Island Coast Trading Company provides boater services, products
Captain Claude Whatley first came to Pine Island in 1972 for a Bokeelia fishing trip with his dad. He liked it so much that, 12 years ago, he became an island resident.
After years of making the commute to Fort Myers Beach, where he operated Suncoast Inflatables, Captain Whatley decided there was a need for a company to provide boater services and merchandise right here in Matlacha and thus Island Coast Trading Company was founded.
A West Marine outlet, Island Coast Trading Company stocks the common boater supplies such as batteries, fuel lines, oil, rope, hardware, etc. but all West Marine products can be ordered for next day delivery at no additional charge.
“Our supplies are priced at island levels. For instance, West Marine’s retail price on this gallon of oil is $25.95,” Captain Whatley said. “We sell it for $19.95 and we honor all West Marine special offers. Just bring in the flyer.”
Island Coast also offers sales of inflatable boats from 7 feet to 30 feet including AB, Achilles, Avon, Walker Bay, Zodiac and Nautica and is a designated warranty repair and service center for all brands of inflatables.
When Captain Whatley informed his wife, jewelry crafter Suzie of his idea to open the business, she suggested they devote some of the space to showcasing island arts and crafts.
“The tikis are done locally by Tom Tiki, come in all sizes and colors and are one of our more popular items,” Captain Whatley said. “We also have gourd bird houses and exceptional shell crafts done by Susan Carpenter and a nice selection of decorative items. And, of course, my wife’s jewelry! We are anxious to add to our inventory of local art and crafts and we invite all the creative people we have on our island to contact us.”
Visitors to the store will find more than merchandise and supplies, however.
“We like to share the charm of Matlacha and Pine Island, along with the rich history, with the many visitors that come to us from all over the world,” Captain Whatley explained. “They go home loving this special area as much as we do.”