Boating in Charleston, South Carolinas waters, is ideal because of all of the areas that can be explored. Escape to private beaches, cruise up the Cooper River and into Lake Moultrie, get a close-up view of Fort Sumter,  see the cities skyline at night, or head to lunch or dinner on Shem Creek. If you’re in the market for a new or used boat in the Charleston area, what are the three best boat dealerships?

Why is it important to select a reputable boat dealership?

One of the biggest concerns of people in the market for a new or used boat is whether the dealers stand behind the product they sold after the check is cleared. This is also the case for boat dealerships selling used crafts that come with a warranty. 

Boats are a large investment, and as an owner, we expect manufacturer defects or other issues beyond just mechanical to be repaired under warranty in a timely fashion. Once the warranty has expired, a dependable dealership service center will keep you coming back because they are honest and trustworthy to do the job right. 

How do you find a boat dealer in your area?

The option is always available to purchase a boat from a private seller if you’re shopping for used crafts. However, it is hard to determine how well it has been maintained except for records. Boat dealerships that sell new and used vessels will perform a thorough inspection of a pre-owned craft and often offer a warranty.  Depending on if you’re looking for new or used, search boat sales near me or used boat dealers near me on the internet. An even better resource is asking someone who recently purchased a vessel from a dealership how the experience was. 

What are the three best boat dealerships in the Charleston area?

If you have decided to shop for a new or used boat, consider any of these three boat dealerships in Charleston, South Carolina.

Longshore Boats

One of the longest-standing boat dealers in the area is Longshore Boats. They have been in business since 1996. 

When it comes to selection, Longshore Boats carries Edgewater, Chaparral, and Robalo crafts. Stop in the large showroom to see and walk about the boats they have available. 

Beyond purchasing a new or used boat, Longshore Boats sells Mercury outboards, Yamaha outboards, MerCruiser, and Volvo Penta engines. They are happy to pick up your boat for service or trailer it back to the dealership. The technicians are factory trained to service Yamaha and Mercury motors. 

Palmetto Boat Sales

Established in 2012, Palmetto Boat Sales has a solid reputation in the Charleston area. In addition to being family-owned and operated, they also offer financing for new and used boat purchases. 

Palmetto Boats has a vast selection of boat makes to choose from. These include Hewes, Sea Fox, Pathfinder, Regulator, Cobia, Invincible and Maverick boats. They are very highly focused on center consoles and fishing boat options. 

Once a new boat is purchased from Palmetto Boat Sales, they are authorized to provide warranty work on Hewes, Pathfinder, Maverick, Cobia, Sea Fox, and Regulator boats. Palmetto Boat Sales will come to you. They now offer mobile service. 

Hanckel Marine

Hanckel Marine was established in October of 2000, so they have been in business for a long time. They offer new and used boats ranging between seventeen and thirty-eight feet.  

They distribute some of the most highly sought-after makes, which include Sportsman, Monterey, and Blackfin. In addition to new boats, they also sell used as well. Check out the selection of dual console, center console, flats, ski, and deck boats in stock.  

When it comes to service, they don’t lack in parts availability and certifications. Hanckel Marine is recognized nationwide as being Yamaha Five Star Certified in parts and service. 

Which is the best boat dealership near Charleston, South Carolina?

If you’re in the market for a boat in the Charleston, South Carolina area, Palmetto Boats is our top pick. They sell the best variety of crafts and will finance you right at the dealership. From the day you browse the selection to years of ownership, Palmetto Boats will stand by your side. One slight drawback is that they primarily sell center console boats. They are incredibly versatile, but they may not be the hull type you are looking for. Both Hanckel Marine and Longshore Boats are also topnotch. Stop in them all and see what suits you best.