I thought I'd start a new thread to highlight dodgy online sellers of boat parts, and to have a laugh. It can be a bit of a reference for us too I guess. If you're thinking of purchasing online, you can do a quick check here. So I'll post a link to my latest one and you can vote - Dodgy or Not Dodgy
Just to give you some context. I'm setting up one of those Burke Seabrake drogues. For my particular model and boat size, they recommend 16mm double braid poly. I'm looking at purchasing 100 meters so I can set it up as a bridle with two 50 meter legs (to angle or steer the boat if needed).
So I'm searching around for low-cost/ but decent quality line, to try to keep the costs down. Sydney Rope Supplies (SRS) seemed to have the cheapest deal for a Donaghy's product ($389). Unfortunately, Donaghy's 16mm double braid weight is a bit over what Aus Post will handle so SRS offered alternative freight with a company called e-go. I looked up some reviews and there were a lot of unhappy punters who have used this service.
So feeling a bit nervous about that, I started looking at other options. Ebay came up with plenty of options of course. The one I want to highlight is a seller called "wholesaleautoandmarine" who had 100 meters x 16mm double braid for $265 delivered: www.ebay.com.au/itm/184521341473?ul_noapp=true
There's a screenshot of the description page at the bottom of the post.
Here's a transcript of the conversation on ebay messaging:
Me: Hi, I'm interested in a 100 meter roll of this 16mm rope. You specify that its maximum strength is 7150 kg. Can you clarify what you mean by maximum strength please? is that breaking strength? Can you also give send me any paperwork on the testing and verification that you mention?
"wholesaleautoandmarine": Hi that's breaking strength + or - 5% as a average of test performed in past. We don't have any public reports just what the manufacturer has advised us on our invoices
Me: Where's it manufactured?
"wholesaleautoandmarine": Australia with overseas made fibres
Me: Thanks, but can you give me some more specific information, please. I'm trying to assess and trust that it's manufactured to a reliable standard. Can you send me a link to the manufacturer's website or something? The claimed breaking strain is over one tonne above a similar 16mm double braid from Donnaghy's Ropes, so I need convincing that this is ok and not just something some Chinese manufacturer made up to make it sound good without any actual testing or meeting of standards.
"wholesaleautoandmarine": We don't need to convince you, sounds like you're a doubting thomas. The product isn't for you
So what do you think, Dodgy or Not Dodgy? I'm calling Dodgy!
Select to expand quote2bish said..
I thought I'd start a new thread to highlight dodgy online sellers of boat parts, and to have a laugh. It can be a bit of a reference for us too I guess. If you're thinking of purchasing online, you can do a quick check here. So I'll post a link to my latest one and you can vote - Dodgy or Not Dodgy
Just to give you some context. I'm setting up one of those Burke Seabrake drogues. For my particular model and boat size, they recommend 16mm double braid poly. I'm looking at purchasing 100 meters so I can set it up as a bridle with two 50 meter legs (to angle or steer the boat if needed).
So I'm searching around for low-cost/ but decent quality line, to try to keep the costs down. Sydney Rope Supplies (SRS) seemed to have the cheapest deal for a Donaghy's product ($389). Unfortunately, Donaghy's 16mm double braid weight is a bit over what Aus Post will handle so SRS offered alternative freight with a company called e-go. I looked up some reviews and there were a lot of unhappy punters who have used this service.
So feeling a bit nervous about that, I started looking at other options. Ebay came up with plenty of options of course. The one I want to highlight is a seller called "wholesaleautoandmarine" who had 100 meters x 16mm double braid for $265 delivered: www.ebay.com.au/itm/184521341473?ul_noapp=true
There's a screenshot of the description page at the bottom of the post.
Here's a transcript of the conversation on ebay messaging:
Me: Hi, I'm interested in a 100 meter roll of this 16mm rope. You specify that its maximum strength is 7150 kg. Can you clarify what you mean by maximum strength please? is that breaking strength? Can you also give send me any paperwork on the testing and verification that you mention?
"wholesaleautoandmarine": Hi that's breaking strength + or - 5% as a average of test performed in past. We don't have any public reports just what the manufacturer has advised us on our invoices
Me: Where's it manufactured?
"wholesaleautoandmarine": Australia with overseas made fibres
Me: Thanks, but can you give me some more specific information, please. I'm trying to assess and trust that it's manufactured to a reliable standard. Can you send me a link to the manufacturer's website or something? The claimed breaking strain is over one tonne above a similar 16mm double braid from Donnaghy's Ropes, so I need convincing that this is ok and not just something some Chinese manufacturer made up to make it sound good without any actual testing or meeting of standards.
"wholesaleautoandmarine": We don't need to convince you, sounds like you're a doubting thomas. The product isn't for you
So what do you think, Dodgy or Not Dodgy? I'm calling Dodgy!
Good work.
Actually he sounds fairly honest and his last line is probably similar to what I would have said.
Select to expand quoteRamona said..
Actually he sounds fairly honest and his last line is probably similar to what I would have said.
+1.
When you start a race to the bottom with regard to cost, what do you expect?
The product may well be what they claim - but with cheap internet marketing & globalisation, you pays your money & takes your chances.
I agree that the vendor is unable to give you the assurances you need for that price. It may well be a case of you get what you paid for.
But then again, perhaps it is a reputable low cost reliable product.
Good luck! 
Select to expand quoteRamona said..
Actually he sounds fairly honest and his last line is probably similar to what I would have said.
Any seller who can't be assed to back his product is either lazy, hiding something, or both. Either way I walk away. I guess you set a lower bar than I do.
However, this guy is willing to back his product (for the same price) and produced certification (in the pics) from an Aus testing facility: www.ebay.com.au/itm/254276112907?hash=item3b3409920b:g:1u8AAOSwDipdErop
He's smart and got the sale.
