Finding chandlery parts can be a difficult process. We’ve asked Jon Southall, our parts interpreter, to give some advice on how Seatech customers can find their own parts online. Jon is an absolute genius at sourcing chandlery.
How to work out what to search for
The first thing that you’ll need to do is to work out what you need to be looking for. This isn’t always clear-cut – there are a multitude of products that can be fitted to individual boats, and there often isn’t much correlation between boat make and part brands. If you can, obviously, replace the part exactly – same brand and model or part number. However, this isn’t always possible, since manufacturers change part numbers or discontinue certain lines, and brands sometimes switch manufacturers.
The first step is to get photos of the parts that you want to replace: ID plates, manufacturer plates, and details like input and output amperage and voltage, pressure ratings, and hose sizes etc. This will help you find possible matches online. Match the specifications as closely as you can.
Some brands only sell through dealership catalogues
There are a number of brands that sell only through dealer catalogues, whether hard-copy or software-based. If you’re looking for a part from one of these brands, you generally won’t find it online – you’ll need to go through a dealership. They include:
- Caterpillar
- Volvo
- Mercury
- Kohler
- Onan
Useful websites
Just Googling the part you’re after often doesn’t work, since the online marine industry is a bit obscure in Australia; the retail sites that you need often won’t come up on the first page of search results.
There are a number of sites that I use to find parts for customers. Here are some of my favourites:
- boating lifestyle adventure (BLA) offer a range of products, all with photos and prices available on the site.
- W. Bashams Pty Ltd, or RWB Marine, have an extensive product catalogue, but you’ll need to note down the product number and head in-store or call to get prices.
- Sam Allen Wholesale offer a bit more detail than RWB on their products, including a recommended retail price.
- VETUS is an international supplier with centres around the world. They (understandably) don’t include prices on their products, but you can contact them for a local quote.
If, between these four sites, you can’t find what you’re looking for, then you probably won’t find it anywhere online.
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
If you’re still struggling to find the part you’re looking for, or you just don’t have time to conduct the search yourself, talk to me (Jon Southall). I can do all the legwork for you. Give me a ring, send an email to parts@seatechmarine.com.au, or use our online enquiry form. We can usually get parts within Australia with 1-2 days turnaround. We have a stock of general service items for Onan Kohler, Volvo, Caterpillar and Mercury, so you can service almost any engine or generator from these manufacturers off the shelf.
Image below: Jon Southall, our Qualified Parts Interpreter hard at work sourcing parts for our customers.
