85 replies to this topic

[dacapo]

woo hoo, it's that time of year again.

i go even if I don't buy anything (which is Never the case) gets me in the sailing mood...

[BarePoles]

so you are saying it's worth the trip? never been might check it out this year...need me some new foulies.

[Regatta Dog]

so you are saying it's worth the trip? never been might check it out this year...need me some new foulies.

Great deals on foulies, but you have to get there early the first day for the best bargains.

[Ryley]

Definitely worth the trip for the discount on bottom paint alone.

[bowgeezer]

There's more marine factory representatives at the Defender sale than at any boat show in the North East. The close out area is epic, on hand reps from all the major electronics guys, and a selection of rubber boats, trailers, and motors that is second to none. If you're looking for the boutique gear and oddball boat specific stuff, you aren't going to probably find it (they have lots of line and blocks but aren't focused specifically on one design like APS or Layline) but if you need fenders, a stern BBQ, a killer deal on a handheld VHF, or need yards of Sunbrella to build new cushions, Defender is spot on.
And for those of you not in driving distance of the sale, most all deals are also online through the weekend. This is a down to earth sale for real boaters. Although it's funny how many attendees are sporting NYYC polo shirts and hats.
And no, I don't work for Defender, but I'll buy there before most any other place...

[v-max]

I went there once, ....I was pulled out of the place with three shopping carts of stuff....I went broke saving money....I've been in "boat rehab" ever since.......if I get remotely near the place, my head tilts toward it and starts to suck me in.....why does it taunt me so????

[Showtime]

I went there once, ....I was pulled out of the place with three shopping carts of stuff....I went broke saving money....I've been in "boat rehab" ever since.......if I get remotely near the place, my head tilts toward it and starts to suck me in.....why does it taunt me so????

Because for many of us it is just like Christmas

[landloc]

I went there once, ....I was pulled out of the place with three shopping carts of stuff....I went broke saving money....I've been in "boat rehab" ever since.......if I get remotely near the place, my head tilts toward it and starts to suck me in.....why does it taunt me so????

Because for many of us it is just like Christmas

And they don't care if you've been naughty or nice.

[HHudson]

If you know what you need the price reductions are good through the mail and it's next day! (to NY)

[Foreverslow]

The reps make it worth the ride.
As said, best concentration of reps in the North East.
I even had a rep fit me with a competitor's foulies when he did not have what I was looking for.

If going, get there at opening. I usually get there 30 min before opening so I can park in the actual lot. By the time I am leaving, they have traffic like getting into Foxboro Stadium.

Would love to spring the old lady's ragtop out of storage for the ride (nothing like a 200 mile blitzkreig to get the car ready for summer), but there just isn't enough room to put all the stuff I will end up with.

Now will you Ct sailors get the statehouse to make that a tax-free weekend ?

[ibcrewin]

I love Defender. I remember as a kid circling shit in the catalog. Even stuff I didn't need like dock cleats!

[bowgeezer]

Good place to go on Thursday and Friday when it will be snowing outside. A quick preview walk through the sale today looks like it should have some decent deals.

[dacapo]

leaving my place tomorrow at 7am...there by 9am.....got a L O N G list of shit to get

[hard aground]

leaving my place tomorrow at 7am...there by 9am.....got a L O N G list of shit to get

for the old boat or the possible new one?

[dacapo]

leaving my place tomorrow at 7am...there by 9am.....got a L O N G list of shit to get

for the old boat or the possible new one?

I need a bunch of shit...foul weather gear, mooring gear, stuff that I would need regardless of boat. I Need a tiller extension for my Lightning, as mine snapped at the end of the season last year...leaving now....

[SASTBW]

The reps make it worth the ride.
As said, best concentration of reps in the North East.
I even had a rep fit me with a competitor's foulies when he did not have what I was looking for.

If going, get there at opening. I usually get there 30 min before opening so I can park in the actual lot. By the time I am leaving, they have traffic like getting into Foxboro Stadium.

Would love to spring the old lady's ragtop out of storage for the ride (nothing like a 200 mile blitzkreig to get the car ready for summer), but there just isn't enough room to put all the stuff I will end up with.

Now will you Ct sailors get the statehouse to make that a tax-free weekend ?

Not likely anytime soon given the new governor´s penchant for raising taxes.

[dacapo]

it MUST be spring....time for the Annual trip to Defender's March sail....(sale) who's going?? whatcha gettin??
list for me is shorter this year due to fundsalow disease but I get to spend some of my Club's $ on necessities :

mainsheet for Lightning
led replacement bulbs
bottom paint
handheld gps
code flags
handheld vhf

[BarePoles]

it MUST be spring....time for the Annual trip to Defender's March sail....(sale) who's going?? whatcha gettin??
list for me is shorter this year due to fundsalow disease but I get to spend some of my Club's $ on necessities :

mainsheet for Lightning
led replacement bulbs
bottom paint
handheld gps
code flags
handheld vhf

What's the date?

[dopo]

yeah when it be

[Ryley]

it MUST be spring....time for the Annual trip to Defender's March sail....(sale) who's going?? whatcha gettin??
list for me is shorter this year due to fundsalow disease but I get to spend some of my Club's $ on necessities :

mainsheet for Lightning
led replacement bulbs
bottom paint
handheld gps
code flags
handheld vhf

What's the date?

It's always the last weekend in March, so 31st and April 1 this year.

[BarePoles]

it MUST be spring....time for the Annual trip to Defender's March sail....(sale) who's going?? whatcha gettin??
list for me is shorter this year due to fundsalow disease but I get to spend some of my Club's $ on necessities :

mainsheet for Lightning
led replacement bulbs
bottom paint
handheld gps
code flags
handheld vhf

What's the date?

It's always the last weekend in March, so 31st and April 1 this year.

Thank you.

[dacapo]

it MUST be spring....time for the Annual trip to Defender's March sail....(sale) who's going?? whatcha gettin??
list for me is shorter this year due to fundsalow disease but I get to spend some of my Club's $ on necessities :

mainsheet for Lightning
led replacement bulbs
bottom paint
handheld gps
code flags
handheld vhf

What's the date?

It's always the last weekend in March, so 31st and April 1 this year.

Thank you.

March 29-April 1

[Regatta Dog]

bump.

[TPG]

I went there once, ....I was pulled out of the place with three shopping carts of stuff....I went broke saving money....I've been in "boat rehab" ever since.......if I get remotely near the place, my head tilts toward it and starts to suck me in.....why does it taunt me so????

Ahhh, another that has Defender polarization disease.
Yes, I have the same issue.

The new therapy is easy, go to the Defender sale and spend more.

[riracer]

so you are saying it's worth the trip? never been might check it out this year...need me some new foulies.

Great deals on foulies, but you have to get there early the first day for the best bargains.

True that! Stand in line, shiver, hope they open the doors before all the coffee runs through you!

[savoir]

I wish they would post their catalog a little earlier. You only get 2 days to do all the figuring.

[B.J. Porter]

I wish they would post their catalog a little earlier. You only get 2 days to do all the figuring.

Well you can shop on line before the sale and print your shopping cart, then go back (cart probably still saved) when the sale starts and could your savings. Most everything goes on...

Among other things I will be buying an anchor this year.

[savoir]

Their system does save the cart. Not a bad idea.

[B.J. Porter]

Their system does save the cart. Not a bad idea.

Most of the time it does. I've not yet figured out the rules for when it doesn't, but sometimes it doesn't.

[savoir]

I wish they would post their catalog a little earlier. You only get 2 days to do all the figuring.

Well you can shop on line before the sale and print your shopping cart, then go back (cart probably still saved) when the sale starts and could your savings. Most everything goes on...

Among other things I will be buying an anchor this year.

I have a 60lb Bruce if that appeals.

[savoir]

I wish they would post their catalog a little earlier. You only get 2 days to do all the figuring.

Well you can shop on line before the sale and print your shopping cart, then go back (cart probably still saved) when the sale starts and could your savings. Most everything goes on...

Among other things I will be buying an anchor this year.

I have a 66lb Bruce if that appeals.

[Bowgirl]

Good place to go on Thursday and Friday when it will be snowing outside. A quick preview walk through the sale today looks like it should have some decent deals.

I read this and I wondered wth. I've not heard forecasts for snow! Then the date registered. Wow. What a very different spring this year.

[B.J. Porter]

I wish they would post their catalog a little earlier. You only get 2 days to do all the figuring.

Well you can shop on line before the sale and print your shopping cart, then go back (cart probably still saved) when the sale starts and could your savings. Most everything goes on...

Among other things I will be buying an anchor this year.

I have a 66lb Bruce if that appeals.

Maybe for a lunch hook...

I'm looking at a 100 lb Manson.

[Hobie Dog]

Where is Defender?

[Lee G]

Where is Defender?

Bumfuck CT. But its worth the trip.

[B.J. Porter]

Where is Defender?

Bumfuck CT. But its worth the trip.

Though if you're not nearby you can still get excellent deals via online purchasing. They really are quite good - generally things ship same day, though the week after the sale this is not so true.

One thing to keep in mind - if you are outside CT and planning to come, check the cost of sales tax versus shipping. Small, expensive items are generally better bought on line, since shipping won't be much and you duck sales tax. Large items like my anchor I am planning to pick up at the store since the tax will be less than the shipping.

[Lee G]

Where is Defender?

Bumfuck CT. But its worth the trip.

Though if you're not nearby you can still get excellent deals via online purchasing. They really are quite good - generally things ship same day, though the week after the sale this is not so true.

One thing to keep in mind - if you are outside CT and planning to come, check the cost of sales tax versus shipping. Small, expensive items are generally better bought on line, since shipping won't be much and you duck sales tax. Large items like my anchor I am planning to pick up at the store since the tax will be less than the shipping.

I know, I order my bottom paint on line there all the time. It amazes me how fast the shipping is.

[Left Hook]

I want to go... but have no way of getting there...

[B.J. Porter]

I want to go... but have no way of getting there...

If I take you with me will you carry the anchor out and put it in the trunk?

[Left Hook]

I want to go... but have no way of getting there...

If I take you with me will you carry the anchor out and put it in the trunk?

Bring the acetylene torch and I'll cut it into many small pieces to carry out to the car.

[B.J. Porter]

I want to go... but have no way of getting there...

If I take you with me will you carry the anchor out and put it in the trunk?

Bring the acetylene torch and I'll cut it into many small pieces to carry out to the car.

Wimp.

[Left Hook]

I want to go... but have no way of getting there...

If I take you with me will you carry the anchor out and put it in the trunk?

Bring the acetylene torch and I'll cut it into many small pieces to carry out to the car.

Wimp.

Does your wife have any chiropractor friends?

[IrieMon]

For us schmucks shopping online, think their online inventory will be accurate ? Anyone experience out-of-stock issues during previous sales ?

[savoir]

I wish they would post their catalog a little earlier. You only get 2 days to do all the figuring.

Well you can shop on line before the sale and print your shopping cart, then go back (cart probably still saved) when the sale starts and could your savings. Most everything goes on...

Among other things I will be buying an anchor this year.

I have a 66lb Bruce if that appeals.

Maybe for a lunch hook...

I'm looking at a 100 lb Manson.

Sounds like a long lunch.

[TPG]

Where is Defender?

Bumfuck CT. But its worth the trip.

Though if you're not nearby you can still get excellent deals via online purchasing. They really are quite good - generally things ship same day, though the week after the sale this is not so true.

One thing to keep in mind - if you are outside CT and planning to come, check the cost of sales tax versus shipping. Small, expensive items are generally better bought on line, since shipping won't be much and you duck sales tax. Large items like my anchor I am planning to pick up at the store since the tax will be less than the shipping.

What day you going?

[B.J. Porter]

I want to go... but have no way of getting there...

If I take you with me will you carry the anchor out and put it in the trunk?

Bring the acetylene torch and I'll cut it into many small pieces to carry out to the car.

Wimp.

Does your wife have any chiropractor friends?

No, but she knows some doctors.

[B.J. Porter]

Where is Defender?

Bumfuck CT. But its worth the trip.

Though if you're not nearby you can still get excellent deals via online purchasing. They really are quite good - generally things ship same day, though the week after the sale this is not so true.

One thing to keep in mind - if you are outside CT and planning to come, check the cost of sales tax versus shipping. Small, expensive items are generally better bought on line, since shipping won't be much and you duck sales tax. Large items like my anchor I am planning to pick up at the store since the tax will be less than the shipping.

What day you going?

I'm not sure yet. Someone mashed in the back of my SUV and I can't open the hatch door I'm not so sure I can get the anchor in and out of the car too easily. So I could either take a chance, or bring a trailer. I don't mind bringing a trailer (though the damage I could do to my wallet with that at the sale is frightening) but I'm a but concerned parking if I go the wrong time.

I have to look through my long list and decide what are the pickup in CT things, vs what are the ship to RI things and can I fit everything in with no back door.

My wife is on call this weekend, so not matter when I go I will be unsupervised which is not such a good thing.

Did you have a time in mind? I was thinking of heading down Thursday morning while the kids are in school.

[Sailing My Cubicle]

Where is Defender?

Bumfuck CT. But its worth the trip.

C'mon - it's in Waterford. Not like it's in Pomfret or something. Plus once you're done shopping you can head up to the casinos. Or hit on some owners daughters at Conn Coll.

[TPG]

Where is Defender?

Bumfuck CT. But its worth the trip.

Though if you're not nearby you can still get excellent deals via online purchasing. They really are quite good - generally things ship same day, though the week after the sale this is not so true.

One thing to keep in mind - if you are outside CT and planning to come, check the cost of sales tax versus shipping. Small, expensive items are generally better bought on line, since shipping won't be much and you duck sales tax. Large items like my anchor I am planning to pick up at the store since the tax will be less than the shipping.

What day you going?

I'm not sure yet. Someone mashed in the back of my SUV and I can't open the hatch door I'm not so sure I can get the anchor in and out of the car too easily. So I could either take a chance, or bring a trailer. I don't mind bringing a trailer (though the damage I could do to my wallet with that at the sale is frightening) but I'm a but concerned parking if I go the wrong time.

I have to look through my long list and decide what are the pickup in CT things, vs what are the ship to RI things and can I fit everything in with no back door.

My wife is on call this weekend, so not matter when I go I will be unsupervised which is not such a good thing.

Did you have a time in mind? I was thinking of heading down Thursday morning while the kids are in school.

I'm off Friday so I'll be there butt early to beat the rush.

[riracer]

So who is standing in line to be first in? Wish I could be there (have a standing Thursday meeting on a project for a while).

On the other hand, without knowing exactly what the what the new boat really needs .... I could end up owning the store on stuff! God forbid I should have been clear headed enough to take a good inventory when I bought the boat (stored in another state) .... I was too shell shocked after handing over a check!

[dacapo]

same here....Friday

[B.J. Porter]

So who is standing in line to be first in? Wish I could be there (have a standing Thursday meeting on a project for a while).

On the other hand, without knowing exactly what the what the new boat really needs .... I could end up owning the store on stuff! God forbid I should have been clear headed enough to take a good inventory when I bought the boat (stored in another state) .... I was too shell shocked after handing over a check!

I was going to head down this AM. Not to be first in line, but I have a long list...

[TPG]

So who is standing in line to be first in? Wish I could be there (have a standing Thursday meeting on a project for a while).

On the other hand, without knowing exactly what the what the new boat really needs .... I could end up owning the store on stuff! God forbid I should have been clear headed enough to take a good inventory when I bought the boat (stored in another state) .... I was too shell shocked after handing over a check!

I was going to head down this AM. Not to be first in line, but I have a long list...

I don't thank god. Just need a few minor things and harass the Simrad rep. Gonna put an NSS7 on the Mako.

[landloc]

same old hot dogs, but not as crowded as I remember. And they no longer have kayaks?

[riracer]

So who is standing in line to be first in? Wish I could be there (have a standing Thursday meeting on a project for a while).

On the other hand, without knowing exactly what the what the new boat really needs .... I could end up owning the store on stuff! God forbid I should have been clear headed enough to take a good inventory when I bought the boat (stored in another state) .... I was too shell shocked after handing over a check!

I was going to head down this AM. Not to be first in line, but I have a long list...

Was the trip a success?

I might end up making a foray through the Jamestown Distributors sale in a couple of weeks. I need to gather a couple of the crew and go wash the hull, check the winches and take inventory first.

[B.J. Porter]

So who is standing in line to be first in? Wish I could be there (have a standing Thursday meeting on a project for a while).

On the other hand, without knowing exactly what the what the new boat really needs .... I could end up owning the store on stuff! God forbid I should have been clear headed enough to take a good inventory when I bought the boat (stored in another state) .... I was too shell shocked after handing over a check!

I was going to head down this AM. Not to be first in line, but I have a long list...

Was the trip a success?

I might end up making a foray through the Jamestown Distributors sale in a couple of weeks. I need to gather a couple of the crew and go wash the hull, check the winches and take inventory first.

Yeah, I went. The new anchor looks HUGE even though it is 5 pounds lighter than the old CQR. I hope it fits.

[Ryley]

Be there tomorrow morning...

[Foreverslow]

just a tip to those attending

defender extends their store hours during the sale

I usually get up at 5 am to be in the parking lot when they open, but yesterday I decided to hit them at 6 pm in order to watch my little one compete in Hartford earlier in the day.

I was expecting the usual mob, but it was not to be found.
heck there were parking spaces in front of the building.
all the reps where there

was in and out in 30 minutes and most was spent with the raymarine experts.
hot dogs were looking so-so by then, but I had already promised the admiral dinner.

[dacapo]

ding a ling a ling...it's time again ...whatcha all gettin??

[Savage 17]

The list is long but distinguished.....

[StayinStrewn]

need to send in my order by proxy...hope to still get the discounts and the products are still there!!

[Diarmuid]

Three seacocks, thruhulls, & affiliated stuff. Two portlights for the main bulkhead, prolly Beckson's deep drainers (stop me if that's a bad move). Some sealants for ports & deck hardware. Ring latches for the galley, Wichard U-bolt for the babystay attachment. Not much this year. Most of the early refit is going to be spent ventilating, making the boat watertight, & drying things out. Subsequent two years are gonna be good years for Defender.

[dacapo]

new foulies....new knife, led running lights, interprotect barrier coat

[scuttlebutthead]

i just wished they opened earlier, it's rough getting there at 630 pm after work and waiting in lines, totally worth it though.

[Ryley]

Got a few things on the list for this year, a little for each boat.

[B.J. Porter]

I feel that a part of my life is missing because I can not go to the Defender sale this year.

[Left Hook]

Whereas in the past you would feel a part of your wallet missing...

[Showtime]

Bottom paint, barrier coat, epoxy, varnish, traveler car...Christmas I say!

[Sheethead]

I feel an illness coming on, should hit around March 20th, noonish...

Fuggin long list this year- but I finally got a tax return!!! Lewmar one touch wench handles- safety supplies (the flairs are about 5 years over due...) and a bunch of other shit I don't really need but will dig saving the green!

Woot - Woot!!!

[Bitpitch]

same here....Friday

then I will probably see you there.

[jesposito]

same here....Friday

then I will probably see you there.

Why would you be going? You can't buy a clue there

[Snaggletooth]

same here....Friday

then I will probably see you there.

Why would you be going? You can't buy a clue there

I cane thick of somboby ealse who cante ethere.....

[savoir]

i just wished they opened earlier, it's rough getting there at 630 pm after work and waiting in lines, totally worth it though.

You can always buy online at the same price.

By the way, they are starting a little earlier this year at 9 am Thursday March 21.

[4knotSB]

I want to go... but have no way of getting there...

it's easy, hitchhike. The white vans without windows will always give you a ride.

[jewing]

Online sale opened an hour ago...

[Left Hook]

Website is a shambles. Half of the pages are failing to load.

[duncan]

great deals...server is prob over capacity

[b6sfull]

Website is a shambles. Half of the pages are failing to load.

Brutal. Very frustrating. WTF!!!!!!!

[Left Hook]

"oh, I want to buy this crazy cheap vest!! ....nope guess I gotta fuck myself"

[RumLine]

"oh, I want to buy this crazy cheap vest!! ....nope guess I gotta fuck myself"

I think I just went after that same crazy cheap vest...almost called to place my order but decided to give up instead.

[Left Hook]

"oh, I want to buy this crazy cheap vest!! ....nope guess I gotta fuck myself"

I think I just went after that same crazy cheap vest...almost called to place my order but decided to give up instead.

gonna try a few more times. Gotta stock up on black gear for the black batmobile coming this summer.

[Luca Brasi]

"oh, I want to buy this crazy cheap vest!! ....nope guess I gotta fuck myself"

U r still a virgin, so your all set fucking yourself. Don't need a crapy missed sale to rub one out.

[RumLine]

You're better off going to the physical store if you have the time, ordered online and the order confirmation states that "shipping is suspended now during the 4 days of our annual Warehouse sale." I can live with that, what pisses me off is the statement at the bottom of the email that says "Customers shopping in our Waterford, CT Warehouse during the sale enjoy inventory priority for just these 4 days."

So essentially, if you order online, there is no guarantee that you'll actually get what you order. They will fill backorders, but if you get something on Clearance and someone buys the item in the store you're shit out of luck.

[savoir]

Some of the HL gear is dirt cheap. TP1 suits are only $146.

[Sheethead]

Holy fugging long line! I went up there on my lunch break, filled up a cart then went off in search of the end of the line... I then proceded to put everything back. I'll ride up there on April 2nd and pick up my cheap crap, just placed my web order. Apparently shipping Vivid is a big deal... thought that shit was safe for the enviro!

[Savage 17]

I arrived at 3pm. I was out in 20 mins. My secret is fill up your shopping cart online. Then print the shopping cart and bring it with you. Once you walk in keep walking strait to the product pickup sign. Take a left and give one of the 8 people the list of what you want. They tell you what you have to get yourself and what they will get for you. I had to get 2 items myself, the rest was all picked by defender.

I didn't wait in line to check out at all.

Henri Llyod jackets are priced very low! Great bargains!!!