Boats don't run on thanks - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

Sea Dangles · 03-04-2006, 06:18 PM

I don't think you invite some one out withexpectations of money.Unles it's been discussed then it is ignorant to think that way.Communicate with your guests.It sure could get awkward when your buddy shows up with beer bait tackle and food then you ask him for $$$ and to wash the boat afterwards. I know I usually spend $50 before I step on board.Sticking out your hand to help defray slip costs and maintenance dollars is like asking barbecue guests for money to cover heating oil,home insurance or pool water delivery.If you can't afford it,don't buy it.

blue oyster · 03-04-2006, 06:52 PM

i usually fish alone (most i know don't like the hours) but when i do have company i ask for nothing and expect nothing (friends always help with other things) , i was going fishing anyway , the only rule i have is i will only fish with one other person , any more than that you are doing nothing more than running an unpaid charter , no time to fish yourself , with only a short season i want to fish every moment. as far as cleaning the boat i have a routine and its a lot easer and quicker for me to do it alone

macojoe · 03-04-2006, 07:24 PM

Its a funny thing, I brought this very subject up 2 seasons ago, and was almost Castrated!!
The thought that I would ask for money was like I just murdered someone!
Now the gas has gone Thur the roof its OK??

Weather gas is $1 or $5 a gal, not all people are rich. I am a poor man in a rich mans sport!!
I have always made it clear that we all must share the expense! I have a few friends that are bad off, and they have gone fishing with me many times for free!! But always help out with the clean up!

I have had a guy (friend I thought) go fishing with me, brought no food, water, or anything! Not even a rod!
I supplied all (good thing I have extra on the boat) at the end of the day he had drank and eat all my food, broke a very special rod (I made for a friend that died) used up a bunch of tackle, and then held up a 5 gal bucket for Fluke, he said that was all he wanted.
Never offered me a dime, had to go could not stay for the clean up, and as for the rod, not even a sorry! Just well its a good thing you build rods you can make another for nothing.
Then got in his car and as he drove away said, "I will see you next time"

That was 3 years ago, and I have never seen him again, and if I ever do it will be too soon!

If you make it clear from the beginning the people that call you friend will always help out!!

nightfighter · 03-04-2006, 08:09 PM

It never hurts to discuss the gameplan during the invite. This would include where you expect to fish, how far that run will be, hmmm at X gallons per hour, we'll be burning about y gallons, aw we'll just fuel together, before we go out, (if possible, not on a 0400 departure though) The # of gallons you burn are definitely up for discussion. Some people don't know and still others need to be reminded what it takes to make things happen. Just look how pros like Bill and Juls handle it. There is a surcharge when they expect to be making a longer run offshore to chase tuna!
hey, a charter is different from entertaining clients, so you are entitled to invite "friends" to fish and share in the pieces that make the whole thing happen. If that means food and beverage, so be it. Delegate! You are the captain aren't you?

ProfessorM · 03-04-2006, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macojoe

If you make it clear from the beginning the people that call you friend will always help out!!

Hey buddy I got my wallet ready

Here flukey fluke.

macojoe · 03-04-2006, 08:25 PM

4 months to go!!

pete santini · 03-04-2006, 09:00 PM

In my 40 plus years of fishing I,ve been fortunare enough to be a guest on many boats in different locations worldwide. In my opinion its a privelege not a right to be invited on a boat. That being said i always make sure that my host is compensated for his or her generous offer of taking me fishing EVEN IF THEY WERE GOING ANYWAY he or she took the time to invite me I always try to give them fuel money, leave tackle plugs ,bait etc or at the very least bring lunch or buy dinner and drinks at the watering hole upon your return One could also reciprocate with a fishing trip on your or someone elses boat. Thats the way I was raised to be a gracious guest PETE SANTINI

Hooper · 03-05-2006, 11:51 AM

If I extend the invitation and it's my idea to get the boys together, I do not expect a dime.

If they approach meabout takin them out, my standard answer now is "I'd be happy to make the time to take you guys fishing, but I have to ask for some money to help with the fuel costs, it's gotten really bad at the fuel dock lately." And no one has ever had an issue with that.

I took a guy and his son out, he had been after me for quite some time to take them fishing. So I took the day off and we went out in pea soup Monomoy fog. I caught them their limit of really nice bass, bait, tackle, etc. and gave them 8 hours on the water. I felt the $20 at the end of the day was really kind of weak. That's when I developed the standard answer found above. Shame on me for not addressing it before the trip, but I have learned from that now.

We fish several tournaments each summer and our arrangement wiht my crew is I provide the boat, fuel, and all the tackle I have. They feed us, drink us, and cover all the entry fees including all the calcuttas. It works & I am comfortable with that.

The problem lies in when we win cash, which we have. I think I will start a thread on that come to think of it....... I think I have been too generous in the past....

quick decision · 03-06-2006, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sea Dangles

I don't think you invite some one out withexpectations of money.Unles it's been discussed then it is ignorant to think that way.Communicate with your guests.It sure could get awkward when your buddy shows up with beer bait tackle and food then you ask him for $$$ and to wash the boat afterwards. I know I usually spend $50 before I step on board.Sticking out your hand to help defray slip costs and maintenance dollars is like asking barbecue guests for money to cover heating oil,home insurance or pool water delivery.If you can't afford it,don't buy it.

I think it depends who it is a what the situation is. I like to have the guests help out with gas if we are going to make out run outside to do some cod fishing. If we are going to bop around the harbor money wont be turned down but isnt expected. I have no problem telling people up front what the deal is.

"If you can't afford it,don't buy it" What does that statement mean. I make a lot of sacerfices so I can have a boat. So mabey I dont go out to eat everyday, I bring a lunch. Mabey I drive a 2001 Trailblazer instead of a 2006. I dont go to bars and drink, do drugs, gamble. I choose to own a boat. That is a idiotic stupid thing to say.

Sea Dangles · 03-06-2006, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quick decision

I think it depends who it is a what the situation is. I like to have the guests help out with gas if we are going to make out run outside to do some cod fishing. If we are going to bop around the harbor money wont be turned down but isnt expected. I have no problem telling people up front what the deal is.

"If you can't afford it,don't buy it" What does that statement mean. I make a lot of sacerfices so I can have a boat. So mabey I dont go out to eat everyday, I bring a lunch. Mabey I drive a 2001 Trailblazer instead of a 2006. I dont go to bars and drink, do drugs, gamble. I choose to own a boat. That is a idiotic stupid thing to say.

I'll tell you in plain English.Don't buy a boat expecting other people to pick up your expenses.Very simple.

Goose · 03-06-2006, 11:30 AM

Quote:

I don't think you invite some one out withexpectations of money.Unles it's been discussed then it is ignorant to think that way.Communicate with your guests.It sure could get awkward when your buddy shows up with beer bait tackle and food then you ask him for $$$ and to wash the boat afterwards. I know I usually spend $50 before I step on board.Sticking out your hand to help defray slip costs and maintenance dollars is like asking barbecue guests for money to cover heating oil,home insurance or pool water delivery.If you can't afford it,don't buy it.

WTH are you talking about, I think your misunderstanding my point but then again how could you? God bless you if you can afford to host time after time....good for you, I'ld do it to if I could. I mentioned moneys for 1 outing, not a short trip, not a one time thing.

IMO, the most important thing anyone on this site has is his or her own reputation. I think sayin "if you can't afford it, don't buy it" is a low blow. Furtunantly enough I can afford it but I'm tired of getting walked on. Somebody once told me "you take the shirt off your back your gonna be cold". This is one of the reasons I fish alone and my boat is a bay boat. Don't get it confused with I'm not a people person, there isn't a guy I won't fish with here or take out for that matter.
I "know" plug builders and rod builders aren't given the credit they deserve for the same reasons I mentioned, don't think boaters don't feel the same. Your accussing the victom?

Saltheart · 03-06-2006, 12:52 PM

I had a sailboat for 23 years. I never expected anything to run the boat.

I would sometimes expect that people would at least feed themselves. That is , if its a day trip , don't expect me to load up with grinders and soda , etc. Anyone who knows anything would not only bring their own food but also some for you.

Its a social thing and you have to be careful not to hurt peoples feelings too. . For example , someone invites you to their house and wines and dines you and somewhere along the way you invite them out on the boat , you can see how they may figure the boat ride is payback and not bring anything. Most people will ask , should I bring anything , if you expect it , let them know. If you say , no I got everything , don't be surprised when they do show up empty handed.

You also have to be careful how you word the invite. "Would you like to come out boating Sat as my guest"? That person shouldn't be expected to pay anything.

"How about we split expenses and go out on the boat for the day" , then people know up front. This is my personal preference when invited out on someone elses boat. Just let me know what the deal is upfront and I'm glad to chip in.

I also think it depends on how often people do it. Someones first invite out maybe you take care of everything , even feeding them. However if its every week with the same people , they should catch on and start bringing food , beer etc.

Now I understand fishing trips are different than a day sail. Fishing trips burn gasand people get to take home fish. It should be discussed up front that if possible , a little help with gas money , after the trip is over , would be nice. Also , don't expect to share anything more than the comsumables , like gas ,. You;re crazy if you think people are going to add an extra $50 cause they know the outboard gets wear and tear. Also , if gas is $60 , don't expect each person to give you $60. Just their share is nice enough.

You also have to take into account someones circumstances too. Don't ask a dirt poor guy with 10 kids to go out fishing and expect a hundred for gas. If this is what's expected , make it clear ahead of time.

Anyway , as I said , I never wanted anything for the boat , gas , dock etc. That's my resposibility as the owner but if you want ham samdwiches and cheese and wine , bring some , enough for everyone.

The last thing I wanted to mention was that some people don't want to insult you by offering money. There may be many points of view as to whether the trip is shared , payback , just being nice , philanthropic , etc

Anyway , I would much rather have everything discussed up front so no one gets disappointed or surprised or put in the situation of not knowing what to do. As the boat owner , if you never expect anything , you are never disappointed and sometimes pleasantly surprised.

Good topic though. There are a million scenarios and circumstances under which you may be expected to chip in , hope you'll chip in , not expected to chip in and insulting for even offering to chip in.

Sea Dangles · 03-06-2006, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goose

WTH are you talking about, I think your misunderstanding my point but then again how could you? God bless you if you can afford to host time after time....good for you, I'ld do it to if I could. I mentioned moneys for 1 outing, not a short trip, not a one time thing.

IMO, the most important thing anyone on this site has is his or her own reputation. I think sayin "if you can't afford it, don't buy it" is a low blow. Furtunantly enough I can afford it but I'm tired of getting walked on. Somebody once told me "you take the shirt off your back your gonna be cold". This is one of the reasons I fish alone and my boat is a bay boat. Don't get it confused with I'm not a people person, there isn't a guy I won't fish with here or take out for that matter.
I "know" plug builders and rod builders aren't given the credit they deserve for the same reasons I mentioned, don't think boaters don't feel the same. Your accussing the victom?

Goose,don't misunderstand me,if you have worked it out beforehand that fuel will be split then so be it.No low blow was intended and I aploogize if I offended you.My point was that no one should lose friends over miscommunication.After all it's money.Accept it if it's offered of course ,but if someone shows up with bait, ice,beer, tackle etc. for a close trip they are usually pulling their weight.That being said you are welcome to paddle with me anytime

macojoe · 03-06-2006, 07:37 PM

Quote:

I'll tell you in plain English.Don't buy a boat expecting other people to pick up your expenses.Very simple.

I don't expect for them to pick up the expenses, But I no going to have them leaching for free eaither.