Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Boat detailing supplies for Kiawah Islandthe Kiawah River and Bass Creek

Mildew prevention, fabric protection, long-lasting sealant and waterless wash for boats that sit between visits, from Kiawah to Seabrook and Johns Island.

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North Charleston store7644 Southrail Rd, Unit 400C
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Kiawah boating

A gated island with member launches

Kiawah is a barrier island about 25 miles southwest of Charleston. It’s a private, gated community; visitors get a pass at the security gate on Kiawah Island Parkway. The full-time population is a little over 2,000 and rises above 10,000 in the busy season.

Boating on the island runs through the Kiawah Island Community Association, whose launches are for members. Rhett’s Bluff, on the Kiawah River, has two docks and handles boats up to 30 feet including the trailer. Eagle Point, on Bass Creek, suits small boats, kayaks and paddleboards, and Cinder Creek is a paddle-sports launch. Boats must be registered with KICA before launching, and overnight docking and trailer parking aren’t allowed. Off the island, the public John P. Limehouse landing on the Stono River (Johns Island) and the Cherry Point landing on Bohicket Creek (Wadmalaw Island) are the closest county ramps.

If your boat is used in stretches and then sits while you’re away, it needs different care from one used every weekend. Mildew starts in closed lockers and on cushions, the sun keeps working on canvas and gelcoat while nobody’s looking, and a boat that hasn’t been washed in weeks needs a gentle first clean. Seabrook Island and Johns Island boats face the same conditions. Kiawah is the longest drive on our list, about 38 miles or a little over an hour from our store, so ordering online is often easier.

Getting to the store

From Kiawah Island

  • From Kiawah Island Parkway: about 38 mi, 1 hr 10 min
  • Route via Johns Island and I-526 toward North Charleston.
  • Or skip the drive: order online and have it shipped UPS Ground.
  • Call ahead if you’re making the trip for a specific product.

Approximate drive distance and time without traffic.

Get directions
On the water

Launches on and near Kiawah

Details are from the Kiawah Island Community Association, Charleston County Parks and the SCDNR saltwater fishing program.

Listed for reference only. Marine Detail Supply Charleston is not affiliated with these facilities and does not deliver to them. Check posted rules, tides and closures before you launch.

Care notes

Kiawah care notes

Most of the work is done before you leave the boat.

Before you leave

  • Clean and fully dry cushions, lockers and the head, then treat soft surfaces with a mildew preventer.
  • Put a sealant on the gelcoat and a fabric protector on canvas so the sun has less to work on while you’re away.
  • Polish and wax stainless and aluminum hardware so salt air doesn’t start pitting it.

When you come back

  • Start with a gentle wash or a waterless wash, not a scrub brush. Dust and pollen scratch if you drag them across the gelcoat.
  • Check under covers and in lockers for mildew before it spreads.
  • Top up protection with an SiO2 spray after the first wash.
Visit the store

MDSC Charleston

We’re in North Charleston, a little over an hour from Kiawah without traffic. Call before you make the drive.

Marine Detail Supply Charleston
7644 Southrail Rd, Unit 400C
North Charleston, SC 29420
(843) 256-3383
noah@marinedetailsupply.com

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
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Frequently asked questions

How far is the store from Kiawah Island?

About 38 miles from Kiawah Island Parkway, a little over an hour without traffic.

Can you ship to Kiawah, Seabrook or Johns Island?

Yes, as long as UPS Ground can deliver to the address. We offer free shipping on orders over $200 (UPS Ground) and a $7 flat rate on orders under $200.

Do you deliver to Kiawah or service boats on the island?

No. We sell detailing supplies in our North Charleston store and online. We don’t deliver or detail boats.

What should I do before leaving my boat for a few months?

Clean and dry everything, treat soft surfaces for mildew, seal the gelcoat, protect the canvas, and ventilate the boat if you can.

What are your hours?

Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Saturday closed; Sunday closed.

Closing up the boat for a while?

Order mildew control and protection online, or stop in at the store.

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