Dinghy development: Dinghy gear supply store near M4, M5, A30, A303

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Dinghy gear supply store near M4, M5, A30, A303

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13085
Printed Date: 18 Aug 25 at 11:01am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Dinghy gear supply store near M4, M5, A30, A303

Posted By: Pewit
Subject: Dinghy gear supply store near M4, M5, A30, A303
Date Posted: 04 Jun 18 at 12:39pm

I’m heading from London to N. Cornwall on Friday and looking for somewhere to shop for sailing gear close to either M4, M5, A30 or the A303 with a good choice of dinghy products and rope.

I’ve tried searching Google Maps but it keeps suggesting Aquarium Fish Suppliers ;-/

Replies:

Posted By: H2
Date Posted: 04 Jun 18 at 12:42pm

There is a Force4 Chandlery in the middle of Bristol which is close to the end of M4 just before you get onto the M5. They do not have the hugest stock always but with some imagination you can get what you need. If you want a wet suit look elsewhere.

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H2 #115 (sold)
H2 145
OK 2082

Posted By: Pewit
Date Posted: 04 Jun 18 at 1:02pm

I noticed Force 4 but I’d like to avoid heading to a city centre on a Friday if possible.

Posted By: H2
Date Posted: 04 Jun 18 at 1:09pm

Originally posted by Pewit

I noticed Force 4 but I’d like to avoid heading to a city centre on a Friday if possible.

Fully understood. I am afraid that the internet has had its effect on many businesses that sell sailing kit as it is cheaper and quicker to order it online and so many people stopped visiting these places. There are still some physical shops in major cities or next to large sailing clubs but apart from that its on-line. Could you get a package sent to your hotel or friends house for when you arrive?

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H2 #115 (sold)
H2 145
OK 2082

Posted By: Alistair426
Date Posted: 04 Jun 18 at 1:42pm

There's Virtual Rigger at Datchet (Queen Mother Reservoir). That's just off (10 mins) the M4/M25 junction. Not been there recently but they had a reasonable stock last time I was there.

Posted By: Pewit
Date Posted: 04 Jun 18 at 2:38pm

Thanks but they only seem to stock Gill, Neil Pride, Forward and Magic Marine wetsuits - no Zhik.

Posted By: RS400atC
Date Posted: 04 Jun 18 at 5:43pm

If you know what brand you want, why not contact them and ask about stockists?

Posted By: Pewit
Date Posted: 04 Jun 18 at 8:20pm

As I stated in another post, I’m after a warm skiff suit and want to compare Gill,Zhik and others(?).

I’m having difficulty finding a Zhik stockist that also carries the other brands.

Paul

Posted By: davidyacht
Date Posted: 04 Jun 18 at 9:07pm

Coast Watersports? Have bought stuff online from them, but don’t know how much they stock. In truth the U.K. is increasingly mail order oriented.

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Happily living in the past

Posted By: Pewit
Date Posted: 04 Jun 18 at 9:34pm

Yes I’d found them and they’re my fallback if I can’t find a better soloution. In fact we’ll go closer to them on the way back to London via Lymington.

Posted By: maxibuddah
Date Posted: 04 Jun 18 at 10:05pm

Coast have loads of stuff in stock. Went down the last week and you can hardly get in the door. Mix of all watersports though so they may not have exactly what you want but i reckon there's a fair chance. It's only 20 mins from the a303/a358 roundabout near Ilminster

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Everything I say is my opinion, honest

Posted By: jaydub
Date Posted: 04 Jun 18 at 11:44pm

Dave Stubbs whoo runs Coast is a great guy as well. He might try and persuade you to buy a Magic Marine wetsuit as that is what he uses (or did a couple of years ago when I asked him

Don't think there is that much between Zhik, Gill, Musto, Pryde & Magic Marine and ultimately you are best with the one that fits best, so if you can try various makes on and find the one that fits best that is always going to be the best option.

In my view Lennon are probably the Rolls Royce and Rooster the Ford of the market, but since you have to deal with both online, neither are really what you are after. Don't rule out the Gul code zero kit. It doesn't fit me very well, so I look elsewhere but there's nothing wrong with the kit.

Posted By: maxibuddah
Date Posted: 05 Jun 18 at 5:28am

He might try neilpryde too. Apparently a friend of mine reckons it's as good as zhik but half the price.

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Everything I say is my opinion, honest

Posted By: craiggo
Date Posted: 06 Jun 18 at 9:37am

Don't bother wasting your time or money looking at Zhik kit. It's overpriced, poor quality, over-hyped kit.

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OK 2129
RS200 411

Posted By: easternman1738
Date Posted: 08 Jun 18 at 3:35pm

also, does anyone know where I can purchase a velocitek prostart online?? its for my sons birthday

Posted By: iGRF
Date Posted: 08 Jun 18 at 3:51pm

Originally posted by craiggo

Don't bother wasting your time or money looking at Zhik kit. It's overpriced, poor quality, over-hyped kit.

I'd agree with that having given it the once over, someone is making a massive margin.

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https://www.corekite.co.uk/snow-accessories-11-c.asp" rel="nofollow - Snow Equipment Deals https://www.corekite.co.uk" rel="nofollow - New Core Kite website

Posted By: PeterG
Date Posted: 08 Jun 18 at 5:28pm

Originally posted by easternman1738

also, does anyone know where I can purchase a velocitek prostart online?? its for my sons birthday

Google suggests sailboats.co.uk and purple marine. Haven't checked their stock, but I've used both many times happily.

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Peter
Ex Cont 707
Ex Laser 189635
DY 59

Posted By: davidyacht
Date Posted: 09 Jun 18 at 6:57am

Originally posted by craiggo

Don't bother wasting your time or money looking at Zhik kit. It's overpriced, poor quality, over-hyped kit.

Allspars

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Happily living in the past

Posted By: easternman1738
Date Posted: 12 Jun 18 at 10:34am

https://www.upffront.com/index/manufacturers_id/2188?page=1

Posted By: H2
Date Posted: 18 Jun 18 at 2:44pm

Originally posted by iGRF

Originally posted by craiggo

Don't bother wasting your time or money looking at Zhik kit. It's overpriced, poor quality, over-hyped kit.

I'd agree with that having given it the once over, someone is making a massive margin.

I do not consider myself an expert but having used many of the makes over the decades I actually thought Zhik was pretty nice and well made. I am using a set of their wetsuit trousers combined with a rash vest as my summer sailing kit and have found it amazingly comfortable compared to others I have used. Maybe I just got lucky?

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H2 #115 (sold)
H2 145
OK 2082

Posted By: patj
Date Posted: 16 Jul 18 at 6:44pm

Jimmy Green at Beer could be an option.