Getting things cheaply

In earlier discussions about window bolts Brenton (Promise II) mentioned that in Oz they often refer to ‘chandlers’ as ‘swindlers’. It seems that anything marine means doubling (or more) the number you first thought of. I’m sure others have also discovered ways round this and have stories to tell. Here are a couple of mine.
I have become fed up with pouring money into keeping my Eberspacher diesel heater going. I recently had to pay £200 for 2m of exhaust pipe for the blessed thing. I declared that next time it breaks down it goes overboard. However, I knew that Eberspacher heaters were designed for lorries (probably the reason they don’t do that well in the marine environment) so I searched the yellow pages for local lorry companies. Bingo, I found one that would service the Eberspacher for a fraction of the price I would have paid on the coast.
The bottom sides of my sleeping cushions were stained and mildewed from condensation over the years. I knew that a boat upholsterer would do a good job (at a price) but my wife found out that our local fabric warehouse also take on sewing jobs. I got all 5 done including new zips for £20 each.
My screw box was looking decidedly depleted so I made a list of screws I regularly need. The list would have set me back over £30 at my friendly chandlery. I gave the same list to my local fastener company who supplied all I needed ( marine stainless) for £13.80

It pays to shop around. If anyone else has stories of money saving schemes I’m sure we would all like to hear them.

Trevor (Ronar M)

ps I know there are things you have to get from a chandler and despite the above, mine is good and does give me 10% discount because I am an RYA member.