In some ways, investing is a lot like fishing. With the right lure and a solid cast, you can reel in quite the catch.

For automotive dealer Chris Butler, the perfect cast was in 2001, when he and his brother, Steward, bought Boat Busters in Beaufort and transformed it into Butler Marine.

Though they were boat owners, they had never worked in the boating industry. However, with a sales and service-driven attitude, the opportunity and risk excited them. “We both felt we could learn a new industry,” said Butler.

Not only did they learn the industry, but they mastered it. In 2005, the brothers sold the car dealership. By 2006, an additional Butler Marine location opened in Charleston.

For Butler, money is not the driving factor for his success. He believes it’s the staff around him. “My staff makes me and the dealership successful,” said Butler. “It’s not about the money. It’s about the environment.”

From the start, Butler wanted the dealership to be a consumer-driven environment, which played a role in its design. “My name is on the building and brand because I stand behind my business,” said Butler.

If you walk into the Beaufort location, you will see Butler’s office on the main floor with his door open for staff and customers.

Additionally, Butler willingly gives customers his cell number in case they have questions or need service. “Our goal is to provide the best sales, service, and ownership possible,” said Butler.

Butler Marine offers an array of boats, including those made by SCBFA partners Sportsman, Key West, and Stingray.

The dealer also offers various services and repairs from winterization, to bottom painting, to fiberglass and engine changeouts.

Both locations are home to well-trained Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, and Mercury service specialists.

In 2020, Butler Marine was a founding member of SCBFA, and CEO Chris Butler was named the chairman. “The goal was to bring everyone in the industry together, from the boat builders to boat dealers, to understand that we need a collective voice in Columbia to get things done,” says Butler.

The membership of SCBFA constitutes a $5 billion a year impact on South Carolina’s economy.

Butler hopes to see SCBFA attract more individual members through various grassroots efforts in the future. “We live in a great state, with a great culture and great people, and SCBFA wants to continue that into the future for your children and their children,” said Butler.

Locations and Hours of Operation:

Charleston
3590 Savannah Hwy
Charleston, SC 29455
(843) 576-2233

Beaufort
70 Sea Island Pkwy
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 522-9461

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

If you or your business are interested in joining our efforts in making South Carolina a better place to boat and fish, please email [email protected]