Ship Supplies Direct Competitors

Since first opening our doors in 1968, West Marine crew members continue to serve boaters and provide helpful advice on the gear and gadgets customers need to be safe and have fun. With 240 stores located in 38 states and Puerto Rico and a thriving eCommerce website (www.westmarine.com) serving retail and professional customers, West Marine is recognized as the premier multi-channel retailer of boating and fishing supplies. When you work at West Marine, you’re part of a family; one that values spending quality time on the water, doing the things you love, and sharing that passion with our customers and community.

Marlow Ropes are the foremost manufacturer of specialist yachting, defence and industrial ropes and cordage in the world. Marlow still manufacture on the same site in Hailsham, UK where ropes have been produced for over 200 years. High Performance Ropes for High Performance Environments. Marlow is steeped in history and recognised around the world for quality, performance and innovation. We utilise the very latest fibres and manufacturing techniques in the production of ropes from 1mm to 80mm in diameter and specialise in specialist ropes and rope assemblies for the yachting, defence and safety markets. With agents and distribution on 6 continents and offices in the UK and US we are able to service bespoke rope and cordage requirements across the globe.

Defender provides quality marine supplies, inflatable boats and outboard motors. We offer competitive prices on the brands you trust, we have them in stock and we are an authorized dealer for everything we carry. Defender is a marine outfitter staffed by passionate boaters who understand your language and your projects. We have a knowledgeable, in-house sales staff ready to answer your questions and to help you make the right purchase. That’s how we continue to earn the trust of mariners worldwide — as we have since 1938. Based in Waterford, Conn., Defender is a family-owned company, started by Sheldon Lance. Mr. Lance wanted to make boating accessible to more people and “disrupted” the marine supply industry, which at the time catered to “yachtsmen.” Mr. Lance started buying surplus products from the government and manufacturers so he could sell boating supplies at affordable prices, and he ended up earning the respect of quality marine manufacturers worldwide. Today, Defender is an authorized dealer for 85,000 products from every major marine manufacturer. Now under the leadership of Mr. Lance’s son, Stephan, Defender has grown to become the largest independent marine supply firm in the U.S.