Barrier Island Marine

John & Glennis Anderson

On any given day, from their 600-foot dock on the Folly River, John and Glennis Anderson can see Morris Island Lighthouse. John and Glennis love the water. They love to take out their 31-foot Pursuit, purchased at Barrier Island Marine in October 2007.

Married for 35 years, the Andersons are originally from Rock Hill, SC. They have three children - two from previous marriages and one together. Their daughter, Tracy, is a paramedic, and their son, Wes, is a computer programmer. Their other son, Jay, runs the 32-year-old family business, Polymer Processing Inc., in Rock Hill, which focuses on the grinding and processing of plastic materials.

John, a 1964 Citadel graduate, is now retired. Glennis, who is semi-retired, works from home as the company's financial manager. One reason for retiring to Charleston is the convenience to Rock Hill, since they still own the business. They settled on Folly Beach because the location had a laid-back, casual feel - suited perfectly for their personality.

The decision to purchase the Pursuit was anything but casual. Thoroughly researched, test-driven and weighed against competitors, the Pursuit won out. The Andersons wanted a boat for taking extended excursions, just the two of them, or with family and friends. "We'll be able to handle the boat together as we get older. Nothing is more than a two-man job," says Glennis.

The overall look of the boat is what sold John. "It's handsome on the water," he says. "We're in manufacturing, so we know quality when we see it. Things fit. You don't feel the decks wobble. The layout is excellent. Space is utilized efficiently. There's attention to detail. I like the way the electronics are put together; they are right in front of you," he explains.

"I love the wrap-around seating in the salon. It allows for everyone, including the captain, to hang out together," says Glennis, smiling.

"The boat is wonderful, but what sold us on it was Barrier Island Marine," says John. He recalls his instant connection with salesman Chip Shealy. "Chip and I hit it off. He showed me several boats and helped me choose the perfect one for my family," remembers John. "When I walked in the door, I immediately felt like they wanted me here, not just to write a check."

As business owners, the Andersons were never able to take extended vacations together. After tax season, they plan to take their first trip to the Bahamas. "We've never been able to get two weeks off together," says Glennis. "But now, we're ready to do something like this. We want to kick back, relax and enjoy the view."

NOTE: Barrier Island Marine is no longer a dealer for Pursuit boats.