Every boat owner, regardless of vessel type, probably has a wish list of things they’d love to have but can’t justify the cost. Most consignment and used parts shops price their gear at approximately half the price of brand-new retail parts and accessories.
These shops work in different ways. Some are consignment stores, where boats sell their gear and the shop keeps a percentage of the sale. Others collect the parts themselves, perhaps from salvage jobs, and resell them. Still others offer marine surplus parts, which can often be like new quality parts and new old stock.
Finding what you need is never guaranteed, but it’s like stumbling upon buried treasure when you do find it. Here are some of the best marine consignment and used boat part stores.
What’s Great about Marine Consignment Stores?
A bit of personal opinion, but isn’t it silly to invest in brand-new gear when everything around it on your boat is 30 years old? This is why I am so proud of my finds at consignment shops: I get gear that’s just as good as everything around it, and I’m not spending full price. Sure, there’s some junk in these stores, but there are also some hidden gems that can really cut the costs of your boat repair and maintenance.
Here are two examples of things that worked out well for me on my boat.
The first was a Forespar line-control whisker pole I stumbled upon in the back of an outdoor section of a consignment shop. The price was around $1,000 — still pricy. But the new price for the same pole would be about $2,750. I snatched it up, knowing it would be a big project, but it was something my boat needed.
I spent another $600 on all the parts to mount it, but I would’ve spent that anyway. Yes, it’s scratched up and used, but it’s become an invaluable part of our rig.
My other great find was a set of like-new Kato Island stern rail davits. They were the precise ones I wanted, but I had decided their $2,600 price tag was too high. So I gladly spent less than half that (again, around $1,000) in the consignment shop.
Like the pole, I needed some add-ons. Kato kindly supplied me with the proper feet and mounts for the davits, and I set up my own block and tackle to lift the dinghy. They work perfectly; in the end, I only spent about $1,250.
There have been many things that I’ve wanted to find but have had no luck with. The more specific your requirements are, the less likely you are to find it. Flexibility is key. While you can find parts for virtually any vessel type, sailboat parts are far more common in this business.
Some things just aren’t sold very often. Really good, popular modern anchors never appear in these shops (i.e., Mantus, Rocna, SPADE), but there are usually piles of older ones that people are replacing with modern ones (i.e., CQRs, Deltas, Danforths, and their knock-offs).
There is also equipment that people use forever until it’s trash, such as roller furlers, outboard motors, watermaker components, anchor chains, and inflatable dinghies. I’ve seen these things in these shops, but they aren’t worth the bother most of the time.
Always be wary of something that will need parts. You’ll be okay if the company is still around and can supply bits and bobs. But if it requires things you can’t get easily, that’s probably why it’s being sold to begin with!
Best Marine Consignment Shops in the US
Many of these boat parts stores are near hot cruising spots, so it’s nice to know when one is near at hand.
I use these shops in two ways. First, I have my list of things I’m on the hunt for when outfitting my boat. I seldom just purchase new gear without first looking for a used alternative, especially when it’s something that’s going to be surrounded by older gear on my boat anyway. If I critically need something, I start with a visit to the local shops and looking online. Even if you’re not in the area, many shops list at least some of their gear on eBay.
And then there are the fun random finds, the things you didn’t even know you needed until the price suddenly becomes much more reasonable. If there’s one tip with these stores, it’s that if you’re interested in something you’d best grab it quick. The good stuff goes fast!
Bacon Sails, Annapolis, Maryland
As the name implies, Bacon is a sail loft with quite a collection of used sails for sale by the knowledgeable staff. But they also have a huge parts warehouse, and their Annapolis location means they carry some really nice stuff.
It’s been a few years since I’ve wandered around, but never have I ever seen a nicer inventory of high-end sextants, sailboat cookers and grills, and classic bronze and brass hardware.
Anchors and Oars, Grasonville, Maryland
Anchors and Oars is a gift shop and marine salvage company that sells parts they’ve collected from boats that have been scrapped. They’ve got quite a collection of hardware: things like bronze portlights and Edson pedestals.
Check them out on TikTok or Facebook for clues about what’s in stock lately.
Nauti-Nells, Deltaville, Virginia
Nauti-Nells isn’t very big, but in boating-centered Deltavilla, it’s an excellent find for those refitting their boats in the many local boatyards. When you go in the door, going right will take you into a gift shop and bookstore. The books are a mix of new and used, and the gifts are mostly local crafty things.
But making a left into “the back” is where the treasures are. There are bins of shackles, blocks, fishing gear, old charts, more books, anchors, and pretty much anything you can imagine.
Nauti-Nells is hit-or-miss, and checking every few weeks is required to grab the best stock. The items are on consignment, which means they just randomly pop up. But Deltavilla gets its share of really nice bluewater boats passing through, so there’s occasionally some great finds. Over the years, I’ve collected a nice Forespar telescoping whisker pole, a like-new set of Kato davits, a matching pair of high-end Brompton folding bikes, and countless other treasures here.
Sailors Exchange, St. Augustine, Florida
Sailors Exchange is now a little farther from the marina area, but still walkable or bikeable. They’ve got a ton of stuff. Like other stores, it’s a bit hit or miss depending on what you’re looking for.
Marine Connection Liquidators, Fort Pierce, Florida
Marine Connection has a ton of stuff for powerboats, including stainless hardware, old t-tops and biminis, even portlights and hatches. It’s a big warehouse with tons of things on display. If you’ve got a center console or similar Florida boat, you’ll love this store.
Sailorman, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
I haven’t been to Sailorman for a few years, but it once was quite the place. I’ve never seen a bigger selection of used toilets! I’m not sure who exactly is buying a used toilet, but it was once the place to go.
But Fort Lauderdale’s yacht industry means it’s also a good place for some big-boat stuff like ice makers, watermakers, and even air conditioners. They list some of their finds on eBay and their website, but there’s much more in stock than they list.
Where’s Your Favorite Marine Surplus or New Old Stock Boat Store?
Who did we miss? If you know of a great marine consignment shop or the best source for vintage and used gear, drop us a line and we’ll add it to our list.
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