If you know anything about South Carolina, McClellanville is typically not the first place in mind when looking to buy a boat. 

However, Richard Powers took a gamble 20 years ago when he and a business broker came upon “a diamond in the rough.”

Since 2002, Richard and Shelley Powers, along with their devoted team at Cape Romain Marine, have served boaters in the low country and across the state with a family-oriented environment and customer-focused service.

“There are two different types of dealers,” said Powers. “There’s a sales-driven dealership and a service-driven dealership. For me, I think service is the most important thing. If you don’t have the service, you can’t get the sales.”

Though his business mentality is service-driven, it is faith-rooted. When you walk into Cape Romain, there is a sign which reads, “the language you use in church is the language you use here.” For Powers, it dates to the lesson his father taught him and the verse that drives his life, John 15:13, “greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

The team at Cape Romain strives to “create enjoyment and more rewarding quality of life through boating.”

Cape Romain offers a wide variety of boats from trusted manufacturers, including SCBFA manufacturers Tidewater and Yamaha.

In addition to boat sales, the dealership offers various services, whether repairs or enhancements on the boats. These services range from welding to bottom painting to electronic upgrades to repowering.

Powers believes what sets Cape Romain apart is that the dealership is not a corporation.

“Larger dealerships lose that personal touch with customers,” said Powers. “We don’t just sell you a boat. We do one-on-one training with customers, whether on the water or at their home.”

SCBFA’s advocacy efforts, specifically those regarding titles and taxes, are what inspired Cape Romain to become an SCBFA Certified Dealer.

“I like having an advocate on our side that understands how reasonable boaters and anglers feel about the industry, and that’s what this association is all about,” said Powers.

He hopes the state will “make it easier for the average boater or angler to enjoy this special place we call home.”

Powers encourages all South Carolinians to consider buying a boat. He believes boating “opens so much more of our state waters and gives you and your family opportunities to make memories.”

Locations and Hours of Operation:

10129 US-17, McClellanville, SC 29458
(843) 791 – 1770

Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 12 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]