While it is no secret that I am not a big fan of consumer yachting or spending more than needful for boat stuff, even I find myself spending money for stuff from time to time... albeit kicking and screaming!
There are ways to make the buying thing less painful to the pocketbook, such as is simply asking for a discount or being part of a group that has negotiated a discount (the SSCA or the Unite Amateur spring to mind). Bulk buying as a group is an exercise in power that is far and above simply asking for a discount.
For instance, some folks over at The Keel are looking to get a group of people together to do a group purchase of Portland Pudgy dinghies/life-boats which is a very smart approach, though it has been my experience that getting a group of boaters together to buy something together is akin to wrangling a herd of unhappy cats. That said, if you are interested in getting a Portland Pudgy I'd check them out and get with the program...
A downside of our discount/eBay society is, more often than not, prices are inflated just to be able to discount them and still make a full of inflated profit. That being the case, it is important to actually establish what something is actually worth before you get into buying mode. Knowing the worth or value of an item is the best tool in your quiver.
