South Carolina Senate Advances Bill to Lower Boat Property Taxes

Proposed legislation aims to reduce current 10.5% rate to 6% over time, potentially saving boat owners thousands annually.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The South Carolina Senate has advanced a bill that would significantly lower property taxes on boats in the state, potentially offering substantial savings to boat owners and bolstering the state's marine industry. The measure, which passed a Senate committee unanimously, aims to reduce the current property tax rate from 10.5% to 6%, phased in over a period of years.

Why it matters

South Carolina's boat property tax rate is among the highest in the nation, incentivizing boat owners to register their vessels in other states and costing the state revenue and impacting local businesses. Proponents argue the high taxes disproportionately affect smaller boat owners who cannot easily relocate their vessels.

The details

The proposed tax cut has garnered support from businesses within the marine industry, who say high taxes are a major barrier to sales. In addition to reducing the property tax rate, the bill seeks to eliminate a separate registration fee for outboard motors, further reducing costs for boat owners.

  • The South Carolina Senate committee unanimously advanced the bill.
  • The full Senate is scheduled to vote on the measure next week.
  • Governor Henry McMaster has previously indicated his support for lowering boat taxes.

The players

Gettys Brandon

President and CEO of the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance.

Senator Stephen Goldfinch

A Republican representing Georgetown County.

Brandon Crutchfield

Owner of Marine 360 in Chapin.

Robbie Coates

National sales director for Sea Hunt Boats, a Columbia-based manufacturer.

Governor Henry McMaster

The governor of South Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“This tax rate works for no one. The so‑called wealthy boat owners — you're taxing them out of the state. And the folks with Jon boats, pontoon boats, bass boats, smaller center-console boats — you're taxing them off the water.”

— Gettys Brandon, President and CEO of the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance

“The people who are getting squeezed are the people buying a Jon boat or skiff. Those guys don't have the ability to travel register their boat in Delaware or Montana, hire a lawyer, go to Montana and register it.”

— Senator Stephen Goldfinch, Republican representing Georgetown County

“It's pretty obvious, it comes up every day. People are constantly asking what the impact of property taxes are going to be. That's the number one question.”

— Brandon Crutchfield, Owner of Marine 360 in Chapin

“It's a big barrier for us. We want to keep producing boats. We want to keep people employed in South Carolina. Sometimes property tax will really interfere with the sale.”

— Robbie Coates, National sales director for Sea Hunt Boats

What’s next

The full South Carolina Senate is scheduled to vote on the measure next week.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation to lower South Carolina's boat property tax rate, which is among the highest in the nation, could provide significant savings for boat owners and help bolster the state's marine industry by making it more affordable for residents to own and operate boats.