Originally Posted by Knot 4 Me

Guests are just that - guests. I do not invite people to boat with me to subsidize my hobby. I enjoy the company. I do not ask anything of those I invite to come boating with me. I find with very few exceptions that most folks offer gas money. I always decline the offer. If we stop for food/drink, most will offer to pick up my tab. I sometimes will accept that offer. If we are planning to anchor and eat on the boat, we work out who is bringing what ahead of time with everyone contributing equally.

Originally Posted by phragle

Well, since my boat hasn't seen the water since I started school, Im basically amongst the boat ride moocher crowd. Also being back in school and not working much I am pretty poor. Even at being poor, I try to be generous to the extent I can, offering what I can. whether its a place to crash in the motr home, some beverages (at races I usually have a cooler of beer nd offer freely, I drink capt. so I buy the beer for the purpose of handing out). As for the boat rides, it really depends on who I am boating with. Within my circle of local friends, they know my situation, they know I will help tying up etc. and that if they ever need anything whether its boating related or not, all they have to do is call. With extended friends etc. I do try and offer what I can. I have done a few poker runs with the patriyachts and given gas money, Last weekend I went up to Charlevoix to hang with Wrinkleface on his Nortech, and picked up dinner and drinks. Next summer I will be done with school and either have the nova back in the water or a new boat and I would't expect nor ask anything from my friends for going out on the boat with me. They are my friends, I enjoy spending time with them, thats why they are my friends. I only expect them to have a good time doing something we enjoy. I will invite them because I want to spend time with them and as their host the boat will have gas and the cooler will have beer. Worrying about who chipped in their fair share or who brought what to drink only detracts from the whole purpose of going boating with your friends.

It's been said that 'Thanks Man! doesn't put gas in the tank, but it's that ear to ear grin when a friend says thanks that boating with friends is all about.

Originally Posted by glassdave

There two kind of passengers, those that get it . . . . and those that dont.

Originally Posted by Big Time

Poker runs are different. If I do a poker run I will normally set it up in advance with a buddy or two who are willing to split the entry fee, the understanding being that any winnings will also be split evenly. Seems to keep the costs down and there is some incentive to want to chip in (splitting the pot!). Otherwise I pick up all the other expenses.

Originally Posted by specialk

I am open when people offer to bring food or there own drinks but sometimes that even runs into a little bit of a problem because they want to bring multiple coolers and suit case full of luggage. I have limited space to work with.

Originally Posted by CigDaze

My invited guests pay for nothing on my boat. Lunch or a couple cocktails afterwords are always appreciated, but I expect nothing.