posted 02-03-2010 06:20 PM ET (US)        

I'll be heading to Myrtle Beach SC the week of February 21 - 27.....and was hoping someone could advise on renting power boats in the area.

Ideally, would love a 17' - 21' Whaler (I own a 1986 20' Outrage)...but understand rentals boats of any type might be scarce.

posted 02-09-2010 12:26 PM ET (US)            

You indicated you were going to Myrtle Beach. If that's the case there are only 2 boat rentals that I know. Captain Dick's [http://www.captdicks.com/boatrentals.htm] is right on the bay in Merrill's Inlet which has access to the bay, marshes and Atlantic. You are also very close to the Waccamaw River/AICW. I doubt, but I don't know, that Captain Dicks has a trailer or would trailer a boat for you to a landing accessible to the Waccamaw River/AICW.

I have seen a boat sitting on a trailer in Merrill's Inlet with a 'For Rent' sign but can't find anything on the net and don't know of any contact.

Let me know what your boating interest is i.e., deep sea fishing, inshore salt/fresh water fishing, sightseeing etc.
Maybe I can help you more.

posted 02-12-2010 11:33 AM ET (US)            

The advantage of Georgetown is that you are right on the AICW/Waccamaw River and only minutes from the ocean. This also gives you alternatives if the ocean is too rough to navigate. The AICW and Waccamaw River are always manageable except for extreme weather.

From Georgetown the AICW goes south to Charleston where you can do the tourist thing and enjoy the nightlife. Going north you can go to Myrtle Beach or further to North Myrtle Beach where you have access to Barefoot Landing which is tourist attraction. Even further north you can go to Little River and beyond.

Also, taking the AICW north you can turn left at marker #1 and go up the Waccamaw River to Conway & beyond. This is a very enjoyable ride. The depth of water ranges anywhere from ~3 ft. to ~35 ft., it's a winding river with lots to see: birds, gators, snakes, deer if you're lucky even seals and porpoise. You wouldn't regret this trip!

If you decide to go on the Waccamaw take the time to explore some of the small coves and branches but make certain you have plenty of fuel. Due to the winding and alternative branches and islands it's possible to get disoriented and burn a lot of fuel trying to get back on course. It's not a matter of getting lost but running out of fuel trying to find your way. Even with a GPS it can be confusing but a chart plotter is the real ticket.

As far as a boat, a 17 ft or larger is great for the AICW and Waccamaw. With a 17 ft you can get into many of the small coves where the larger boats can't go.

As far as fishing, if you want the bigger game fish I'd recommend a charter. I personnaly haven't had much luck fishing. There seems to be a trick to fishing the Waccamaw & AICW which I haven't caught on to yet. Something to keep in mind is that you need a fresh water license on the AICW/Waccamaw River from the rt. 17 bridge in Georgetown and north. From that bridge south you need a salt water license. Reference the SC Dept. of Natural Resources (SCDNR) for information and online applications.

I don't know anything about the following resources but they will hopefully give you a starting point:

http://www.captdicks.com/boatrentals.htm

Inlet Boat Rentals Inc, (843) 651-1638, Murrells Inlet

Edna's Boat Renting & Leasing,(843) 651-9921,Murrells Inlet

Thomas Outdoors Watersports, (843) 280-4449, Myrtle Beach

Georgetown County Chamber Of Commerce, (800) 777-7705

Good luck

Ron