
    in person at the member service desk in the rear of the 
    store.
    
    Rick W.

    
      You have to be a member of Boat US to buy out of their catalog,
    but you can walk into any of their stores and buy all you want even
    if you aren't a member - you just pay MUCH more. Actually, since
    you can join immediately at the store, you'd have to be stupid not
    to join while you were there; unless you were only buying a couple
    of sparkplugs, you'd save the money right away!
    
      Actually, it's nothing like a club, it's more like a cooperative.
    Not only are you able to buy stuff at (now) guaranteed lowest prices,
    but they include:
    
    		A consumer protection bureau
    		$1000 Theft reward protection
    		Group rates marine insurance
    		Free $50 towing insurance - which also covers your trailer!
    			which can be increased for a small amount.
    		Boat financing
    		Documentation
    		Personal loans
    		Travel services
    		Yacht charters
    		Auto rental discounts
    		Resource library
    		Product testing - published in 
    		FREE boating equipment reports.
    		Marine lawyer and marine serveyor referral service
    		
       Wew!!!! and there are even a few more..................
    
     call them at customer service to join - or you can ask someone
    who is already a member to give you an application.
    
    					Kenny
    

re        <<< Note 562.10 by CSMET2::CHACE "It's *snowing* at MY house!" >>>
>                   -< Now they guarantee to be the lowest! >-

>    on the inside of the cover they now state that not only will they
>    NOT be undersold, they will match any competetor's price AND give
>    you 10% more back!! So now I guess they really DO have the lowest
>    prices!

	Duhh, I'm (more than) a little bit slow, but it seems to me 
that if competitor X  "lists"  an item for  $100  but regularly 
discounts it to  $80  then boat US can meet this guarantee by offering 
a (members) price of anything under $100, i.e. with this additional 
10% back members wouldn't have to pay more then $90.  QED ?
I seriously doubt that its another 10% off the lowest competitor's
discounted price.... 

	Reg

    Reg, the deal Boat U.S. offers isn;t what was wriiten a few notes
    back. I WILL STAND CORRECTED HOWEVER.
    
    Here's the BIG DEAL. You find the best price you can, you call
    them, they match it and GIVE YOU 10%  of the difference.
    On the $100 deal vs the $90 deal, the difference is $10.
    THEY GIVE YOU $1.00. Here's my response, WHOOP THE F--- EE.
    
    Now if you think for one minute, they're gonna take your
    word on the phone about this price you got, they're NOT.
    They will want to know who, if they have their catalog,
    fine, or they'll call. 
    
    You better add up all of your costs when you shop.
    
    BOAT U.S. AIN'T NO BARGAIN, good organization, does
    a lot of good things, but they collect over $5 million
    bucks in just dues.  Figure it out.
    
    (the use of the word you above should be interperated as you all)
    
    
    Jim. they're arn't no free lunches mama....
    
    
    
    

RE: Note 562.18 

>>    Here's the BIG DEAL. You find the best price you can, you call
>>    them, they match it and GIVE YOU 10%  of the difference.
>>  On the $100 deal vs the $90 deal, the difference is $10.
>>  THEY GIVE YOU $1.00. Here's my response, WHOOP THE F--- EE.
    
>>    BOAT U.S. AIN'T NO BARGAIN

>>    Jim. they're arn't no free lunches mama....
    
    
Jim,
Sorry, but I happen to think that any one store that *guarantees* 
they will always have the best price *IS* a big deal.  I don't even 
care about the 10% refund on the difference.  I've made plenty of 
large purchases on boat supplies and other goods, only to find it 
cheaper somewhere else a day later.  Up until now I've never seen any
one store that always had the best price on everything.  J'ever notice
that department stores never have oil *and* oil filters on sale at
the same time?  It'll be nice to know that at BOAT/US I'm not getting 
gouged on the fish finder while getting a good deal on the anchor and 
fenders.

You've certainly done an excellent job of stating your case Jim, backed
up by hard facts.   8^)  But I think you're doing a dis-service to anyone
who is convinced by your argument not to at least consider BOAT/US.

Rick W.  (3 year member)

	OK, I'm going to give 'em a try anyway.  Its my birthday tomorrow
(don't ask), so WTF ?   Before me is Defender Industries catalogue, it lists
an 'orribly 'uge anchor that I just 'affta 'ave, for $271.00 (I said, "list").
In the sale price column its  $149.95.  According to the rate charts it will
be $3.68 for shipping to an 017xx zip code, total of  $153.63  (I'm WORTH it).
If boat US can sell it to me for <$140 I'll absorb the sales tax and cost of
driving down there, I'll still be slightly behind after paying for a year's
membership, but its close enough - forget the nickle and dime stuff, here's
their one big opportunity to impress me, but I wannit NOW, not in "futures"
and promises.

Gotta go use the phone, more later.

	Reg

	Following the musak (seemed like hours) I was connected to someone who
tried to help me.  I just said I was calling for a price, wasn't asked for a
membership number, but was asked for their catalogue number - which I didn't
have (-:   "I only have the manufacturer's number"   "OK, I'll try that for
you, who is the manufacturer ?"... etc.

	It turns out that they don't list Danfort deepset hi-tensile anchors,
closest they could come to it was a standard hi-tensile that lists in Defender's
book for $243.00.  Boat US wants $215 - Defender's sale price is  $163.95, it
would cost me $5.87 to have that one shipped up here, but no sales tax.
Oh, we had the price protection conversation.  It must have been obvious that
I had some catalogues open on my desk, as I came back with what I knew
I could get it for there was some discomfort at the other end of the line, I
was quoting ~25% below what I had just been told was their great price.  Also,
quite helpful and I appreciate this, I was given the number to call for special
orders.  I explained that the sample price we'd just been through seemed to
indicate that they either don't have much margin on danforth or have a policy
of not discounting them very deeply.  I got stock answers, very pleasant, but
traing course replies, that person had no room to move.

	Reg

re: .20       >> here's their one big opportunity to impress me, ...
	      !! >> but I wannit NOW, not in "futures" and promises.
    
From what I hear of The Defender, you MAY -OR- May NOT see some items
    you order from them....in time for winterization 1990.
    
    They do however have some interesting pricing. A good catalog to
    tote around and show to another retailer who'll match ANY catalog
    price.
    
    /MArk    

	There are several mail order houses that offer low prices coupled
with a high back order rate and very little service. I believe that Defender
is one of them...I seem to remember a rather active note in the Sailing 
Conference whcich confirmss this.
	I feel that if Boat U.S. is even close in price, they are the one
to do business with. Their quality of service and the way they stand by
a sale is worth something. 
Just My $0.02,
Paul

    re; .19,
    
    Hi Rick, my concern was someone would be mislead. Some good
    deals just fall in your lap, but to understand when it is 
    a good deal, you have to shop around. Thats all i was pointing
    out. I admit the note was a little spicy.
    
    Jim (a 10 year member)
    
    
    
    

RE: Note 562.24

>> to understand when it is a good deal, you have to shop around.


I think you just hit the nail right on the head Jim.  I don't think
that BOAT/US is saying that their advertised price will *always* be
the lowest.  They're just saying they will beat any other dealer's
advertised price.  You're right that you have to know what other
dealer's prices are to take advantage of the BOAT/US lowest price 
policy.  If you're buying an item that's advertised cheaper elsewhere,
they're certainly not going to bring that to your attention.  It's up
to you to point it out to them.

As far as the problem Reg experienced over the phone when inquiring 
about the anchor, that's about what I'd expect from a sales droid in 
that situation.  Consider the circumstances; a non-member with no BOAT/US
part number trying to get them to commit over the phone to a lower price.
If you went into the store in person, signed up, and then pulled out 
your Defender catalog, I don't see how they would have any choice but 
to meet the price and give you 10% of the difference.  You're not shy
about that stuff Reg, and I'm sure you could "persuade" them to see it
your way!   ;^)

Rick W.

    Not to deviate that much from the topic at hand,,,, WTF are you going
    to do with that anchor for your Ski Nautique? Or was it just a test of
    the Boat/US sales network!?
    
    Mike

re            <<< Note 562.25 by FAIRWY::WILSON "Moe, Larry, Cheese!" >>>


> As far as the problem Reg experienced over the phone when inquiring 
> about the anchor, that's about what I'd expect from a sales droid in 
> that situation.  Consider the circumstances; a non-member with no BOAT/US
> part number trying to get them to commit over the phone to a lower price.

	Oh, don't get me wrong, the sales assistant did  VERY WELL  
considering - was very helpful, didn't seem to need to know if I was a 
member or not, referred me to the special order number, very polite, etc.  

	OK, I take the point about stock outs and back orders.
I was in a motorcycle shop one time when a guy was trying to drive a 
bargain on some accessories.

"I can get 'em down at Worcester for half of what you're asking." 

"They got any ?   I let Ya have what I ain't got even cheaper." 


	I havn't called Defender yet, my money is (as pilots say) 
currently in a holding pattern (-:

	Reg

>   <<< Note 562.26 by BROKE::TAYLOR "I *hate* hot pink windshield wipers" >>>
>                      -< Sales Aptitude Test or reality? >-

>    Not to deviate that much from the topic at hand,,,, WTF are you going
>    to do with that anchor for your Ski Nautique? Or was it just a test of
>    the Boat/US sales network!?

	I was just going to tie it on the back of the 'burb and dig 
some of the ice off my driveway.....    .....hadn't you guessed ?


	Yes, its not for the Nautique.   I'm very much into senseless 
overkill, but that would be ridiculous, though too much is never 
enough, etc.

	R

    
       Well, it's been almost a month since the anchor incident, but then I
    just got back from a residency, so excuse me for restarting this.
    
       Let me play devil's advocate.
    
       R. Burgess said he called Boat/U.S. and despite their lower price
    *GUARANTEE*, they could not even match the Defender advertised price.
    
       Someone else argued that you shouldn't expect Boat/U.S. to commit to
    the lower price for a non-member (which is ludicrous). So, why doesn't
    a member of Boat/U.S. take the same item and call to see if they can
    get Boat/U.S. to match Defender's (or anyone else's) price?
    
       Another argument was that Defender's prices weren't backed up by
    service, or that they don't have sufficient stock. Ok, then to equalize
    the experiment, why not call Defender (or whoever), get a quote on
    something they DO have in stock and then call Boat/U.S. to see if they
    will stand by their guarantee policy?
    
       Now, to back up one step. The argument that Boat/U.S. does not
    support their price guarantee while speaking to non-members is really
    crazy. It would be in Boat/U.S.'s best interest to provide their prices
    and follow through with their price guarantees to non-members because
    if they did have the best price, that non-member could be converted to
    a member right there on the telephone! (Just ask R. Burgess if he would
    have joined if Boat/U.S.'s operator met Defender's price.) In addition,
    it would likewise be in Boat/U.S's best interest to provide their
    catalog to non-members for the same reason stated above. Quoting a low
    price to a potential member/buyer and standing by it never hurts anyone.
    
       For the record, I am not a Boat/U.S. member. However I do know at
    least one person who is a member, and I know that that person does not
    often purchase from Boat/U.S. because he has found better prices
    locally. (In fact, he recently spent a chunk of money buying a
    complete electronics set-up for his new boat -- about $4000. Not one of
    the items was bought through Boat/U.S..)
    
    
    Frank
    

For those that are members, or those interested in membership Boat/U.S. is 
having a "fitting out" sale that begins on 3/24 and goes through 4/1. The flyer 
includes an "Introductory Buying Pass" for a non-member to use when they come to
the center with a member. 

Some samples of things in the flyer that do seem to be lower than other adver-
tised prices (or at least no higher):

Doel fin: $40, 54 qt Igloo cooler: $54, Humminbird digital depth finders: $200
and $170, Ray Jeff Loran: $230, Standard Eclipse VHF: $190.  My memory on low
prices may be off, so don't shoot me, but some of these I have been looking into
and the prices seem pretty good, but remember it is a one week sale.

Of course if you have a lower price (for example they have the LCR-400 for $140
while Overtons lists it at $130) than by all means see if they will stand by 
their price guarantee.

FWIW

John

    Well I've been trying for several months now to become a member of
    Boat US, but they don't seem to want me !  I've called the 800 number
    twice and they said they'd be more than happy to send me a membership
    application.  The second time they apologized because I hadn't received 
    the first one and still nothing in my mailbox.
    
    Are they typically this messed up ?  Has anybody else been successful
    in getting a membership application by mail ?  I don't get down to 
    Waltham much and would be doing most of my business by mail,  but I'm
    having second thoughts about ordering if this is how they handle
    things !
    
    Denise
    

    If you like, i'll call them, send your address to 
    
    hyend::J_borzumato,
    
    
    
    jim.

re   <<< Note 562.29 by SUBWAY::SAPIENZA "Knowledge applied is wisdom gained." >>>
    
>       Let me play devil's advocate.

	It's appreciated... or are you just gonna stir the pot ?
    
>       R. Burgess said he called Boat/U.S. and despite their lower price
>    *GUARANTEE*, they could not even match the Defender advertised price.

	Right !
    
>       Someone else argued that you shouldn't expect Boat/U.S. to commit to
>    the lower price for a non-member (which is ludicrous). So, why doesn't
>    a member of Boat/U.S. take the same item and call to see if they can
>    get Boat/U.S. to match Defender's (or anyone else's) price?

	Errr, I think you may have missed something that I said - I 
may have said it in an unclear way.  When I called Boat US they were 
very nice, polite and helpful - they didn't ask if I am/was a member, 
why I was calling, who I was calling for, if I represented a group 
with  special discount privs,,,,, etc.  They just said they didn't 
carry the item and if I would like them to special order it the price 
would be  (I forget, whatever I said back in that other reply).
    
>       Now, to back up one step. The argument that Boat/U.S. does not
>    support their price guarantee while speaking to non-members is really
>    crazy. It would be in Boat/U.S.'s best interest to provide their prices

	See above, they were nice enough to look up the item for me 
without even asking if I am/was a member...

>    and follow through with their price guarantees to non-members because
>    if they did have the best price, that non-member could be converted to
>    a member right there on the telephone! (Just ask R. Burgess if he would
>    have joined if Boat/U.S.'s operator met Defender's price.) In addition,

	Yeah, just ask me - would I have ?

	I might have joined anyway, not on price alone but on their 
attempt to help me.  It's probably unreasonable to expect them to 
match Defender's price on a special order item,  No ?  Yes ?  Right !

	Anyway - nobody has the lowest price on EVERYTHING !
Lost leaders are just that - if every item in the store is a lost 
leader the store doesn't survive.

	Reg	{my other camera is a Nikon (-: }

    Will someone please publish the address or 800 number where I can
    get a Defender catalog sent to me? I've heard all the claims about
    low prices, I would like to see for myself.
    

    Defender 914-632-3001, did you expect low prices and a free call?
    
    Steve

    
    
    I'VE BEEN BUYING FROM DEFENDER/GOLDBERG'S' M&E, E&B, ETC FOR ALMOST 15
    YRS- I RECENTLY BECAME A MENEBER OF BOAT/US AND DISCOVERED JAMESTOWN
    SUPPLY.
    
      Boat/US has service that won't quit, and KNOWLEDGABLE people on the
    end of the telephone. Defender Industries can't even spell service-
    up until recently they wouldn't even take plastic- and if they make an
    error (ususally it's in their favor- Good luck in getting it
    startightened out in ths century!
    
    This time of year- I work on the boat on weekends- I always end up with
    a list on Sunday nite-I call Baot/US- and if it'ss in stock and I order
    by 2pm on Mon- I have consistently received it on Tueday or wednesday-
    they haven't missed the next weekend in over 20 orders- that's service
    When I order from defender- I consider myself lucky if I get it this
    season and that the shiiping charges aren't exorbitant and in excess of
    the UPS charges shown on the containers.
    
    I buy from Defender because they do have a good selection and carry
    some not so common stuff.
    
    
     Jamestown supply is another great place for service- but they are not
    cheap-but dealing with knowledgable people, and getting service is
    worth an extra percent or two- especially when something goes wrong.
    
     I guessit's like shopping for a car- you can shop for the best pricre-
    but wow-does service suffer! Business that thrive tend to have a loyal
    customer base and deliver consistent customer satisfaction- and those
    are the ones I will do business with.
    
    
    Just as an added note- I recently gad some correspondence with one of
    the noters in here who was looking at putting FWC on a pair
    Crusaders- the bottom line was that Boat /US had the best prices.
    
    I'll stick with Boat/US-the stuff I ordered Mon morning arrived by UPS
    this afternnon(wed)
    
    Dick
    
    

    I guess it was inevitable...
    
    BOAT/US has a web site at (duh!) http://www.boatus.com
    
    A bit on the sparse side but presumably that's due to "newness"...