May 19, 2026

Apparently, the marine chandleries are quite important to some readers and I got a few responses back when I wrote, “What if West Marine goes bankrupt?“

We had read last week, about the possibility that West Marine might declare bankruptcy. The stories we read mentioned general sales declines, having too many West Marine outlets and the big issue, the corporation’s level of indebtedness. You might note that West Marine left the Canadian market several years ago. For some time, West Marine has been owned by private equity funds and those funds typically, are looking for a return on their investments, not for a business that they need to operate. That was what prompted the letters.

The letters were mainly from the West Coast and with a longer boating season, salt water and tides, I could imagine that boats need more maintenance in B.C. However, it was more than that. One reader wrote that, “We, here in Vancouver, have lost Martin Marine, the oldest, two-generation Marine Store in BC. This is a great loss to those boaters who could pick up just about any part they needed. I expect other marine stores are struggling with owners who are dealing with the high cost of maintaining and operating a vessel.”

Another reader wrote, “Not a fan of West Marine….Here in Sidney BC, we had four decent chandleries, providing a variety of choices, each with a niche area of expertise and product.  Then West Marine moved in, dropped prices, resulting in three of the chandleries closing.  Then West Marine stopped stocking items – you had to order them in.  Then, West Marine closed up and left town. ‘Not a way to build loyalty.”

I confess that in my previous column, I was not thinking about the knowledge and customer support benefits that the experienced staff at the chandleries often provide. We have been looking more at the DIY side of the business in our editorial plans for Canadian Boating magazine. To bring more people into boating, we need to help make it more affordable.

Historically, boaters have moved up to both larger and newer boats over the years, but they have to get started somewhere and that normally has to be at an affordable level. Not many boaters start with a big boat and fewer still start with a new big boat. 

So, how important are the chandleries to novice or beginner boaters? What is their contribution to building our business by making it easier and more affordable? And by the way, safer too?

I think the chandleries are very important; more than I realized. As we start the summer of 2026, we should keep in mind, the long-term value of getting people started in boating, especially the younger people who we hope, will choose boating as a life-long activity.

Lastly, don’t forget to take advantage of the public relations opportunity that National Safe Boating Awareness Week presents our businesses. This is an opportunity that you can take advantage of with little or no cost. Most of the Canadian Safe Boating Council information and materials are FREE for your business to download and use.

Here’s wishing you and your customers a happy and safe Victoria Day Weekend!

Andy Adams – Editor