Boats for Sale in South Carolina

Titles for boats and motors

South Carolina titles both the boat and the outboard motor. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) says all watercraft must be registered and titled, except documented vessels, windsurfers and human-powered craft. Outboard motors under 5 hp don't need a title. It's illegal to sell or buy a boat without a valid title issued in the seller's name.

Title and registration happen at SCDNR's full-service offices in West Columbia, Charleston and Aynor, using the Watercraft/Outboard Motor Titling and Registration Application. Boat trailers aren't titled unless they weigh 2,500 pounds or more empty.

Property tax comes first

This is the step that surprises out-of-state buyers. If you buy a boat or motor that's already titled and registered in South Carolina, you must pay property tax to your county of residence before SCDNR will transfer it. Bring the paid tax receipt with the application, titles and bill of sale. New boats, and boats from out of state, are billed by the county after titling.

Since January 1, 2020, registrations renew every year, and the $10 renewal fee is included with the property tax notice. For a newly titled boat, the renewal month matches the month you bought it.

Using the boat right away

The application includes a temporary certificate of number. With it and a copy of the bill of sale or titles, you can run the boat for up to 60 days from purchase. Other states may not accept it.

Report an address change within 30 days.

Boater education

Since August 18, 2023, anyone born after July 1, 2007 must pass an approved boater education course before operating a boat, PWC or specialty propcraft with 10 hp or more. Those boaters can rent with a valid rental safety certificate. SCDNR offers a six-hour classroom course and accepts NASBLA-approved online courses.

Where to boat

Lake Murray near Columbia, Lakes Marion and Moultrie (the Santee Cooper lakes), Lake Hartwell on the Georgia line and Lake Keowee in the Upstate are the big freshwater draws. On the coast, the Intracoastal Waterway links Little River, Georgetown, Charleston, Beaufort and Hilton Head. Expect strong tidal currents, oyster beds and shoals in the creeks.

Popular boats

Bay boats and flats boats for redfish, center consoles for offshore, pontoons and wake boats on the lakes, and bass boats on Santee Cooper.

Buying tips for South Carolina

Ask for both the boat title and the motor title, in the seller's name. Budget for county property tax before transfer. If there's a lien, get a notarized lien satisfaction.

In South Carolina, ask the seller to show the property tax receipt before you sign, since SCDNR won't transfer until your county is paid. Check that the title is in the seller's name and that the outboard has its own title if it's 5 hp or more. Lowcountry boats should be checked for salt wear on the trailer and fittings.