Mason Lemon

Harbourmaster

Shelter Cove Marina

Hilton Head Island, SC

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What is your first memory of being on a boat?

Being with my parents who had a 17’ Boston Whaler. I was probably four or five years old, and we were fishing for redfish and trout. My dad gave me a rod with an artificial lure and taught me how to cast. I don’t think he expected that I would catch a fish — but I did — a 13-inch trout!

If you could spend a day on the water with anyone, who would it be?

Other than my family, it would probably be Michael Jordan. From what I hear he is a pretty serious fisherman, and he also has a famous 80’ Viking Sportfish, Catch 23, that I would love to see and fish aboard.

What is the top attraction you recommend to visitors in your area?

If a boater comes to visit us, one of the first places we send them is across the street to Palmetto Dunes, which offers a wide range of activities such as golf, tennis, pickleball and bike trails.

Where is your favorite body of water to anchor and relax?

My favorite place used to be in a creek behind Bull Island, but I’ve recently been spending a lot of time in Mackay Creek exploring the north end of the island.

If you didn’t work at a marina, what would be your dream job?

It’s hard to imagine not working at a marina, but if I had to choose another occupation it would involve water and boats. I would probably go into yacht sales.

What book do you believe every boater should read and why?

I would recommend The American Practical Navigator. It’s a great book to read if you’re starting to learn about navigating in open water. I think every boat should have one onboard.

Describe the perfect meal. What would you eat and where would you go?

My idea of the perfect meal is sashimi and ceviche as an appetizer followed by a thick-cut ribeye steak topped with lobster and béarnaise sauce, a Caesar salad and a baked potato.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you while boating or working at the marina?

Boating around Hilton Head Island, you are almost guaranteed to see a dolphin every time you go out. A year or so ago, I decided to take my dog on the boat for the first time. He was great at all points of the trip except when we saw dolphins. He would get so excited and just jump out of the boat anytime we saw them. Needless to say, he hasn’t been back on the boat much after that.

What is the nicest compliment a boater said about your marina?

Our most frequent compliment and the one I am most proud of is our exceptional customer service. Everyone on my team takes pride in going above and beyond for guests that stop into our marina.