Sharing the Fuel Cost - What Is the General Rule

[Irish Cap 25]

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"?

[Wreckfish]

Let them know upfront what is expected - sharing fuel, bait, etc. This way there is no confusion.

[Hotrod]

 .  and new friends 

[Still Running]

 

[Takes Prizoners]

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. 

[Uncle Luna]

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.

[wb]

my friends always bring food drink ice bait and /or cash for gas

mee too   

boats don't run on thankyous 

[The Broken One]

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 

[Reefsquatter]

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.

[Ms Fish]

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. 

[ped579]

^^^ What Trish said ^^^

[Reckless]

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.

[Luna Sea 5]

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. 

[fellinger]

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.

[Andys Delight]

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. 

[IrishAyes]

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. 

[Kenny]

Gota pay to play....simple as that...

I always put in what ever is required...Just comon sense I think...

[DJ76]

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

[PeggyLee]

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.  
I would never fish on any other boat without contributing.

[Fishin Dude]

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.    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.