Author: scbfaadmin

With nearly 70 years of experience, innovation, and expertise, the Columbia-based company, Wesco Trailers, has joined the South Carolina Boating & Fishing Alliance to support one of the state’s top economic forces and the lifeline of the marine trailers industry, boating and fishing.

Since 1954, Wesco has strived to build quality trailers that will last while also providing support to the customers it serves. The company produces an average of 3,000 – 4,000 custom-built aluminum trailers per year.

Through the years, Wesco has worked with well over 100 different brands, including SCBFA members Avenger, Bulls Bay, Key West, Pioneer, Scout, Sea Fox, Sea Hunt, Sea Pro, Sportsman, Stingray, and Tidewater. Wesco currently partners with dealers and manufacturers in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

“Our goal is to build a strong quality product that customers can rely on,” said Wesco Sales Manager Jeremy Hudson. “Behind the product is a company that supports them.”

Compared to competitors and other companies in the industry, Hudson believes the team at Wesco sets the company apart.

“What makes us different is how we serve our customers,” said Hudson. “Whether it be standard communication, tracking your order, or listening to dealers and going to the drawing board to develop a product they are proud to sell.”

Over the last few years, as Wesco continued to serve dealers around the state, Hudson realized how impactful the boating and fishing industry has been and the lack of representation it has had, which led the company to become an SCBFA partner.

“We work with many of these boat manufacturers and dealers that are already a part of SCBFA, and we want to make our contributions to the industry, whether financially or through involvement,” said Hudson. “We want to be part of the group fighting for boating and fishing rights in this state.”

Hudson and the team at Wesco hope to see other companies, as well as everyday boat owners and anglers around the state, join the efforts to strengthen the industry’s voice.

“We have a huge presence here,” said Hudson. “Our voice can be very loud in this state.” 

The South Carolina Boating & Fishing Alliance welcomes Phenom Yachts, a premium center console brand that will bring 149 new jobs to Dorchester County, a $12 million investment.  

Phenom, a factory-direct brand, will specialize in high-performing, center console yachts that will enhance the boating and fishing experience for anglers and families. The goal is to develop superior hulls with space to ensure a safe and enjoyable time on the water.

“Now more than ever, families are looking for a boat that combines both luxury and performance with what they love to do on the water,” said Phenom Yachts CEO and President Tommy Hancock. “This need in the boating industry turned into a vision, which became Phenom Yachts. We set out to design a center console like nothing else that has ever been created matched to an elevated customer journey experience.”

The brand debuted its first model, the Phenom 37 Center Console, at the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Phenom plans to introduce its second model, the Phenom 34 Center Console, at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2023.

“Tommy Hancock and his team have always been leaders in this industry not only at the state level but at the national and global level, as well,” said SCBFA CEO Gettys Brannon. “Phenom Yachts is another example of the quality of boats built in our state.”

Phenom Yachts and Sportsman Boats Vice President Russ Tomlinson is the Chairman of SCBFA’s Government Relations Committee.

The Summerville operations are set to begin by the first of next year.

If you are interested in joining the Phenom Yachts team, visit phenomyachts.com/careers. 

BY: GETTYS BRANNON 

Since COVID-19 hit, the federal government has insisted that we “follow the science” to protect ourselves. Other parts of the federal bureaucracy, however, make life-altering decisions without the benefit of science.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has proposed a regulation that, if enacted, would have a devastating impact on a major part of South Carolina’s economy, particularly along the coast.

The National Marine Fisheries Service, an arm of NOAA, would restrict speeds for boats between 35 feet and 65 feet to 10 knots (12.5 mph) for almost six months every year during prime boating and fishing season. The speed limit would extend as far as 60 miles into the Atlantic covering the entire Eastern Seaboard.

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The South Carolina Boating & Fishing Alliance submitted formal comments last week to the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) asking the agencies to pause the proposed speed restriction due to the lack of industry input, scientific rationale, and the disregard of constitutional, administrative, and public policy concerns.

The new rule would expand the 10-knot (11.5 mph) speed restriction to vessels 35 feet and greater, expand the speed restriction zones, and extend the time the regulations are in effect to roughly six months (Nov. 1 – April 15). This is all to protect the North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) population. The problem: Despite repeated requests by the S.C. Boating and Fishing Alliance, NMFS has been unable to identify a single instance of a 35-foot to 65-foot boat striking a right whale off the South Carolina coast.

With public input and industry insight, the SCBFA Ownership Group, Chairman Chris Butler, and CEO Gettys Brannon sent a letter to NOAA expressing the industry’s concerns. The proposed rule puts the boating and fishing industry, a crucial economic source for states along the east coast, at risk. Read Entire Letter

Here are some key points from the letter:

No Authority

• NOAA lacks the authority to enforce the proposed rule. 

• The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled countless times that federal agencies only have regulatory authority granted to them by Congress.

• Enforcing this rule would be a vast bureaucratic overreach and utterly unconstitutional.

No Facts

• The proposal is trying to restrict something that has never happened. 

• NMFS has only identified one NAWR vessel strike in South Carolina waters. The incident occurred in 2011. The vessel was over 65 feet long, and its speed is unknown. 

• NMFS has yet to identify one incident involving a vessel 35’- 65’ anywhere in the offshore waters from Georgia to New Jersey. 

Hiding Information

• The proposed regulation has yet to appear on the rulemaking docket or the agency’s website. 

• NOAA and NMFS failed to make the most basic information about the proposed regulation available to the public during the August public meetings and again in September after receiving a letter from SCBFA requesting an extension of the public comment period. 

• NMFS representatives acknowledged the lack of information in materials available for public review. 

By: Matthew Goins

South Carolina Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott joined their colleagues from North Carolina and Florida in a joint letter to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Richard Spinrad in opposition to the proposed North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) Vessel Strike Reduction Rule.

In July, NOAA proposed a rule change to seasonal speed restrictions, which is roughly 12 mph or less. Currently, the rule only applies to vessels that are 65 feet or longer. However, the new proposal would expand the regulation to all vessels at least 35 feet in length.

“Such a costly, sweeping proposal is excessive, and NOAA must find a better way to achieve its conservation goal,” Graham, Scott, and the other senators wrote in the letter.

The economic risk of the regulation is a crucial concern for the senators whose state economy relies heavily on coastal commerce.

According to the letter, offshore recreational fishing trips that would be affected by the regulation produce an estimated $15 million per year. The proposed regulation would drastically shorten the trips or cancel them all together, leaving a heavy economic loss.

“This proposal would cause significant harm to the charter and recreational boaters and fishermen, marinas, boat builders, and related industries that are the economic backbone of many of our states’ coastal communities,” the senators added.

With NOAA on the verge of enacting the regulation, SCBFA and other organizations across the country are urging the boating and fishing community to submit public comments.

“NOAA needs to hear from everyone impacted by this proposal,” said Clay Crabtree Director of Federal Government Relations for the National Marine Manufacturers Association. “It is critical NOAA incorporate key stakeholder feedback and data since the proposed rule severely underestimates the impacts to the recreational fishing and boating industry. We appreciate the leadership of Senator Graham, Senator Scott, and their colleagues in bringing this to light.”

Comments can be submitted through the industry’s grassroots platform, Boating United. The deadline to submit public comments is Monday, October 31, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

The South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance once again will showcase South Carolina-made boats and fishing tackle at Gamecock Village when South Carolina takes on the Texas A&M Aggies October 22. SCBFA is the title sponsor of the game.

Boats up to 40 feet long and fishing tackle made by South Carolina-based companies will be on display before and after the game, showcasing companies that contribute $5 billion a year to South Carolina’s economy and support 23,000 jobs.

The SCBFA first made its first appearance at last year’s game against Kentucky. The Gamecock athletics department estimated more than 20,000 fans visited Gamecock Village to see one of the state’s top industries on display.

“Last year’s boating and fishing showcase was one of the most successful Gamecock Village marketing campaigns we’ve ever had. This year’s will be bigger and better, and we’re proud to be associated with the SCBFA,” said Gamecock Athletics Deputy AD/External Operations Eric Nichols. 

Besides iconic boat and fishing tackle brands, there will be activities for fans of every age, courtesy of the S.C. Waterfowl Association and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Tackle companies will have casting contests.

Founded in 2021, SCBFA’s membership includes boat and fishing tackle manufacturers, dealers, retailers, and individual boaters and anglers.

South Carolina per capita is among the national leaders in outdoor recreation, with 725,000 fishing licenses and 500,000 registered boats.

“South Carolinians are passionate about their boating, fishing, and football. Have the opportunity to combine al three passions at the same time on gameday is a real honor for us,” said SCBFA Board Chairman Chris Butler.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — With heavy traffic on waterways this Labor Day weekend, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) will be providing courtesy boat inspections at various public landings across the state. These efforts come with new boating laws being enforced.

If boats are not compliant with state requirements, boaters will not be issued a ticket and will be able to address the issue before hitting the water.

“While SCBFA promotes boating and fishing, safety is always at the forefront,” said SCBFA CEO Gettys Brannon. “From our launch, we have strived to educate South Carolinians on the importance of boater safety and we are fortunate to have the hardworking officers at SCDNR making our waterways safer.”

Inspection locations for September 3 – September 5:

Saturday, September 3:
Darlington Co. — Easterling Landing, Lake Robinson; 10 a.m. until noon
Horry Co. — Johnny Causey; 10 a.m. until noon
Lexington Co. — Lake Murray Dam; 10 a.m. until noon
Pickens Co.– 12 Mile Boat Ramp; 10 a.m. until noon
York Co.– Ebenezer Park, Lake Wylie; 10 a.m. until noon

Sunday, September 4:
Anderson Co. — River Forks Boat Ramp, Lake Hartwell; 10 a.m. until noon
Beaufort Co. — Grays Hill Boat Landing; 10 a.m. until noon
Charleston Co. — Buck Hall Boat Landing; 10 a.m. until noon
Clarendon Co. — Alex Harvin Boat Landing; 10 a.m. until noon
Fairfield Co.– Wateree State Park, Lake Wateree Murray; 10 a.m. until noon

Monday, September 5:
Charleston Co. — Leeds Avenue; 10 a.m. until noon
Darlington Co. — Easterling Landing, Lake Robinson; 10 a.m. until noon
Laurens Co. — River Fork Boat Landing; 10 a.m. until noon
Oconee Co. — South Cove Park, Lake Keowee; 10 a.m. until noon
York Co. — Ebenezer Park, Lake Wylie, 10 a.m. until noon

For any issues or to report a boating issue, the SCDNR 24-hour hotline is 1-800-922-5431.

For more information on boating safety, you can call the SCDNR Boating Safety Office at 1-800-277-4301 or visit: dnr.sc.go 

By: Matthew Goins

If you know Sen. Harvey Peeler (R-Cherokee), then you know his native language is Gaffnese, one filled with culture and common sense. The same holds true for boating and fishing, two of the state’s top industries and favorite pastimes.

Peeler’s love for the outdoors is rooted in his DNA, dating back to the farms his grandfather owned in Cherokee County. As the former dairy farmer and senator has traveled the state, he has discovered that the love for the outdoors is generational and etched in history.

“Boating and fishing affect people on all income scales,” said Peeler. “There’s something about nature and water that draws people to it.”

In his view, common sense and common cause have led the industries’ advancement, especially at the statehouse. “I often urge my colleagues to use their common sense when making decisions,” said Peeler. “I remember the scientific rule, ‘for every action, there is an equal or opposite reaction.’ We must always be cognizant of how our reaction to issues will affect the everyday boat owner and angler.”

During the recent legislative session, both chambers introduced several pieces of legislation to help the two industries advance and make it easier for everyday South Carolinians to get involved.

With the recent increase in traffic and accidents along waterways around the state, Peeler and a group of bipartisan senators introduced S.497, a bill to require boaters to complete a boater safety course before operating various watercraft. Though the bill passed the Senate, the House Judiciary Committee shut it down. In the next session, Peeler hopes to gain more support for the efforts in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle.

Following the passing of Sen. Hugh Leatherman (R-Florence) in November, Peeler put down the gavel as Senate President and seized the state’s checkbook as the new Senate Finance Chairman. Upon his appointment, many questioned how he would lead the budget efforts since his fiscal management approach is unlike Leatherman’s.

A longtime mantra in the statehouse, “you can’t out tax cut Harvey Peeler,” remains after Peeler led the Senate’s tax reform efforts, one that would offer significant relief to taxpayers, including boat manufacturers.

In May, the Senate passed S.1087, which Gov. McMaster signed into law in June. The historic tax reform bill included a property tax cut for certain manufacturers by reducing the rate from 9% to 6%, which equates to $100 million annually.

Peeler believes this and the individual tax rebate will directly benefit the industry and those who work in it. “Working in the boating and fishing industry is the best of both worlds,” said Peeler. “People can work in the industry and have the money to enjoy the luxury of it, as well.”

The tax reform bill also included a sales tax cap on outboard motor purchases. “Watercraft needs to be treated much like an automobile purchase in terms of relief,” said Peeler. “Reform such as this encourages more people to join and enjoy the industry.”

Despite the many legislative accomplishments that have advanced the two industries, Peeler believes the most significant achievement is the awareness raised in Columbia and around the state. Peeler has high praise for his former intern and mentee, SCBFA CEO Gettys Brannon, for leading the efforts. “Gettys and SCBFA have taken these two industries to the tip of the iceberg,” said Peeler. “They remind the people of this state how important these two industries are from an economic and recreational standpoint.”

When reflecting on the impact of the boating and fishing industries in South Carolina, Peeler recalls time with his grandfather and now his grandchildren. He urges South Carolinians to “enjoy the natural resources of this state, but when you leave it, leave it in better conditions than when you found it.”