Profile
Budget Marine was started in 1982 in St. Maarten and has since become the leading retailer and wholesaler of pleasure boat marine equipment in the Caribbean; experiencing sales in excess of 22 Million Dollars per year. The Group's 10 locations situtated in Antigua, Bonaire, Curacao, Grenada, St. Maarten, St. Martin, St. Thomas and Trinidad are comprised of 9 Chandleries, a Marine Lifestyle Boutique, and a Rigging Specialist.
Headquarters facility in Cole Bay, St. Maarten serves as administrative center, warehouse and wholesale/retail outlet. Also located in St. Maarten is our marine lifestyle boutique, Budget Nautique, and French-customer oriented L'ile Marine, near Marigot.
In Antigua Budget Marine is located in the Jolly Harbor Marina boatyard. The Trinidad store, second largest in the Group, is situated in the heart of the busy Chaguaramas yachting area and right next to this chandlery Budget Marine also operates a full service Rigging Shop. In St Thomas we are located within the Independent Boatyard on the East End. In Grenada Budget Marine is located in the Spice Island Marina Services boatyard on the True Blue side of beautiful Prickly Bay. In Bonaire Budget Marine is located in the center of Kralendijk adjacent to the NAPA outlet and Budget Marine Curacao can be found on Caracasbaaiweg, between town and the main watersports area of Spanish Water.
The market area targeted by Budget Marine includes the entire Eastern Caribbean Island chain from Puerto Rico in the north to Trinidad in the south. The marine leisure market is particularly strong with ocean-going sailing yachts, although the number of motor yachts has grown over the last few years. The area is well known for its charter boat industry and the majority of both private boat owners and large charter boat companies are important customers.
An extensive, over 400 page color catalogue, packed with technical information is maintained in printed book form, digital format (CD-Rom) and on-line and used to promote mail-order business for the Group. Export sales are handled mainly from St Maarten and Trinidad. To further promote Budget Marine, advertisements are placed in many popular cruising guides, yachting newspapers, directories and magazines. Promotional activities and sponsorships support events such as the Heineken Regatta in St. Maarten, the Great Race from Trinidad to Tobago, the St. Lucia ARC and major Caribbean trade shows such as the Antigua Nicholson's Charter Boat Show. Assistance with environmental projects and a strong focus on youth sail training programs further enhance Budget Marine's presence in the Caribbean.
Budget Marine imports products from countries in over five continents, including the US, Canada, UK, Holland, France, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Venezuela and Taiwan. Company buyers visit major international marine trade shows to ensure the latest in product coverage. The mix of products carried by the company reflects the wide variety of demand created by after-market needs that have been built all over the world. Budget Marine has established a reputation for product variety and quality at competitive pricing, which is the basis for the slogan, "WE STOCK WHAT SAILOR'S WANT".
Budget Marine is a privately held company.
Philosophy
Those who sail and go boating in the Caribbean are looking to enjoy the best boating conditions in the world. Those same people tend to have high demands on their equipment. Budget Marine's mission is to make sure the equipment is available for them to optimize the superb conditions.
The boats are from around the world and have highly varied equipment. Budget Marine's challenge is to supply a wide variety of equipment from a very wide range of suppliers, providing as much under one roof as is possible.
The tropical environment is tough on marine equipment. Budget Marine focuses on supplying equipment and supplies that stand up to the onslaught from heat and salt air.
The people range from small boat owners and boating companies to mega yacht owners and major marine business operators. Budget Marine is committed to providing the best service across the spectrum and meeting the particular needs of all in the boating community.
Our employees are the most important key in making this happen. Therefore creating a working environment which achieves effective management of the complex inventory handled, but also provides a pleasant customer service in a convivial environment, is a priority.