Sarah Mankowitz @ FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — Boat Bites is making it easier for boaters to enjoy their day on the water by delivering food and supplies directly to them using jet skis.
Jan Zimerman, a Fort Myers resident, said the service has improved her boating experience.
"We love the concept because I don't like to pack anything. Everything gets soggy," Zimerman said.
Using the Boat Bites app, customers can select items from local restaurants, place their order, and have it delivered without lifting their anchor.
The delivery process involves the restaurant preparing the food, which is then picked up by a jet ski driver equipped with a cooler to keep items warm or cold.
To ensure accuracy, customers provide a pin number upon delivery. The service currently operates within a five-mile radius of Fort Myers Beach, though the range drops to three miles in rough waters to maintain freshness and timely delivery.
John Bonaccorso, founder and CEO of Boat Bites, said the idea stemmed from his own boating experiences.
"I was out on the water so many times with my family, and we ran out of something," Bonaccorso said.
He launched the service in Florida, building a nationwide platform. However, getting started wasn’t easy.
"It took 100 interviews with insurance companies to prove to them that our technology was sound. We hired the best drivers, and we would, be able to track the drivers and how they performed in real time," Bonaccorso said.
The company chose jet skis for their eco-friendly design and safety.
"They put out the least amount of pollution. We didn't want props on our delivery vehicles. That's why I chose jet skis. My youngest stepson got cut on a propeller," Bonaccorso said.
Boat Bites also aims to support local businesses.
"UberEats takes money from restaurants, and they mark things up. We don't mark anything up. We actually pay restaurants like $5 to deliver their food," Bonaccorso said.
Danny Timothy, general manager of Nervous Nellies, said the partnership is beneficial for them.
"I mean, it's extra business. Another stream of income for us. So it's kind of a no-brainer," Timothy said.
Delivery fees vary by season, similar to surge pricing models.
"Our average delivery fee is $50," Bonaccorso said.
Beyond food, Boat Bites delivers a wide range of items, including ice, diapers, and just about anything you could need on the water.
"We've had tanning spray delivered before, ChapStick, whatever it might be," Zimerman said.
The company is now focused on expanding its vendor network.
"You can be a marina. You can be a bait shop, whatever it is, if you have close access to the water, we want you on our team, and we want you to be a vendor," said Trent Whitaker, director of marketing for Boat Bites.