What's expected of a boat passenger?

[10Key]

If I invite someone on my boat, the only expectations are to be ready at the time specified and to heed the safety rules of the boat we discuss before we launch, that's it.

[Rob]

Bananas are supposed to bring bad luck to a boat.

One explanation I heard (probably urban legend) is that in the mariner days with tall ships, bananas would increase the ripening rate of fresh fruit on board and hasten vitamin deficiency aliments like scurvy. 

Seriously though, at a minimum Passengers should pay their share of gas.  perhaps also launch fees.  Food/Snacks are nice too.

Always good to ask the skipper what they expect to avoid misunderstandings. 

[Blacklab]

I always bring Bananas to share

😂😂😂 jonas😉🥃🇺🇸

[Special T]

I think that if your told they dont want anything from you you need to get creative. I like all the other suggestions of food, and such... but perhaps you need to do something that they cannot or would not. If you have the 1 ton truck to haul the rig for them and they dont thats awesome for a haul out or move. Ask the wife if he likes an expensive kind of liquor or cigar, they really expensive kind they likely wouldnt buy them selves but would let everyone know they got it as a gift. Do something else unexpected, line something up with the wife and have the boat detailed, or the guys truck while he is away.

My family has had big boats. Fuel is stupid but only one cost of the ownership. Guestimate the cost of a couple of the trips you have been on and double it. Do something cool and unexpected, and will likely have plenty of outings on the boat in the future.  I belive you get back more than you give... which is why its hard to deal with some one that acts the same way. 

[NRA4LIFE]

I generally do not take gas money as I was going to be out anyway most of the time. I appreciate the offer though.

[rainshadow1]

I've never expected anything of anyone, but I do get a little miffed if people sit there like a charter customer and expect everything done for them. They won't be tagging along again.

I appreciate offers to pitch in for fuel, but only accept if it's not my boat (family boat) or if it was a pretty big adventure with a high bill.

As a guest, I'd offer to pay fuel, I'd bring snacks, I'd be very very active in pitching in, and rigging gear, and helping others with their gear, and cleaning, and even repairing anything that I could that needed it, etc, etc ,etc, and if I caught more fish than others I'd be offering to split equal shares. That's a golden rule approach... in the past I was often the guy with the boat who appreciated that attitude, now I'm often the tag along... so that's what I try to do.

[Skillet]

I generally do not take gas money as I was going to be out anyway most of the time. I appreciate the offer though.

But you do appreciate finding that envelope with some cash in it cleverly hidden where you're sure to find it after your guests leave the boat, don't ya?

For day trips, I really appreciate folks that think about what the trip will need, and bring beer (enough for everybody, but not frat-party quantities) snacks, and a willingness to chip in with the work on deck and cleaning up after.  That will always get another invite.  I'll usually accept a token fuel contribution but rarely ask (my boat doesn't burn much fuel compared to fast boats).

For multi-day trips, we talk full logistics - fuel, food, beverages, gear loss.  That stuff can get expensive really fast.

[blackpowderhunter]

i generally don't ask for/expect much.
what others have said. BE EARLY, not on time.
one thing that's always nice is i have a few buddies who i'll say get to the launch by 5 am, they're there before me, waiting, already having purchased my launch ticket, nice gesture for sure.
offer to help clean after, again like i others i decline because i have my own method to my madness. 
just offer to help and dont be a pain in the a%@.  also, you'll know if you were because you wont get invited out again 

[pickardjw]

I've never expected anything of anyone, but I do get a little miffed if people sit there like a charter customer and expect everything done for them. They won't be tagging along again.

Most of my friends barely know how to put a worm on a hook, so I go into it expecting to do most of the work.

Like others have said though, it's generally nice to have a body so I can run an extra pole(s). That way when I find what's working I can make sure it's in my rodholder. 

[NRA4LIFE]

I generally do not take gas money as I was going to be out anyway most of the time. I appreciate the offer though.

But you do appreciate finding that envelope with some cash in it cleverly hidden where you're sure to find it after your guests leave the boat, don't ya?

For day trips, I really appreciate folks that think about what the trip will need, and bring beer (enough for everybody, but not frat-party quantities) snacks, and a willingness to chip in with the work on deck and cleaning up after.  That will always get another invite.  I'll usually accept a token fuel contribution but rarely ask (my boat doesn't burn much fuel compared to fast boats).

For multi-day trips, we talk full logistics - fuel, food, beverages, gear loss.  That stuff can get expensive really fast.

Haha, that has happened a few times. As others have said, I really appreciate it when anyone helps cleaning up. And unless I know your fileting skills, I don't mind cleaning the fish and crab. Nothing worse than seeing a hatchet job on a salmon filet.

[h20hunter]

Has anyone mentioned......

BE ON TIME.

If I say be ready to go at 815 am that means you are parked, got your ticket, have hit the head, brought your gear to the dock and ready to go. None of that sorry stopped for ice, coffee, gas, snacks etc etc.

[WALLEYEGUY]

Be a minimum of 15 minutes early, give the boat owner your share of the gas at least (right now a day on Roosevelt is $100 from my house) based on the guys fishing 1/3 or 1/2. I dropped $100K on boat and truck you can fess up $50 for gas. Please use my stuff but if you break it you bought and yes it really cost that much. All of this is based on can you afford it and age. Kids are free ALWAYS and bring lots of them (they can can break my stuff, I broke lots in my youth. And always be HELPFUL, I might not take your help but please offer. Because of issues I rarely fish alone, and the guys that help the most get invited the most, as a rule.   

[Jpmiller]

Well I'm almost always staying at my buddy's house when we are going out so least I don't have to worry about being late lol. Thanks for the advice so far. Sounds like I'm on the right track.

[h20hunter]

Ask upfront about booze. Yes, no, their boat their rules. 

[PolarBear]

I never take or expect any money from guests even when I was burning a few hundred $$ in diesel but I always insist on paying when on other peoples boats. Bringing food or drink is okay but not required. I do have rules that are to be followed or you will find yourself on the beach or not invited again. No drugs of any kind, no smoking, no out of control kids, no pets and no getting stupid drunk and being late will get you left behind. Simple help when needed is greatly appreciated.