NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums

Boating => Boating Safety and Boating Etiquette => Topic started by: Irish Cap 25 on April 18, 2013, 10:40:40 AM

Title: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: Irish Cap 25 on April 18, 2013, 10:40:40 AM
I have always been the owner, host and captain and usually top off my tanks when I return to the dock odafter a day of fishing.  Rarely do I get an offer from the others to share some of the cost of the trip.  Am I too generous, or do I need to get new friends?  What is the general protocol regarding "passing the hat"? 5hrug
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: Wreckfish on April 18, 2013, 10:57:25 AM
Let them know upfront what is expected - sharing fuel, bait, etc. This way there is no confusion.
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: Hotrod on April 18, 2013, 11:05:52 AM
 whs.  and new friends  ;D
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: Still Running on April 18, 2013, 11:20:14 AM
 wts
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: Takes Prizoners on April 18, 2013, 11:34:12 AM
If I got some $$$ to blow, I throw in.  If not, I let people know that before I even leave the house.  Usually my friends bought bait and snacks since I would tow the boat.  3 of us split the purchase of the boat. 
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: Uncle Luna on April 18, 2013, 12:46:15 PM
Common Sense in my case I always reach in my wallet when I go on someone's boat. Fish with my nephew mostly and always give him money for gas, usually bring the lunch, and if time allows and they are open when I leave my house fresh donuts from Carousel Bakery in Hazlet.
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: wb on April 18, 2013, 01:37:59 PM
my friends always bring food drink ice bait and /or cash for gas

mee too  clp  slt

boats don't run on thankyous  smk

Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: The Broken One on April 18, 2013, 01:57:09 PM
when i had my 19ftr it was no problem, you bring lunch i got the rest.... but... since moving up in size and 4.00+ per gallon....everyone kicks in  fngr
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: Reefsquatter on April 18, 2013, 02:01:59 PM
Common sense, when you are invited over a persons house for dinner or drinks, do you show up empty handed?

If you are asked to pick up a bottle of wine is it Boones Farm or something a little nicer?

Same thing. If someone invites you out their first words should be "what can I bring."

At that point you can say just your share of the expenses which should be about xx.00 dollars.
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: Ms Fish on April 18, 2013, 02:10:13 PM
Treating once in a while is certainly ok. Forgive me for saying it, but why aren't your friends just out right offering you the $$$? Gas, bait, tackle, cooler, on and on. Let alone the $$$ you have already put out for the insurance and registration, repairs and on and on. I am not good at asking nor taking but times are tough and if you go out a lot that all add's up. Be up front with your 'friends'; don't beat around the bush. Next time you go, just say, guys  can everyone throw in some $$$ towards today's trip please. If they act up or give you chit, I would think twice about bringing them again. People should just know everything cost $$$ and if for some reason they don't, then they need it explained to them so they understand. 
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: ped579 on April 18, 2013, 02:23:13 PM
^^^ What Trish said ^^^
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: Reckless on April 18, 2013, 03:15:39 PM
If I invite someone along I don't expect anything. I go out 2 or 3 times a week if someone comes along I was going that way anyway.
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on April 18, 2013, 05:05:50 PM
Everything discussed up front.. Passengers don't realize the cost of running the boat.. Before the season even gets started, it cost about $1k for repairs, bottom paint, etc.. If you are in a slip, that is also a factor in the cost.  Yes, even though there is fuel to split, keep in account, if you have a 2 stroke, there is also oil involved, at what?.. something like %40-$60 per gallon. 

In a perfect world, if you take a few guys on the boat, they should cover all expenses, bait and fuel, lunch, etc. But this is only if you have 3 or more guests.   The owner pays for all the unseen things, like maintenance, wear and tear, equipment, rods, etc..

 On my ride, like uncle luna said, I will ball park it and say... $50.00 for the average trip,   If we are out all day, then your guest should throw in another $20.00.. it is still cheaper then any party boat or charter.

On the Luna Sea.. I supply the bait, ice, and terminal tackle.  Then $50-$70 per person depending on how much fishing and fuel is being used.  If you go any higher, then your guest might as well take a party boat. 
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: fellinger on April 18, 2013, 06:56:57 PM
Everybody pretty much said it. If I am only running the 3 or so miles to the reef to drift or anchor I am ok with a donation and they cover their own food for anyone who wants to join me. If I am going out further and recruiting people I generally use the we split the fuel/bait rule.
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: Andys Delight on April 18, 2013, 07:47:42 PM
I won't step on another person's boat without giving them money for gas.  Having said that, I rarely ever accept money for gas when I have people out on my boat.  Strange, I know.  But that's just me. 
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: IrishAyes on April 18, 2013, 08:13:06 PM
Keep in mind, if you 'charge' for a trip, you are a charter and need a captain's license and whatever else goes with running a business.

BUT, your crew is allowed to 'voluntarily' chip in for fuel/bait, etc.

CHARGE and VOLUNTARILY chip in are key words to keep you out of trouble.  t^
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: Kenny on April 18, 2013, 08:26:02 PM
Gota pay to play....simple as that...

I always put in what ever is required...Just comon sense I think...
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: DJ76 on April 18, 2013, 08:28:31 PM
i have been on a few boats in the bay with friends, i offer up a minimum of fifty depending on what we did that day.  

I also own a small boat I tow to the ramp.  I never ask for anything and I do get offers but often refuse.  most times they pay for the ramp, coffee on way down and dinner on way home which is fine. I never ever charge the family member, which usually causes a scene at the bait shop in the morning or the IHOP on 36 at 5am rofla
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: PeggyLee on April 18, 2013, 08:41:43 PM
Great topic.It's always been awkward for me to  discuss/ask for money from my friends while out on my boat fishing. I would expect them to know the cost of Charter or Party Boats and chip in  what they feel is appropriate.THAT HAS NEVER HAPPENED.Because the cost of owning a boat, upkeep,dockage,repairs,insurance,fuel,trailers,
tackle (on and on)can NEVER be calculated.
I own the boat for me and my family.That alone is PRICELESS. All other financial gestures are welcomed. If they do the right thing they are invited again and maybe will be considered a regular. clp  
I would never fish on any other boat without contributing.
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: Fishin Dude on April 18, 2013, 10:00:05 PM
I always kick in my share while aboard a friends boat. I thought that was an unwritten, common courtesy rule, known around the world....  until I owned a boat.  :headscra:  Always best to let the "new guy" know the deal at invitation time. I fish with a good group of friends and fuel, breakfast, bait, beverages, etc. is never an issue. There has been a cheap bastard or two along the way, but they only get to sail once, and are not invited back.   
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: Ms Fish on April 18, 2013, 10:00:58 PM
I won't step on another person's boat without giving them money for gas.  Having said that, I rarely ever accept money for gas when I have people out on my boat.  Strange, I know.  But that's just me. 
I agree with you 1000% I do!I love to treat my friends and family! Go out catch fish and hope that I have showed them a terrific time! I think the fault may lie right there; no offer of any kind. I think he might feel better if his friends would do that; at least offer. I know I will always bring something when invited to join someone on their boat. I guess it's the way I was raised and taught. Treat others as you wish to be treated. Maybe that is how he is feeling; like us; he may not take the money, but would feel appreciated if it were offered. Either way, there has been great advice given in many different ways re: this subject which so many of us at one time or another have faced I'm sure; that is why I love this site and the people on it. Stick around, I bet you will start to love it too! Good Luck... Trish
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: fluke - u on April 18, 2013, 10:07:58 PM
If I invite someone along I don't expect anything. I go out 2 or 3 times a week if someone comes along I was going that way anyway.
t^....That's pretty much the way I am unless I am bringing their whole family...... fngr..then its gonna cost ya. chrz...
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: Uncle Luna on April 18, 2013, 10:42:05 PM
Bottom line here everyone who enjoys fishing knows it's not a cheap hobby. If you go on a party boat it's going to be close to $100.00
Day. So for me sharing the cost is not a problem. Less crowded and you have a better chance of catching more fish.
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: Hunter 2 on April 19, 2013, 07:44:24 AM
I always try to split all costs evenly among myself and whoever comes with me. Occasionally some guys have deep pockets and short arms. :P
But I enjoy they're company.
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: Capt. Carl on April 19, 2013, 07:54:58 PM
Keep in mind, if you 'charge' for a trip, you are a charter and need a captain's license and whatever else goes with running a business.

BUT, your crew is allowed to 'voluntarily' chip in for fuel/bait, etc.

CHARGE and VOLUNTARILY chip in are key words to keep you out of trouble.  t^
Good point Joe.....
They can voluntarily chip in for the DAYS expense.....they cannot be asked for more money for dock fees,rods or other owner fees....then u are collecting as a business
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: IrishAyes on April 19, 2013, 09:07:15 PM
Keep in mind, if you 'charge' for a trip, you are a charter and need a captain's license and whatever else goes with running a business.

BUT, your crew is allowed to 'voluntarily' chip in for fuel/bait, etc.

CHARGE and VOLUNTARILY chip in are key words to keep you out of trouble.  t^
Good point Joe.....
They can voluntarily chip in for the DAYS expense.....they cannot be asked for more money for dock fees,rods or other owner fees....then u are collecting as a business

Until a couple of years ago you could not even accept money for fuel or bait without being considered a charter by the CG. Fortunately, they have changed their position on that and now allow it.
Title: Re: Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule
Post by: Irish Cap 25 on April 20, 2013, 09:24:48 AM
Thanks for all the advise guys.   I run a pair of 150 2-strokes, so a day out can be pretty pricey.  I'll make sure that I drive the guys to my boat (about 60 miles from my home) and if they don't pay up at the dock at the end of the day, they're calling a car service to get home ;D