A very good point, an anti-solution to climate change, and the stupid, it burns…
The most obvious way to save money on boat stuff is only buying shit that you actually need. Sure, it’s obvious and everyone knows that it’s true, so I won’t insult you and explain it further.
Sadly, in our consumerist society, most folk don’t understand the difference between the words need and want. Nor do the-powers-that-be want you to either. Run all of your possible purchases through a need/want process and you’ll go a long way to get control of your budget.
Lastly, jettison the absurd notion that “Best=Most expensive”. Seriously, if you think that throwing on a high price tag improves a products function, I have an iron tower in Paris I’d be happy to sell you. In truth, the product that works and fulfills your needs at a price you can afford is going to be best. That said, critical thinking where buying shit is concerned is something of a steep curve but we’ll talk about that later.
The downside for some, might be it doesn’t have the bragging rights of telling folks you spent stupid money for something.
“Ooh, I just spent $150 for a designer copy of a $4.00 Fruit of the Loom T-Shirt“