I order lots of parts and supplies to commision a fleet of sailboats every spring. I encounter many back orders on common items, such as bottom paint. I think much of it is due to the recession and the reluctance of suppliers to carry inventory in a limited market like the marine industry. Many items have a shelf life or would become obsolete if unsold, and would have to be discarded.

Soon, I'll be purchasing thousands of dollars worth of boat stuff, including electronics. I won't be ordering anything until I'm about to install it, figuring that items such as broad band radar, AIS, and chart plotters are getting better and cheaper the longer I wait. I expect back orders.