Ever since Christopher Columbus stopped in Seville, Spain, to stock up on canvas and hardtack before setting out to conquer the Atlantic, all boat cruises large and small have started with a shopping spree. Hitting a chandlery or bait shop for charts, gear and advice is an essential right of passage, so finding the right place matters.We asked our contributors to name their favorite marine stores, and then narrowed down the field on the basis of staff expertise, location, product quality and contribution to the local boating community. Since we can't be everywhere, please let us know about any special spots we may have missed. Here's where to go to get great tools, toys and tips.

World Wide Sportsman, Islamorada, Fla. Former U.S. presidents, celebrities and record holders beam alongside their catches in photos on the walls here. Part of the Bass Pro Shops family of stores, this two-story attraction sells upscale fishing tackle, resort clothing and nautical-themed gifts. Plus, a full-service marina, a giant aquarium, a marine art gallery, a library and a replica of Ernest Hemingway's 38- foot Wheeler Pilar are located on site. Although based on our own visit to the real deal in Cuba, there are a fair amount of differences. Be sure to hit the Zane Grey Lounge before leaving; a tall drink is sure to cure any buyer's remorse you might have.You can even enjoy a fantastic sunset on the western-facing balcony if you come at the right time. (www.basspro.com)

The Chain Gang

West Marine. This retail chain's 345 stores feature carefully selected equipment from top brands, as well as West Marine's own gear, more than 50,000 products in total. (www.westmarine.com)

Boats/US. The Boat Owners Association of The United States operates 62 nationwide stores and offers discounted merchandise from cordage to seat covers to clothing to its members. (www.boatus.com)

Gander Mountain. Select Gander Mountain stores around the country sell three Genmar boat lines Stratos, Champion and Seaswirl and offer the rental of rugged Triumph models that can be towed up to 500 miles from the store. (www.gandermountain.com)

Boater's World. Yes, Boater's World has numerous land-based shops, but its Internet site gets special mention as the Amazon.com of marine Web pages. Anything you want, you got it or as much as 60 percent off retail. (www.boatersworld.com)

Wolf's Marine, Benton Harbor, Mich. "The Midwest's largest marine accessory store" encompasses more than 50,000 square feet in Southwest Michigan near the Lake Michigan shoreline and offers top-name brands in fishing boats, sailboats and equipment, electronics, accessories and even tough-to-find replacement parts. Residing under the same roof,Wolf's Divers' Supply is one of the oldest SCUBA diving stores in the country, having been in business since 1956. If you come by boat, call the store, and the staff will be happy to provide transportation right to the front door. (www.wolfsmarine.com)

Preston's, Greenport, N.Y. This celebrated North Fork chandlery has been a fixture in the Long Island Sound marine community since 1880, serving whalers, merchants and shipbuilders alike. Today, the seaside "shack" vends everything from brassware and scrimshaw to varnish and foul-weather gear. Its Ship & Sea Gallery displays hundreds of nautical prints and a museum-caliber collection of figureheads from East Indian and South Seas trading ships. Just across the street, Claudio's restaurant and bar, which is still run by the same family that opened it in 1870, also operates a marina. What could be better than a little shopping and a hot toddy at Claudio's. (www.prestons.com)

Fawcett Boat Supply, Annapolis, Md. Anchored on The City Dock in the heart of downtown Annapolis, this favorite of Chesapeake Bay boaters has been dishing out sound advice and serious yachting equipment since 1948. The Chandlery Dock, located directly behind the store, offers a free stay while you shop for ground tackle, paints and finishes, safetyrelated items and much more. It's a popular stopover for snowbirds heading south, looking to stock up on just one more item. Opening a Frequent Customer Account can save you up to 50 percent on an extensive selection of quality products. Fawcett Frequent Customers also receive invitations to special events such as sales and seminars. (www.fawcettboat.com)

Sailorman, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Dubbed "the world's largest and most unique marine emporium," Sailorman is a South Florida institution. Its staff has a collective 300-plus years of boating experience, and its 10,000-square-foot sales floor has just about any spare part you could need, new, surplus, scratch and dent, used, consignment and hard to obtain items. The collection of anchors alone is a mind bender. If you don't find what you want in stock, chances are an employee can track it down for you. Sailorman also offers the Offshore Chandlery Service, whereby members can have parts sent to them whenever and wherever they may be cruising simply by placing a phone call or writing an e-mail. (www.sailorman.com)

Great Lakes Skipper, Milwaukee, Wis. For more than 35 years, this "marine liquidator" has served the Great Lakes and upper Midwest with one of the most wide-ranging boating parts inventories in the business. Great Lakes Skipper buys large amounts of manufacturers' closeouts, overstocks and obsolete items, adding up to a staggering 10,000 pieces at any given time. The Milwaukee store itself is not the carnival atmosphere of Worldwide Sportsman, but the prices are rock-bottom low, especially if you buy in volume. It also sells its wares online and through a comprehensive boating parts catalog. (www.greatlakesskipper.com)

Armchair Sailor Books & Charts, New-port, R.I. Sister-store to Ft. Lauderdale's Bluewater Books & Charts which by all rights deserves a place on this list as well Armchair Sailor Books & Charts has more than 35,000 items in stock for the safety-minded captain. The downtown Newport emporium has a deep selection of plotting tools, electronic charts and software, navigation instruments, barometers, binoculars, books and even a complete inventory of worldwide flags for any port you decide to visit.(www.bluewaterweb.com)

Saltwater Angler, Key West, Fla. Located at the Hilton Resort & Marina on Front Street, this 12-year-old Conch Republic landmark specializes in saltwater fly-fishing gear and also has an extensive inventory of tropical clothing and fine artwork in its 4,000- square-foot showroom. Saltwater Angler provides rod and reel rentals for vacationing sportsmen and can set you up with a first-rate guide to put you on the bite. It also acts as an unofficial waypoint for local fishing reports yearround. (saltwaterangler.com)

Landfall Navigation, Stamford, Conn. As the name implies, this store is all about navigation. Our editor has frequented the store since it was in Greenwich, Connecticut, purchasing charts and guides everywhere from Nova Scotia, to Cuba, to the Grenadines. The staff is very helpful and is eager to help you map out any trip from a quick hop to the Keys to a Caribbean adventure. The library like atmosphere makes diving into the planning of a long voyage a fun experience. The store has a wide variety of paper and electronic charts, available at reasonable prices. It's worth calling them if you're updating your electronic chart inventory. Besides charts the store carries a variety of safety items and gear. (www.landfallnavigation.com)