West Marine was founded in 1968 out of a California garage, under the name West Coast Ropes. Forty years later, West Marine has become the largest boating supply retailer in the world, with 375 stores in 38 states and Canada. West Marine was built on the foundation of boat-lovers selling boat supplies to other boat-lovers, with knowledgeable, friendly salespeople who had a passion for the hobby. Today, West Marine carries antifouling paint, cleaners, electronics, safety equipment, foul weather gear, and any other item you could possibly need onboard. Their 1996 merger with E&B Marine, a retailer specializing in small, trailer-pulled powerboats made West Marine a universal shopping destination for all boating supplies, carrying more than 50,000 products.