Flea markets are a slice of Americana that offer surprise and the lure of making the ultimate shopping score. A nautical flea market can present bargains that shave huge amounts off the price of retail boating gear, but best of all, people at these events trot out weird offerings that may not be encountered elsewhere.

 

It's not often that you get the chance to buy a shark head replica.

It’s not often that you get the chance to buy a shark head replica.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karen and I headed north to Pompano to check out the annual nautical flea market. The day was sunny, but the wind howled at times near 40mph. Coupled with a high in the low 60s it was chilly by south Florida standards. We weren’t in dire need of anything for our current boat, but the joy of discovering new oddities was irresistible.

Blenders that have real horsepower were available for the serious drink mixologists.

Blenders that have real horsepower were available for serious drink mixologists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While 40-year-old scotch might appeal to some, aged after shave was not selling briskly.

Even with the fact that this aftershave came from endangered trees, the facial aged ointment was a slow seller.

Even with the fact that this aftershave came from endangered trees, the old ointment was a slow seller.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The “Hook ’em Horns” Bar-B-Que pit was a culinary masterpiece.

Who could resist the appeal of cooking beef in a bull.

Who could resist the appeal of cooking beef in a bull?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not likely to win a beautiful boat contest, but this look could deter thieves from taking an interest in your vessel.

From a distance this boat is not going to call to crooks.

From a distance this boat is not going to call to crooks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For our friends in Texas, where “Everything Is Bigger” these bass lures should attract only the largest of lunkers.

Bigger bait equals bigger catch.

Bigger bait equals bigger catch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We didn’t drag home any new treasures, but it was a fun day. My favorite line came from a woman whose husband was holding up several items for her to inspect. Her reply, “You have the same crap in your garage at home!”