Chip Deaton, Co-Owner & Captain

Captain Paul McNeely Deaton III, also known as Chip, always knew he wanted to work on Charleston harbor. Even as a young boy he wanted to spend all his time on a boat. After six years in the navy and then working for three water taxi companies in Charleston, he decided to take on the Charleston Water Taxi with Scott.  To Chip the best part about his job is meeting all the different people. “I love helping the locals and visitors plan their day in Charleston, while giving them a fun and safe experience on the water.” Chip lives in the West Ashley area of Charleston with his wife and sons.

Scott Connolly, Co-Owner & Captain

Captain Scott Connolly

Captain Scott Connelly worked with Chip at the Charleston Harbor Marina before the two took on the Charleston Water Taxi. Scott grew up fishing with his father and has always had a boat. Scott’s favorite time on the water is in the fall just as the sun is rising. “The water looks like a mirror and you can’t tell where the sky stops and the water starts,” he said. “The sky is a different color blue in the fall. Being able to fish on a morning like that will keep me out on the water forever.” Scott lives in Mt. Pleasant with his wife and kids.  For Scott, the best part of working on the Charleston Water Taxi is the people. “I love conversing with all the passengers and meeting lots of different people.”

Colby Hollifield, Co-Owner

Co-owner S. Colby Hollifield grew up sailing and boating on Charleston Harbor and the surrounding offshore and inland waters. After teaching sailing and making new boat deliveries in the Charleston area during college, Colby expanded his aquatic pursuits in California by teaching sea kayaking and rescue in the chilly waters off the California Coast while pursuing a career in real estate development and finance. Returning to Charleston with his wife, Heather, and sons Jack and William, Colby landed on Daniel Island in 2006 and has been an active part of island life ever since. Fortuitous events led Colby, Chip and Scott to become business partners in 2018, and the Daniel Island Ferry was born. For Colby, the best part of being a partner in the ferry is sharing time with his friends and neighbors on the water. “It’s great seeing old friends and new having such a great time on the boat. Being a part of something that is both business and pleasure is fantastic.”