Supply chain issues impacting Naples Boat Show

The Naples Boat Show is in full swing on Friday, with exhibits on land and in water, marinas and boat dealers showing off their wares. But ongoing supply chain issues and the lingering pandemic are having an impact on the proceedings.

If you plan on coming out to the show, admission is $12 for adults, while children 12 and under are free. The show will start at 10 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. from Friday until Sunday.

Be prepared to see more than 100 exhibitors from all over the world. Flatboats, bay boats, center console, cabin cruisers, yachts, all will be out here. Tiffany Sawyer-Schank, executive director of the Marine Industries Association of Collier County, said they typically see around 5,000 people come out to the Naples Airport for the event over the course of the show’s four days.

“We have free parking here, free shuttle transportation to the city dock,” Sawyer-Schank said. “It’s $12 at either location. Enjoy a free shuttle, enjoy free parking at the Naples Airport… we have small boats, we have marine accessories here, we have home products, we have food trucks, we have all kinds of stuff, all kinds of vendors, so come on out and enjoy the show.”

Like everything else, the pandemic has impacted the boating industry, especially when it comes to inventory. One exhibitor who will be at the boat show says the pandemic hasn’t just limited inventory, it’s also increased the prices of parts.

“Well, you know, all of the supplies that they use are coming from different parts of the world, and shipping costs have gone up, fuel costs have gone up, the supply and demand is up,” said Jarrod Bishop, sales manager for the Bonita Boat Center. “I mean, inventory levels are low.”

Nevertheless, Bishop says the boating industry is still going strong and customers have been understanding when it comes to potential delays with getting their boats.