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Other Activities => Fishing => Topic started by: Jpmiller on April 18, 2022, 08:07:51 AM


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Title: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: Jpmiller on April 18, 2022, 08:07:51 AM
So recognizing everyone is different but what's a normal expectation of a boat passengers contribution on a fishing trip?. My buddy's old man had a nice big boat and is super generous taking anyone out pretty much whenever they want. He is also super against anyone buying fuel, lunch, whatever. He did let me pull it out of the water and to a paint shop for him once since I have way more trailering experience than him and in his words "I'm tired of paying the marina to fix the stuff I keep hitting" but that's about as far as he will go.

His son bought a boat last year and I've known him way too long and way too well to put up with him trying to let me be a freeloader on trips so I'm curious from you boat owners what's a reasonable, appreciated contribution from someone you're taking out for a day?
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 18, 2022, 08:14:41 AM
I always chip in for gas and bring food.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: Rob on April 18, 2022, 08:17:54 AM
I always bring Bananas to share
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: Fishmaker57 on April 18, 2022, 08:19:13 AM
For me, it's a judgement call on the situation, as each one can be vastly different. If I'm going fishing, and there is room on the boat, they don't pay. I am fortunate to be in a position where I make a good living, and don't really need the money. It also depends on the people going. I take people who love to fish, but don't have a boat, and really can't afford to pay a guide, again, they pay nothing. I also have a bunch of friends who are in similar situations as me, make a good living, and can afford to chip in. In those situations, I am ok with them helping on fuel, but we split it up. As for food and gear, I am particular on how I fish for Salmon, so we use my gear. My wife doesn't let anyone go hungry, and is usually along to run the gear while I drive.

 :twocents:
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: phildobaggins on April 18, 2022, 08:21:05 AM
I always bring Bananas to share

Is there a story behind this?  :chuckle:
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: Stein on April 18, 2022, 08:24:04 AM
It's really dependent on the person and situation.  I don't expect anything from anyone, most of the time I'm just happy to have the company and extra rod in the water.  It also depends on what the trip entails.  Some cost a few bucks and some involve a hundred gallons of fuel, hundreds of pounds of ice, tons of bait and hours cleaning up the boat afterward.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: Cylvertip on April 18, 2022, 08:24:35 AM
I always bring Bananas to share

Is there a story behind this?  :chuckle:
I always bring Bananas to share

Is there a story behind this?  :chuckle:

 :bdid:
 :yike:
Yeah, Harry Belefonte sang a song about it.  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 18, 2022, 08:24:56 AM
I always bring Bananas to share

Is this why?
t=212s
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: wafisherman on April 18, 2022, 08:25:04 AM
Sounds like you are on the right track.  I've been on both sides of this many times.  Just depends on the relationship and expectations.  As the 'captain', I don't ask for anything.  If they are good company, they will be invited again.  If they offer stuff, I may or may not accept.  And when I'm a passenger, I may offer a number of things along the way, and just generally try and be helpful and ask what I can do.

Some ideas:
Bring good food, snacks, drinks to share.  (But be careful of assuming alcohol is good to go - find out first.)
Prepping the boat and cleaning the boat after - helping keep it clean and organized during the trip
Offer to pay for gas, lunch, dinner, etc.  Or just hand over some cash and say thanks after the trip.

Important:
Be early - not just on time.
Stay as long as the captain wants unless you agree ahead of time to be done at a certain time
Ask what the boat rules are and captains expectations
Never just sit and watch - ask how you can help.
Bring your own bait and gear unless already discussed ahead of time.
Assume the role of the deck hand, not the paying client who just sits there and has stuff done for them
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: PointBlank on April 18, 2022, 08:27:41 AM
Which the current price of fuel tuna trips will be particularly expensive this year. Pitching in for gas is a must. Bring food and help wash the boat down after returning to the ramp :twocents:
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: ASHQUACK on April 18, 2022, 08:42:02 AM
I don't want to sound like an a-hole but, I expect nothing except for whomever is fishing with me to understand that I'm the captain of the boat, period. Gas money can fall under compensation for fishing so be very careful because you get  into guide/charter issues with licensing and such.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: fishngamereaper on April 18, 2022, 08:51:01 AM
Splitting fuel is the norm...it's not compensation because it's a cost of goods not service's.
If you break gear pay for it.
Offer to help clean but on my boat I'll respectfully decline...I do it my way.
Bring your own food/ drinks. Offer to share.
Don't grab your catch and bug out at the end of the day. Learn to clean fish and help with processing...that's my biggest pet peeve.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: metlhead on April 18, 2022, 09:07:25 AM
My boat is snacks/drinks only. And you need to do all the deckhanding, and catch fish.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: metlhead on April 18, 2022, 09:09:00 AM
Forgot to mention, forget my snacks and you go hungry🤨
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: pickardjw on April 18, 2022, 09:16:16 AM
On the gulf coast it was usually splitting gas, ice, food, beer, etc. Coordinate any gear you need to bring. Pretty normal stuff. When you get back to the dock the expectaction is that you help clean the boat or the fish.

Mu uncle used to weed out his daughter's boyfriends with the last one.

Since I'm just running a 14' aluminum with a 15 horse up here in fresh water, I just expect people to not flake and brind whatever food / snacks they need. And to hold the rope at the ramp :chuckle:
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: 10Key on April 18, 2022, 10:26:37 AM
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.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: Rob on April 18, 2022, 10:28:25 AM
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. 
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: Blacklab on April 18, 2022, 10:50:33 AM
I always bring Bananas to share

😂😂😂 jonas😉🥃🇺🇸
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: Special T on April 18, 2022, 11:00:31 AM
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.  :twocents:
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: NRA4LIFE on April 18, 2022, 11:36:25 AM
I generally do not take gas money as I was going to be out anyway most of the time. I appreciate the offer though.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: rainshadow1 on April 18, 2022, 11:53:12 AM
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.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: Skillet on April 18, 2022, 11:55:29 AM
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.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: blackpowderhunter on April 18, 2022, 12:02:15 PM
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  :chuckle:
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: pickardjw on April 18, 2022, 12:17:09 PM
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.  :chuckle:
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: NRA4LIFE on April 18, 2022, 12:33:04 PM
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.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: h20hunter on April 18, 2022, 12:56:33 PM
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.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: WALLEYEGUY on April 18, 2022, 01:03:52 PM
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.   
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: Jpmiller on April 18, 2022, 01:30:18 PM
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.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: h20hunter on April 18, 2022, 01:32:39 PM
Ask upfront about booze. Yes, no, their boat their rules. 
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: PolarBear on April 18, 2022, 03:23:59 PM
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.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: trophyhunt on April 18, 2022, 04:08:22 PM
I always bring Bananas to share
:chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: Caseyd on April 18, 2022, 04:08:48 PM
Spend a day figuring out exactly how they like things done and where they go on their boat. One less person they have to worry about and you can help them with other people. Having a “first mate” makes the day a lot more enjoyable.


I usually offer to pay all the gas but like said some won’t take it.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: trophyhunt on April 18, 2022, 04:10:44 PM
I always have the wife make killer sandwiches for the captain.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: PolarBear on April 19, 2022, 03:43:04 PM
This
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: rasbo on April 19, 2022, 06:13:14 PM
This
nailed it!!!! Took a guy out and after a few slow hrs the bite was on. Then he says,well what do you think? I said about what? He said going in, that he has dogs at home. I took him in and that's the last time for him. I don't expect anything from anyone except be on time and rinse the piss jug 3 times. If I say 5am at 5:03am I'm gone if your not there
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: Timberstalker on April 19, 2022, 06:51:31 PM
Thank goodness, I’ll see you at 5:02 tomorrow morning, Rasbo!! 


 :chuckle:
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: rasbo on April 19, 2022, 06:57:54 PM
Thank goodness, I’ll see you at 5:02 tomorrow morning, Rasbo!!   :yike: :chuckle:


 :chuckle:
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: elkrack on April 19, 2022, 07:04:07 PM
This

Well what if I have my limit though :chuckle:
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: rasbo on April 19, 2022, 07:26:34 PM
This

Well what if I have my limit though :chuckle:
swimming is an option, :chuckle:
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: castie2504 on April 19, 2022, 07:50:29 PM
All of the aforementioned and my personal favorite… Don’t be an idiot. Those of you who’ve had ‘em on your boat know what I’m talking about…
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: elkrack on April 19, 2022, 08:05:31 PM
All of the aforementioned and my personal favorite… Don’t be an idiot. Those of you who’ve had ‘em on your boat know what I’m talking about…

One of the guides on the Colombia had a group of guys that had been partying all night could barely get in the boat and proceeded to be extremely loud all day! It was priceless to watch from afar :chuckle:
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: elkrack on April 19, 2022, 08:06:40 PM
 
This

Well what if I have my limit though :chuckle:
swimming is an option, :chuckle:

 :chuckle:
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: castie2504 on April 19, 2022, 08:38:45 PM
Proper boat etiquette from a couple pro passengers/deckhands.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: castie2504 on April 19, 2022, 08:39:29 PM
Yup
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: Night goat on April 20, 2022, 06:44:44 PM
this is a good thread.....

when it comes to taking people out on my sailboat, its very appreciated when drinks, snacks, booze, and good attitudes come on board, along with patients and the understanding that we arent going to get there fast, i know what im doing, and that they abide by the golden rule.....

the golden rule is if you flush something down the head that wasnt supposed to go down the head, you clog the head, you get to fix the head.

the unspoken rule thats also very much appreciated, wipe your feet before getting on my boat, and help keep the boat clean as we go. if you are unsure of something say something, we are all there to have a good time.

in the past when ive had my fishing boat, everybody chips in for gas bait, and either bring your own sack lunch or chip in at the store and we all go in together on beer and fixins

no matter what boat im on, whether its mine or from an invite or a friends boat, skipper gets the first fish

when it comes to fishing with the drift boat, offer to play shuttle driver, chip in for the gas for the tow rig, buy the beer, bring lunch to share

help take the burden off of the boat owner because no matter if its sail oar or engine powered its still a helluva lot more expensive and involved than just showing up at the dock to a ready-to-go boat and having it be all sunshine and smiles. offer to help fix stuff and do stuff with the boat when its not in the water, and you will always have a seat on the next adventure, and always be the guy who stays late with the boat owner to help clean up and put everything away
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: Gun smoke on April 29, 2022, 03:41:29 PM
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.

Spot on ! I always tell folks that get invited “ I was going even if you didn’t come”
Good boat manners are mostly common sense . Offer to help , and don’t be a slob
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: Cylvertip on May 30, 2022, 02:35:25 PM
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. 
     What I have heard is that bananas are an easy snack to take on a boat.  They are often called a super food, so again a good choice for a snack.  So if your a small village fisherman, say out of the Caribbean, and you need something to tied you and your boat mate over for the day, a bunch of bananas is an easy thing to grab.  The problem comes from the poisonous tarantulass that hide in those bunches in the trees and now are in that bunch on a small boat. Hence the Belafonte' song. Supposedly it would happen occasionally that a missing fisherman or men would be found adrift in his boat, dead.  Nothing amiss in the boat, but a ripe bunch of bananas was sitting their with him/ them.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: Fishstiq on June 29, 2022, 11:12:04 AM
Be on time.  If you are late, get out your cellphone, because I love getting pictures of the boat from a distance as I'm headed out to fish! 

Offer gas $ or launch fees or whatever.  Clearly from this thread, some will accept and some won't.  The gesture will always be appreciated regardless.

My biggest pet peeve, don't stand in the damn doorway to the cabin!!  I don't know why, but this is the hang out spot for people their first time on the boat.  There is no more of an inconvenient place to plant yourself.  If you are fishing, get on your gear.  If you aren't, stand off to the side or go inside and sit.  If I have to go from deck to cabin or vice versa, I don't want to have to move someone every damn time. 

Lastly, if your captain gives any kind of a safety brief, listen up.  I do it every time on our boat.  I am not telling you where the life jackets are, where the throw device or fire extinguisher are, or pointing out the mayday button on the radio for my health.  Every year there are stories about people who go out fishing, thinking they will be having a good time on the water, and ending up in some very unfortunate situations that could easily have been avoided.  If you take safety on the boat seriously, it's a lot easier to relax and actually have fun!

We have a rule on our boat, that anyone can call off the trip at any time for any reason, no questions asked.  If someone has to go in, cool, we go in.  Later on there will be a discussion about what happened and why, but in the moment I don't want anyone not speaking up for fear of being embarrassed or mocked or whatever. 
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: haftard on June 29, 2022, 11:50:01 AM

We have a rule on our boat, that anyone can call off the trip at any time for any reason, no questions asked.  If someone has to go in, cool, we go in.  Later on there will be a discussion about what happened and why, but in the moment I don't want anyone not speaking up for fear of being embarrassed or mocked or whatever.

I love this rule I'm gonna add it to my boat launch safety talk.

Now I ain't no boat captain and Ive got a pretty small boat compared to some of y'all.
Rule #1 is if your not early you are late. If I say the boat is launching at 530 that means we need your stuff in the boat ready to go.

Rule #2 if all your stuff can't fit in a back pack and or in your seat you don't need to bring it.

Rule #3 is have fun. People get upset over some of the dumbest stuff and it can almost ruin a trip when someone picks up a bad attitude.

Rule #4 is listen to me. It's my boat, my gear, my rods, my gas, ect.

Rule #5 is my wife can break any of these rules at any time because it's also "her boat" .... I don't much care for this rule.

Rule #6 don't stand in the back of my boat. Damn it thing sits too low in the water for everyone to be crowded by the motors.

Now ways to get yourself invited again. Gas money, snacks, lunch, breakfast. If you break something offer to pay for it or fix it.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: Odell on July 02, 2022, 07:09:44 PM
It's different when you're a guest vrs host.

If I invite you, I don't expect anything except be safe and exercise common sense. You're a guest. Just like if I invited you to my house for dinner, I wouldn't expect you to chip in some $$ for whatever we ate. It's weird to me to think about a bunch of rules for anyone on my boat. All day ocean trips I can see why guys want to split gas and ice, that makes sense, just tell your guest ahead of time. Clarity brings harmony lol.

If I'm a guest I work hard to be the best guest I can be.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: MADMAX on July 02, 2022, 08:03:58 PM
I used to go with a guy that split everything 50-50
Right down to ice and panko for the fish frys
Kept all the receipts
End of the trip he’d send you a bill


Me in my boat
Throw me some gas $
I’m happy
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on July 02, 2022, 08:11:38 PM
Nothing!
.
Don't expect.
.
Invite.

.
If they don't contribute, don't invite again.
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: D-Rock425 on July 02, 2022, 08:15:25 PM
Drink beer pull crab pots what more do you want?
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: jeffro on July 02, 2022, 10:42:37 PM
Only 2 rules, BYOB & Captain gets first fish, regardless of who hooked it!
Options:
Wear your life jacket (supplied) unless your a moron
Bring food( no bananas) if a simple sandwich and snacks won’t be enough
Listen to your Captain unless you think you can swim to shore
Enjoy the free ride
Title: Re: What's expected of a boat passenger?
Post by: Blacklab on July 03, 2022, 12:12:10 PM
Drink beer pull crab pots what more do you want?

 :yeah: :tup: :brew:
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