Navigating the AMAZON

[Stickinthemud57]

We have an Amazon Prime membership and it has definitely changed the way I shop. Amazon has become my go-to source for nuts, bolts, and other hardware that the big box hardware stores don't carry, but I always have to buy more than I need. Now I find myself designing projects around my surplus hardware, but it's nice when it saves me a trip. The free returns option takes the worry out of purchasing, though I try not to abuse it.

We have found that Amazon is not always the best place to shop. Some things (like a Ronstan quick-release shackle) are no less costly there than at our local West Marine, and in the case of products like a 12-oz spray can of Sailkote, more expensive on Amazon ($25 on Amazon vs $16.50 at WM). My recent purchase of a 3-D printer was 10% less at the dealer's website than any offering on Amazon.

Also,I have learned the hard way that saving money on things like off-brand shackles is not a good idea. One trip up the mast to retrieve a lost halyard was enough to cure me of that.

There is something to be said for buying from a brick-and-mortar even when it costs a bit more. In the case of WM, it's nice to have a local source for sailing hardware, so I like to support them when it makes sense. Also, they have some really great sales. I bought a nice pair of leather Sperry topsiders for $12.00, and snagged a great deal on PFD's as well.

[dlandersson]

A youtube channel I follow - "Chasing Latitudes" mentioned once that one of his reasons for being based in Puerto Rico is that Amazon Prime shipping treated it as part of the US.

Having said that, I try to use BWY, WM and local when I can, even if it costs a bit more. Don't want them going out of business.

There is something to be said for buying from a brick-and-mortar even when it costs a bit more. In the case of WM, it's nice to have a local source for sailing hardware, so I like to support them when it makes sense. Also, they have some really great sales. I bought a nice pair of leather Sperry topsiders for $12.00, and snagged a great deal on PFD's as well.

[OverEasy]

One more to the list......
So where are the pictures of giant anacondas, crocodiles, piranha and spiders the size of skillets???
What about the logistics planning and resupply locales?
The shopping in local riverside markets of the jungle?
How about the challenges of getting passports, visas, temporary registration or whatever?
The numerous allons for fuel, clean water, fishing... ????

Guess I wasn't the only one as kinda looking forward to the trip logs of this exotic adventure.......

As to Xenos Arrow.... He never made the trip to Hawaii...leastaways not in a MacGregor...He gave it to a Boy Scout Troop for a fund raiser.
He did get a bigger boat though and apparently has continued his adventures based upon his last postings on the forum.

So anybody out there going up river?

Best 'regards All,
Over Easy

[dlandersson]

Here you go ...

So where are the pictures of giant anacondas, crocodiles, piranha and spiders the size of skillets???
What about the logistics planning and resupply locales?
The shopping in local riverside markets of the jungle?
How about the challenges of getting passports, visas, temporary registration or whatever?
The numerous allons for fuel, clean water, fishing... ????

Best 'regards All,
Over Easy