South Carolina Boating And Fishing Alliance

What South Carolina Boating And Fishing Alliance does

The South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance (SCBFA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association founded in 2021 and headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. It is the first U.S. state-level organization to combine boating and fishing industry advocacy under a single unified voice, representing manufacturers, dealers, retailers, marinas, boaters, and anglers across an industry it sizes at $5-6.5 billion in annual commerce supporting 23,000-27,000 jobs. SCBFA was launched with 40+ founding brands including Sportsman Boats, Sea Hunt, Scout, Stingray, Bentley Pontoons, and Pure Fishing (parent of Abu Garcia, Berkley, PENN, Ugly Stik), and is governed by a board drawn from these manufacturers and dealers, with leadership from CEO Gettys Brannon and Chairman Russ Tomlinson (President of Sportsman Boats & Phenom Yachts).

The organization does not develop proprietary technology products. Its core product is membership, delivered through three revenue streams: business membership dues from marine manufacturers, dealers, and marinas; grassroots individual memberships/donations accepted through the Anedot donation platform; and official partner sponsorships (West Marine as Official Marine Retailer, GOAT BOXCO as Official Cooler, Spinx as Official Fuel Sponsor). Member-facing services include legislative advocacy at the state and federal level, a Certified Dealer locator program, the Boating & Fishing Toolkit, and the Boat Fish Football Weekend at Williams-Brice Stadium. Distribution is anchored by the West Marine nine-storefront SC retail network, a statewide Certified Dealer network, and grassroots outreach via email, social media, and earned media.

SCBFA's go-to-market is community-led and advocacy-driven. The organization has secured material legislative wins: stopping the '30 by 30' initiative, passing the Boater Safety and Education Act (S.96), transferring state-level management of 55 snapper-grouper species via Senate Bill 219, enabling electronic registration, and advancing H.3858 boat property tax reform. The organization partners with the Marine Technology Institute at Horry-Georgetown Technical College for workforce development, coordinates with SCDNR on regulatory issues, and has gained federal-level visibility through a Founding Chairman's Congressional testimony and a board member's appointment to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council.

Name

South Carolina Boating And Fishing Alliance

Legal name

The South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance

Website

https://www.scbfa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association founded in 2021 that unites the state's boating and fishing manufacturers, dealers, retailers, boaters, and anglers under one advocacy voice through legislative representation, workforce development, and certified dealer programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Industry Trade Association

NAICS

Business Associations (81391)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Regional/Continental Confederations & Associations (MPAKAFAD)

Keywords

• Marine industry advocacy
• Boating trade association
• Fishing industry association
• Legislative advocacy services
• Marine workforce development

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Business Membership Dues: Boat manufacturers, fishing tackle manufacturers, boat dealers, marinas, tackle retailers, and other industry businesses pay membership dues to join SCBFA. Founding members include major brands such as boat builders and globally recognized fishing tackle manufacturers.
2. Grassroots Individual Memberships/Donations: Individual boaters and anglers contribute through a donation platform (secure.anedot.com/the-south-carolina-boating-and-fishing-alliance/donate). Members receive benefits including exclusive discount codes from partners like GOAT BOXCO.
3. Official Partner Sponsorships: Companies like West Marine, GOAT BOXCO, and Spinx Company pay to become Official Partners/Sponsors of SCBFA, gaining exclusive designations, member discounts, and marketing exposure through the alliance.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

SCBFA is a 501(c)(6) trade association that provides legislative advocacy, industry promotion, and membership services to South Carolina's boating and fishing industry. It offers Business Memberships for marine manufacturers, dealers, retailers, and marinas, and Grassroots Individual Memberships for boaters and anglers, with benefits including certified dealer programs, workforce development partnerships, partner discounts, and grassroots mobilization on legislative issues.

Product overview

The South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance (SCBFA) is a 501(c)(6) trade association founded in 2021 that represents the state's boating and fishing industry. Rather than offering a unified software product, SCBFA provides a portfolio of membership-based services including advocacy and legislative representation, industry promotion and marketing, workforce development programs through the Marine Technology Institute, a certified dealer program with searchable locator, educational seminars and networking events, and exclusive member discounts through official partners including West Marine (marine retailer), GOAT BOXCO (outdoor coolers), and Spinx (fuel). The organization serves a $5-6.5 billion industry representing boat manufacturers, fishing tackle brands, dealers, retailers, marinas, and individual boaters and anglers across South Carolina.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SCBFA Membership (Business Membership) Annual membership for boat manufacturers, dealers, retailers, marinas, and suppliers in South Carolina's boating and fishing industry, providing legislative representation, industry promotion, educational seminars, exclusive information, and networking opportunities.
• Grassroots Individual Membership Annual individual membership for South Carolina boaters and anglers, providing a voice in advocacy, access to the GOAT Box Catch of the Month program, and exclusive discount codes from official partners.
• Advocacy & Legislative Services Industry advocacy representing boating and fishing manufacturers, dealers, retailers, boaters, and anglers in legislative matters affecting South Carolina's $5–6.5 billion boating and fishing industry, including direct engagement with state legislators.
• SCBFA Certified Dealer Program Certification program for boat dealers meeting SCBFA standards, with a searchable dealer locator and exclusive member benefits for certified partners across South Carolina.
• Boating & Fishing Toolkit Resource hub providing boat titling and registration guidance, fishing license purchasing links, and information on where to access waterways in South Carolina.
• Workforce Development Initiative Industry-led workforce development initiative connecting marine businesses with education partners, including the Marine Technology Institute of South Carolina at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, providing hands-on training in composite boat manufacturing, molds, gelcoat, lamination, rigging, plumbing, electrical systems, quality control, and finishing.
• West Marine Pro Partnership Program Exclusive wholesale pricing program for SCBFA Business Members through West Marine Pro, providing marine industry professionals access to professional-grade supplies at discounted rates.
• GOAT Box Catch of the Month Program Monthly fishing recognition program where winners receive GOAT BOXCO swag and an annual personalized cooler prize; Grassroots members receive exclusive discount codes.

Quantifiable outcome

• $16 million returned to South Carolina from Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson federal conservation funds
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.

• GOAT BOXCOcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 March 2026GOAT BOXCO has been named the Official Cooler of South Carolina Boaters and Anglers. The American-made outdoor brand, manufactured in Charlotte, NC, sponsors the GOAT Box Catch of the Month program. SCBFA Grassroots members receive exclusive discount codes.
• West MarinecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 February 2026West Marine has been named the Official Marine Retailer of SCBFA. The partnership delivers exclusive member discounts at nine South Carolina retail storefronts and online, a New Boat Owner offer distributed through participating boat makers and dealers, and West Marine Pro wholesale pricing for SCBFA Business Members.
• Spinx CompanycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 March 2024Spinx Company, a Greenville S.C.-based fuel and convenience retail company with more than 80 locations and 50 car washes across the Carolinas, has been named the Official Fuel Sponsor of SCBFA.
• South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCDNR is a key government partner for boat titling, registration, fishing licenses, and boater safety. SCBFA works with SCDNR on conservation funding, fishing access, and regulatory reform. Ross Self serves as SCBFA Ex-Officio board member representing SCDNR.
• Horry-Georgetown Technical CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHGTC operates the Marine Technology Institute of South Carolina, providing hands-on training in composite boat manufacturing, molds, gelcoat, lamination, rigging, plumbing, electrical systems, quality control, and finishing. SCBFA's Workforce Development Team connects industry needs with this education partnership.
• Butler MarinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerButler Marine, owned by SCBFA Founding Chairman Chris Butler, was a founding member of SCBFA in 2020. The dealership operates locations in Charleston and Beaufort, SC, representing Sportsman, Key West, and Stingray brands.
• Center for Sportfishing PolicystrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCBFA Founding Chairman Chris Butler serves on the boards of Center for Sportfishing Policy and Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. These organizations collaborate on federal fisheries management advocacy.
• Marine Retailers Association of the AmericasstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCBFA Founding Chairman Chris Butler serves on the board of Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. Collaboration on industry advocacy and member services.
• Pure FishingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPure Fishing, headquartered in Columbia, SC, is a founding member of SCBFA. The company represents 26 of the world's best known fishing brands and has been instrumental in SCBFA's launch and growth.
• Yamaha MotorscoreTechnology or IntegrationYamaha Motors is a key industry partner represented on SCBFA's Board of Directors. The company provides outboard motors through dealer networks and supports industry events and initiatives.
• Mercury MarinecoreTechnology or IntegrationMercury Marine is a partner of SCBFA, providing marine engines and outboard motors. Represented through partnership logos on the SCBFA website.
• GarmincoreTechnology or IntegrationGarmin is a technology partner of SCBFA, providing marine electronics and technology integrated into boats manufactured by member companies.
• American Sportfishing AssociationstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerASA has endorsed SCBFA since its inception and collaborated on federal fisheries management advocacy and Gary Borland's appointment to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council.
• Congressional Sportsmen's FoundationstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSF collaborated with SCBFA on national hunting and fishing day recognition and federal fisheries advocacy. CSF reports South Carolina has 847,000 hunters and anglers supporting 40,000 jobs.
• Coastal Conservation Association South CarolinastrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCA South Carolina joined SCBFA in welcoming the Attorneys General letter supporting state management of red snapper and collaborated on fisheries reform advocacy.
• Carolina Billfish ClassicminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSCBFA partnered with the 25th Anniversary Carolina Billfish Classic to provide a platform for advocacy discussions at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina.
• University of South Carolina AthleticsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSCBFA has title sponsored multiple Gamecock football games, hosting Boat Fish Football Weekend at Williams-Brice Stadium with boat displays and fishing gear showcases.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Marine Industries Association of South Florida: State-level trade association representing the recreational marine industry in South Florida. Highly comparable to SCBFA as a regional industry advocacy and trade body for boating/marine businesses, with overlapping member categories (manufacturers, dealers, marinas, brokers).
• American Sportfishing Association: National trade association for the sportfishing industry. SCBFA already partners with ASA on federal fisheries management, and both serve tackle manufacturers, retailers, and angler advocacy with similar missions.
• Marine Retailers Association of the Americas: Industry trade association for marine retailers and dealers. Directly comparable to SCBFA's certified dealer network and West Marine-style retail partnerships, with overlapping membership and dealer-focused programming.
• BoatUS (Boat Owners Association of The United States): Member-based advocacy and services organization for recreational boaters. Comparable to SCBFA's grassroots membership in providing boater benefits, advocacy, and education, though national in scope.
• Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation: Nonprofit focused on growing participation in recreational boating and fishing. Closely aligned with SCBFA's consumer-engagement mission (Boat Fish Football Weekend, Take Me Fishing-style outreach) and angler recruitment goals.
• Center for Sportfishing Policy: Advocacy organization defending saltwater recreational fishing access. SCBFA's Founding Chairman sits on its board, and they share federal fisheries management advocacy and access-protection objectives.
• Coastal Conservation Association: Grassroots marine conservation nonprofit with active state chapters (including CCA South Carolina). Comparable to SCBFA in advocating for anglers' interests at the state and federal level, particularly on red snapper and habitat access.
• Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation: Nonpartisan organization advocating for sportsmen's issues in Congress. Collaborates with SCBFA on federal policy alignment and provides the 847,000 SC hunter/angler data points used in advocacy.

Broad incumbents

• National Marine Manufacturers Association: National trade association for the U.S. recreational boating industry. Overlaps with SCBFA on policy advocacy, member services, and manufacturer representation, but operates at the national level with a much broader portfolio.

Regional players

• Massachusetts Marine Trades Association: State-level marine industry trade association in the Northeast. Operates the same trade association model as SCBFA (members, advocacy, dealer programs) but in a different geography, making it a relevant regional peer for benchmarking.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/boatfishsc
• Facebookfacebook.com/scbfa
• Instagraminstagram.com/scbfa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/south-carolina-boating-and-fishing-alliance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about South Carolina Boating And Fishing Alliance