in search of local parts supplier

[RichKat]

Hey all!  We are new to the Georgetown area and the forum.  We need various hardware items for our sailboat and hate to pay the exorbitant shipping charges for small price items and prefer to support local business.  Also, in search of denatured alcohol for our onboard stove.  Any suggestions, greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Richard and Kathy Barefoot

[Captain Smollett]

Welcome aboard!

Do you mean Georgetown, SC, or Georgetown, Great Exuma, or other?

If South Carolina, hook up with CapnK.  He can show all the little hidey holes to find parts.  There is one hardware store within walking distance of the water that has a lot of stuff.  West Marine was a 45 min. drive.

If not SC, please ignore.   ;)

[Frank]

WARNING: if you do hook up with Capt K, he will show you all the 'watering holes' as well  :o

[CharlieJ]

Denatured alcohol is the thinner for Shellac. It can be bought in most any paint store, or paint section of a good hardware store. Quarts or gallons.

And do find CaptK if you are in SC.

[Kettlewell]

I have discovered in recent years that you can often do far better at your local marine store in a marina or boatyard than you can from West Marine. Sure, the local place doesn't always have everything, but just ask and I bet they can order it for quick delivery and beat the price of WM. Plus, for things like batteries and such you don't have to lug them far to get them back on your boat. Even if the price isn't lower you often save on the shipping. I usually just ask around the anchorage or marina and there is bound to be someone who has been there long enough to know where the good hardware stores are, and often you can pick up a ride there too.

[CapnK]

Regrettably, the hardware store mentioned above, Schofields, did not survive the economic problems.

There isn't much in the way of a chandler locally, mail order is the way to go, or if you need things in a jiffy, establish a relationship with the folks at Georgetown Landing Marina, and they can order stuff from places like Paxton Marine Supply among others, it gets delivered the next day by 2PM, and usually at a discount from the 'full retail' price.

WalMart sells denatured alcohol in the paint dept (or they used to at least), there is also a Sherwin Williams at the corner of Church and St. James which should have it as well as heavy duty sandpaper, painting supplies etc... Georgetown Hardware out on Highmarket (towards Andrews) is a 'typical' hardware store & friendly folks. Thomas Supply by the McD's/Hardees sells plumbing stuff.

"Watering holes"? You must mean the spigot over there by my office...  :-X