I went to Academy Sports today and bought a box of assorted stainless steel screws for about $8.00.  Academy didn't have a part I was looking for, so I stopped at West Marine, which is only a couple of blocks away.  They had the $5.00 (my estimate) part I was looking for, but  they wanted $27.00.  While I was there I saw the exact box of screws I had just purchased, but West Marine wanted $22.00.  With Academy around the corner, and BPS five miles away, I cannot figure out how this company stays in business.  Hence my question.  Do you at least get a kiss while you are being screwed by West Marine?

just dont buy from them and you wont get screwed  ,theres many other options out there

There's a West Marine across the parking lot from the BPS in St. Charles, Mo.  I walked in there one time and one time only.  

I can only figure there's a segment of boaters out there that will do absolutely no research what-so-ever when they need a marine part and just walk in there and think nothing of paying 2, 3, or 4 times more than they'd pay elsewhere. Blind ignorance I guess.

West Marine will price match any competition.

West Marine's customer base is very widespread, but is pretty much NOT targeted to bass fisherman.  The majority of the customers are cruisers, sailors, big boat guys, and saltwater fisherman.

Are these very special marine type screws or something other than just stainless?

If just stainless I just go to my local hardware store and get what I need.

fish-fighting -illini, try going to Home Depot and buying stainless nuts, bolts and screws.  It ain't gonna happen, at least not in Oklahoma.  I can buy brass or I can buy zinc plated.

HD or Lowes has nothing in SS hardware, ACE hardware on the other hand......  8-)

Didn't know about the Lowes thing on SS hdwr. I'm a little spoiled I've got a mom and pop sized Ace about 1 mins drive away.

Not only doesn't Lowes have ss hardware they never have anyone you can get a hold of to ask for help. Twice it has taken an hour to get a guy to cut carpet!

HD or Lowes has nothing in SS hardware, ACE hardware on the other hand...... 8-)

Lowe's carries SS hardware....Drawers A1 through A36 in the hardware dept.  

Lowe's carries SS hardware....Drawers A1 through A36 in the hardware dept.  

I can vouch for that. I live 1 block from lowe's and get all my SS hardware there.

West Marine will price match any competition.

West Marine's customer base is very widespread, but is pretty much NOT targeted to bass fisherman. The majority of the customers are cruisers, sailors, big boat guys, and saltwater fisherman.

I am going to have to respectfully disagree with you there. When I was building my last boat I went into WM looking for a spacific $6 part that I could only find on line. They had it there for $45 dollars. They told me that they wouldn't match any company on the internet.

I agree that their main costomers are guys with big boats and fish salt water so why are they here in Augusta GA. It takes three hours to get to the Atlantic ocean from here and there is a boat size limit on the only big lake around. It doesn't add up.

West Marine will price match any competition.

West Marine's customer base is very widespread, but is pretty much NOT targeted to bass fisherman. The majority of the customers are cruisers, sailors, big boat guys, and saltwater fisherman.

I am going to have to respectfully disagree with you there. When I was building my last boat I went into WM looking for a spacific $6 part that I could only find on line. They had it there for $45 dollars. They told me that they wouldn't match any company on the internet.

I agree that their main costomers are guys with big boats and fish salt water so why are they here in Augusta GA. It takes three hours to get to the Atlantic ocean from here and there is a boat size limit on the only big lake around. It doesn't add up.

Sorry, meant to say local competition.  You are correct regarding internet pricing.  I've encountered that before as well.  Interesting point being so far from the salt.