When Brandon Crutchfield returned to his boyhood marina, he was disappointed by what he found.
“They had everything from raw sewage running into the lake to people living in campers with kids without electricity,” Crutchfield said. “It had gotten really bad.”
New Owners Take Over Putnam’s Harbor
In 2020, Crutchfield and his childhood friend and business partner, Matt Mungo—a third-generation Midlands homebuilding executive at Haven Homes—purchased the Putnam’s Harbor site in Chapin. Their goal was to upgrade and restore the marina into a modern, full-service facility that could thrive for years to come.
“We decided to buy it and make it as nice as we possibly could,” Crutchfield said. “It’s our backyard, so it’s very important to us.”
Marina Reopens with Modern Amenities
Since its grand reopening in April 2024, the 360-spot marina has already reached nearly 75% capacity. Along with boat storage, the facility offers gasoline, premium and diesel fueling, utilities, cleaning services, visiting food trucks, and plans for pontoon boat rentals in the future.
Dry stack storage is available at $4,800 per year or $400 per month, while wet slip storage costs $4,800 annually or $450 monthly. A service fee applies to monthly payments, plus a $16 per foot surcharge for boats between 25 and 34 feet.
A Store and Facilities Designed for Patrons
Crutchfield takes particular pride in the marina’s store, which offers essentials such as sunscreen, ice, food, beverages, and marine supplies. Modern, clean bathrooms with floor-to-ceiling marble ensure a comfortable experience for visitors.
“We put in the nicest marina store on the lake,” he said. “They want to go to a clean bathroom when coming off the lake.”
High-Tech Convenience with the Marina App
Putnam’s Harbor also features a mobile app, allowing customers to request their boats be brought out of dry storage before they arrive. Patrons can also order ice, drinks, or fueling services through the app.
Bringing Private Yachting Experience to Lake Murray
Crutchfield, who has a background in private yachting, aims to bring that level of service to Putnam’s Harbor.
“Every single boat that’s in the dry stack before you get there is rinsed and washed at every single use,” he said. “My guys at Putnam are capable of delivering an even higher level of service than I experienced in private yachting.”
Lake Murray’s Growing Popularity
In 2024, the South Carolina Department of Transportation reported 325,937 registered boats in the state, with 39,315 in Lexington and Richland counties alone. Putnam’s Harbor is one of ten marinas on Lake Murray, where tourism officials are preparing for several America250 events this summer.
“Lake Murray has a bunch of great marinas,” Crutchfield said. “It’s nice to see them proportionately located in great spots around the lake.”
With modern amenities, attentive service, and a focus on customer convenience, Putnam’s Harbor has quickly become a go-to destination for boating enthusiasts on Lake Murray.
