Charging Guest For Gas Money

[AZBoatDreamer]

Do you Charge your Boating Guest for Gas Money? I do not plan inviting many people on my Boat but if I do should I charge them for Gas Money?

I have a feeling I would feel Guilty charging for Rides in my Boat.

 

[archangelnot]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

If you have invited them, no.

If you are taking them out because they asked you to for some reason or another, then, that might be another story.

 

[mjgates]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

I think you will find a lot of people will offer you gas money. If I call and invite someone, I do not charge them for gas and respectively decline if offered as they are our guests. Regular wakeboarders or riders on our trips usually give it to me without asking.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

OK you are correct. I wouldn't charge invited Guess but those that invite themselves I would think about Charging. Yes I have people invite themselves

 

[RL Gman]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

I put it in the offer statement..."hey, were going out on the boat this weekend, your welcome to come, but everyone on the boat chips in for the gas..."

That way they know when they go out...

And I dont find it at all to "assuming" to request gas money if people know up front. It's expensive, and the added weight just adds to fuel cost.

If they want to get up on a wakeboard behind the boat, you'll really be draining the tank...

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

I wont charge my friends a 'fee' to come have fun on the water but I wont refuse donations if they offer. The way I see it is; Im going out regardless and cruising alone isnt much fun so if I can grab a few people to make the day Im not gonna scare em off with a 'pay to play' approach.

 

[bhammer]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

I have never asked for gas money. I have had some folks that I invite drop a $20 in the glove box or place it in my truck seat. They do this because they know that I won't take it.

 

[bigskiohio]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

about 25 yrs ago i was invited along with my father to go to lake
erie fishing i regret to this day not giving money for gas . i bought dinner but never thought abought gas till i got my own boat and found out it is not a cheap hobby. i like the saying on here "mine boat runs on gas not thanks"

 

[RL Gman]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

about 25 yrs ago i was invited along with my father to go to lake
erie fishing i regret to this day not giving money for gas . i bought dinner but never thought abought gas till i got my own boat and found out it is not a cheap hobby. i like the saying on here "mine boat runs on gas not thanks"

Wow, perfectly said...

 

[skargo]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

If you charge anything, you can be labeled a charter. If someone gets hurt, you could pay dearly.

Don't charge invited guests, and tell uninvited people to get bent.

 

[the man]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

I like to go to the fuel dock with people on board, especially the ones that "invite themselves". If they don't offer to pay for at least a portion, you know what they are made of.

Alot of this is just not knowing. Non-boaters equate it to riding in a car- it might cost you a buck or two to drive them across town. In a boat you can burn up a Benjamin in a hurry. The fuel dock experience will wake most concious and conscientious folks up.

The way I understand the "charter" rules, you are fine if they offer to pay and if it is just for a portion of the fuel. If you tell someone you will take them boating if they pay for ALL the fuel, then you have crossed the line technically. However it can be argued that their portion could be fuel bill, and you cover the maintenance, storage, etc. Just don't MAKE any money (profit) and you are fine. Disclaimer- This is the way I understand it and I have been told this by USCG officials. Don't quote me and I really do not know for sure.

 

[Jordeez98]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

I don't mind footing the bill for a trip on my boat....But someone WILL be grilling some Tri-Tip and serving quality beer to show their appreciation after a long day on the water, if i have any say in the matter.


Jusy fyi: a trip in my current boat: sitting in the driveway, pulling up rotten wood , I'll pay in beer and grilling for that trip.

 

[RL Gman]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

If you charge anything, you can be labeled a charter. If someone gets hurt, you could pay dearly.

Don't charge invited guests, and tell uninvited people to get bent.

Big difference here...making money from taking people out labels you as a MERCHANT mariner...much different from a mariner asking people to chip in for gas.

As a merchant mariner, you have many more obligations than just "insurance" issues...for one you have to be licensed by the USCG...

Here is where I insert opinion: I bet it would be very simple for the courts to differentiate between being charged by a merchant, and a privately owned craft asking for gas money...

Besides, for me, I never make it a requirement, just mention it early on and I have yet to meet anyone that wouldnt help pay for the gas...What if the guest was required to bring the lunch? Then they would technically be "giving" something in return for the ride? Does this also make you liable?

Nope. This comes from years of experience being a boarding officer in the Coast Guard as well as leading and oversight division for the USCGs Credentialing system. *Disclaimer* not speaking for the government, just speaking from experience while apart of the CG.

 

[jcupo6]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

Most people that I take out will offer to pay for gas or lunch. I usually make a note to get gas while they are with me, they seem to be more inclined to offer while you are filling up.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

If your friends go out on your boat and don't offer to pay for something you need new friends.

 

[RAT Attack]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

Most people who go out with us offer to chip in on the gas. I usually ( 90% of the time ) do not accept, so they usually take care of the food, beverages, ice, ect.. If I am out for multiple days with the same person, or people, I will take their $$$ because it gets pretty dang expensive.

 

[tractoman]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

I don't mind picking up the gas, but will let guests bring food and beverages. If they force cash on me I'll take it.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

AZBD,

I look at it this way- I am going out anyway, the boat is gonna drink some fuel during the voyage, regardless of who is on it , although sometimes more, sometimes less. If some others are in the boat sharing the experience of pleasure boating, skiing, whatever, all the better. I never ask for fuel money, never have , never will, although some have chipped in on occasion.

Even better than money is someone who brings aboard some yummy sandwiches, even though we usually have more than enough on hand ourselves.

When we had our multi- family cottage with community boats, it was understood that if you took any of the boats out, you fueled it up for the next user.

 

[sbooy42]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

If I'm already going and invite them...no (I'd burn the gas regardless)

If they ask me to take them...then it depends.. I don't minding taking friends out if its going to be an hour or two... But If I'm playing captain for the entire day (while my fam sits at home) I would expect some type of reimbursement..

 

[Rscardina]

Re: Charging Guest For Gas Money

my 2 cents on charging...

We all have friends..we all like to think they are friends..but something happens when those friends become complaicent to the expenses of having a boat. Lets face it, some of the posts here are 100% right on when you speak about not charging your buddies but they bring beer..or if asked we politely decline, knowing the next time they will do the same..

My problem is that when those friends want a boat but dont want to buy one becasue someone else has one... this is where I get bent. If you want to be on a boat then buy one.. if you want to go out with your buddy then do the right thing..especially if once the season starts you are fishing every weekend.

One other thing.. most of my friends help me out with various other stuff, car repairs, fixing stuff..digging trees...whatever. Those are the ones i dont mind paying for becasue they do for me...so I do in return..

At the ned of the day...the 20 bucks you give your buddy for gas is a **** in the bucket when the first repair is made...