Defender Marine Warehouse Outlet Store

[amber jj]

Can anyone give us some idea what their retail store may be like? Val and I are taking a drive down next week to see what they have.I will likely pick up a hot water heater and a nav light.Sounds a little nutty to drive 9 or 10 hours when we could just have them delivered.But how else can we see what their store is like,besides Val would to do some other shopping along the way.Anyway,just being a little curious and thought I'd throw out a feeler.

[jleonard]

It's truely a "wharehouse store". They have probably everything in their catalog, most of it out for display. They also have an area of "bargains", mostly obsoleted stuff, but I often find good deals there.
They also have dinghys and engines on display. You can often get a good deal on a display model dinghy (I did 3 years ago).
You can also get some good deals on "oops" cut line, etc.
I could probably give you an aisle by aisle discription of the store as I go there often. Was there 2 weeks ago.
The bathrooms are clean. Bonus!
Enjoy the ride.

[amber jj]

Well after 9 hours 542 miles we drove down the driveway and into the parking lot.My eyes bugged out my head when I seen the size of the building.I sure was not disappointed when entering the door.It was everything Jay said it was.The staff were very helpfull,but not in your face.It was nice just to browse around for a hour and a half or so without having any pressure to buy.It was great to pick up the items We asked for without hearing sorry we don't that item in stock now but we will be able to have here next week.
We left got a hotel room in NewLondon,had a nap then a steak dinner at the Outback and back for a rest.Today we will start on are way back home taking the leisurely route,sight seeing and shopping along the way.

[jleonard]

I am glad you enjoyed the experience. Hopefully the car is full of "goodies".

[Veebyes2]

Stopped by there a few times. Once with my 36' 5th wheel RV in tow. Love the place. A bit of West Marine meets old time marine store. Slightly messy. Somewhat dusty but they have all kinds of stuff that you did not know you needed.

[Denis]

The only thing I can add is that instead of having dinner at Outback, (very good but), you could have dined at Daniel Packer Inn or Azu or any number of other local wonderful places to eat. Then you would have completely enjoyed some of the local treasures that are unique to this area and seen Mystic to boot. Well, next time. Denis

[amber jj]

I,m sure sometime we will be back.We thoroughly enjoyed the trip, but I made it quite a whirlwind tour.It was rush hour then and when I saw a place to sleep and eat within walking distance we just pulled in.Next time we will do some research.Denis thanks for the recommendations.Bob and Val