The United Voice of Boating & Fishing in South Carolina
We bring together manufacturers, dealers, retailers, marinas, tackle companies, boaters, anglers, and outdoor businesses to protect access, grow the industry, strengthen the workforce, and keep South Carolina one of the best places in America to build, sell, service, fish from, and enjoy boats.
We Fish. We Boat.
We Know South Carolina.
Founded in 2021, the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance was built by people who know this industry because we live it.
We are anglers, boaters, outdoorsmen, business owners, and advocates first. One-third of South Carolina is water, and time on the water is part of who we are as a state. But we cannot take it for granted.
From the Statehouse to Washington, SCBFA works to make boat ownership more affordable, protect public access, strengthen the marine workforce, improve the business climate, and make sure the people who build, sell, service, and enjoy boats have a seat at the table.
About the Alliance
One of America's Most Important Boating & Fishing States
South Carolina is not just a great place to boat and fish. It is one of the most important boating and fishing states in the country.
Annual economic impact from recreational boating in South Carolina.
Jobs supported by South Carolina's recreational boating industry.
More than one in five outboard-powered fiberglass boats sold in the U.S. is built in South Carolina.
Six of the top 10 volume boat manufacturers in the world have a presence in South Carolina.
Three of the largest fishing tackle manufacturers in the world operate in South Carolina.
One strong voice bringing this industry together to protect access, support jobs, and keep South Carolina competitive.
Built Here.Known Everywhere.
From boat builders and tackle makers to dealers, marinas, and suppliers, South Carolina grew into a national leader in the marine industry. That did not happen by accident. It was built over decades by entrepreneurs, craftsmen, anglers, and family businesses that chose to grow here.
The Fights That Matter to South Carolina
Four fronts, one alliance. Here's where SCBFA is putting its weight right now.
Delivering Results for South Carolina
SCBFA was created to do more than talk about the importance of boating and fishing. We were created to get results.
Landmark Boat Property Tax Cut
South Carolina boat owners paid the highest boat property tax in America: a 10.5% assessment ratio, up to $2,800 a year, 3 to 7 times neighboring states. SCBFA led the fight to change that, helping advance the 2026 landmark tax cut.
State Control of Snapper-Grouper Fisheries
Gov. McMaster signed S.219, giving South Carolina management authority over all 55 snapper-grouper species in state waters. SCDNR has since filed for a 60+ day state-managed red snapper season starting 2026.
Marine Technology Institute of South Carolina
Supported the creation and launch of the Marine Technology Institute at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, which is already enrolling students in hands-on boat building, rigging, and marine systems.
A Seat at Every Table
From founding chairman Chris Butler's testimony before Congress to the Statehouse, SCBFA represents South Carolina's boating and fishing industry wherever decisions get made.
Find an SCBFA Certified Dealer
SCBFA Certified Dealers are marine dealers committed to professionalism, customer service, industry leadership, and the long-term growth of boating in South Carolina.
Building South Carolina's Marine Workforce
From boat builders to marine technicians, SCBFA works with industry and technical colleges to train the next generation, starting at the Marine Technology Institute of South Carolina at HGTC.
The Latest
Marine Diagnostic Tools Wants to End the Guesswork for Boaters & Marine Technicians
Partnerships · Mar 10, 2026SCBFA Names GOAT BOXCO Official Cooler of South Carolina Boaters and Anglers
Partnerships · Feb 9, 2026West Marine Named Official Marine Retailer of the South Carolina Boating & Fishing Alliance
All SCBFA News →Your Business Needs a Voice.
Decisions made at the Statehouse and in Washington touch nearly every part of this industry. When you join SCBFA, you join a statewide alliance working to protect your business and grow boating and fishing in South Carolina. We are all in this together.
Stay Connected
Get updates on boating and fishing issues, SCBFA news, member benefits, access alerts, workforce efforts, and policy developments affecting South Carolina's marine industry.