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Short supply of some boats may leave some buyers high and dry this summer

'They're having a hard time with manufacturing, trying to find employees to build them. The production lines, most of it is getting backed up with lots of orders and not much production. People need to buy early ' Gord Hincks Hunter's Bay and Marine

The sudden change to spring-like weather brought a steady stream of people interested in becoming first-time buyers and those looking to upgrade, to the 11th Annual Boat and RV Show at the West Ferris Arena over the weekend.

Hunter's Bay and Marine showcased the latest Legend and Mercury boats and motors and accessories.

Local company owner Gord Hincks is advising people not to wait too long if they're serious about buying.

"There's a fairly short supply on boats, so people do need to buy early. I have models that are already sold out for the year, so now that the spring weather is here, we want to make sure people don't miss out on getting a boat for the season," said Hincks.

"They're having a hard time with manufacturing, trying to find employees to build them. The production lines, most of them are getting backed up with lots of orders and not as much production as they'd like. It's running at about 75% capacity. They're a Canadian only boat, but they're actually manufactured in Indiana where almost all boats and travel trailers are made. Indiana right now is at a negative number for their unemployment rate, that's how much work there is there."     

Hincks says he has noticed an increase in the number of people choosing to enjoy vacations closer to home. 

"You can get into boating for as little as $10,000 or the sky is the limit. It's a matter of what you want to do, how big the family is and how big a body of water you're actually looking to get out on," said Hincks.

"We're selling a little bit of everything, from your most basic fishing boat to deluxe pontoon boats. Everybody is looking to fish or get out on the water. It's hard to get out on the water and not have a good time and make some memories."

Organizers are pleased with the turnout for the show. The number of first-time boat owners and those looking to upgrade is pretty evenly split. 

Shawn Fougere is planning to purchase a boat this spring, but he's found Internet searches and private sales confusing. He attended the show to take a closer look at the boats in person, and talk to the experts. He says he found it very helpful in narrowing down his choices.  

"I've found three that I like. One is probably a wife acceptable price and the other ones are more my acceptable price, so we've got to find a balance. We're going to talk later, but I've definitely found what I'm looking for, " laughed Fougere.

Bill Thomas focused on the selection of trailers offered by Delormes RV.

"They've got a good variety of trailers. The one we like is a little bit smaller but they've got some pretty extravagant machines here," said Thomas.

Corinne Bidgood and her husband have a big decision of their own to make.

"We just wanted to check out the trailers to decide whether we wanted to go the cottage route or the trailer route. With a trailer you don't have to do any work, just park it and enjoy. Just because of our age, I don't think we want to do repairs on a cottage, so this is kind of what we're leaning toward. A cottage sounds nice but you can take a camper and bring it anywhere," said Bidgood.  

The show, which wrapped up Sunday afternoon, attracted people from across the northeast.