Skull Creek Marina

January 2009

Great News for South Carolina Boaters!

Beaufort County Council has passed two ordinances that will have a major impact on

boating in our area.  The first is that all boats in the county, no matter the size, will be

exempted 42.75% of their fair market value from property tax.  This effectively lowers

the assessment ratio to 6%.  The second is aimed at transient vessels, and will increase

the time they can stay in the county exempt from taxes to 180 aggregate days in a single tax year.  This replaces the original time period of 90 aggregate days. 

South Carolina “Clean Marina” Designation

This is the fourth in our series devoted to Skull Creek Marina’s goal to obtain the S.C.“Clean Marina”designation.  The purpose of this program is to protect & improve local water quality for us as well as future generations.  We hope you will enjoy these topics and be proactive about helping us protect our fragile environment.  Please call us with your comments and suggestions.  This month’s topic is:

Vessel Maintenance

General upkeep of boats generates household hazardous wastes such as solvent paint waste, used oil, old gasoline, used batteries, mercury containing bilge pump switches, and out-of-date flares.  These wastes pose a threat to the environment if they are improperly disposed into the water, air, or ground.

Manage your Hazardous Waste

• Use premium two-cycle engine oil
• Share any leftover chemicals, paint, or varnish
• Recycle used motor oil and other engine fluids.  Prior to recycling, store in separate closed containers to prevent escape, mixing, or fire hazard.
• Take items to a local hazardous waste collection (Dillon Rd. by the airport)
• Encourage your marina to offer oil recycling
• Trade in a used battery for a possible credit toward a replacement battery
• When possible, use paints that are not solvent based.
• Buy bilge pump switches that do not contain mercury. 

Recycle

            Oil                                         Aluminum                                           Solvents

            Antifreeze                            Cardboard                                           Steel

            Lead Batteries                     Metal fuel filter canisters                   Scrap metal

            Glass                                     Mixed Paper                                       Tin

            Plastic                                   Newspaper                                         Tires

Fishing News

Fall Fishing is the best of the year!  Inshore, redfish and speckled trout are abundant along the marshes and oyster rakes.  Offshore, grouper and snapper are on the bite and especially enjoy live pinfish.  Take advantage in your own boat or call one of our excellent local charter captains.

Cruising News

Transient season is upon us!  The daily entourage of southbound boats seems to be as busy as ever, especially with reduced fuel costs.  Skull Creek Marina strives to be the most competitive in the area with gas and diesel. 

Skull Creek Marina has recently joined “The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net” at www.cruisersnet.net.  Check out this informative website before you embark on your next cruise.  You can submit news, ask questions, learn about bridges, anchorages, ICW conditions, get weather forecasts, galley recipes and learn about marina specials & discounts. Click on each state from Virginia to Western Florida to obtain regional information.  SCM will have a banner on the SC page and will offer monthly news stories.

Country Club of Hilton Head Guest Membership

As an added benefit to staying at Skull Creek Marina, we now have a special Visiting Yachtsman membership available for transients and guests.  Contact Cindy at the marina office for more information.