The Sailing Counter Culture at Jackson’s Hardware
On the way home from meeting the magazine delivery drivers early on Tuesday morning, we stopped at Jackson’s Hardware in San Rafael to ask for some help at the counter. Mark Thompson stepped right up, and soon enough we were talking sailboats. It turns out Mark owns a 42-ft 1974 ferrocement Samson Seabreeze named Thelma Carol, and docks her at San Rafael Yacht Harbor. He was super-appreciative of the personal delivery and for our monthly coverage of the sailing scene and, of course, we’re very appreciative of readers like Mark who have helped us along the way toward our 45th anniversary, coming up in April.
Luckily, Mark could also help with the issues we’re dealing with on the boat. He helped us find the clearly described ‘thingamajig’ that helps you try to unscrew difficult-to-access fasteners. We also picked up some Flitz polish, which we’re hoping will help us clear up the sun-clouded plexiglass in our hatches and portholes. What have you used to buff out hazy plexiglass hatches and portholes?
It’s the kind of experience you’d never have while shopping on Amazon. The “counter culture” at Jackson’s Hardware is one of strong customer service, and it was an added bonus to find a fellow sailor and Latitude 38 reader behind the counter to help.
If you find an offset screwdriver useful, not uncommon on boats, you might want to also consider an “offset ratcheting screwdriver.” I’ve found ones that can get into even tighter spaces and, of course, the ratchet makes the work faster.
The other wonderful place to shop for Marine Hardware – in Richmond for the east bay- is Whale Point Marine. They have quietly been an ACE Hardware, and HUGE marine store for well over 40 years- now run by the original owner’s son.
If you need it, they have it