Need advice...

[Stoo]

Do you folks have a "policy" with regards to frequent guests contributing to the gas bill for your boats? A diving friend of mine just sold his boat and pretty much said it didn't make much sense to have his own boat when I had one that was better/bigger/faster than his. In the past, he has offered to bring the beer as his contribution to the fuel tab! (Two beers = $3.00) I don't mind treating on occasion, but on some longer trips, I can easily drop $75 on fuel (plus oil, wear etc.).

Any suggestions?

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by Stoo

Do you folks have a "policy" with regards to frequent guests contributing to the gas bill for your boats? A diving friend of mine just sold his boat and pretty much said it didn't make much sense to have his own boat when I had one that was better/bigger/faster than his. In the past, he has offered to bring the beer as his contribution to the fuel tab! (Two beers = $3.00) I don't mind treating on occasion, but on some longer trips, I can easily drop $75 on fuel (plus oil, wear etc.).

Any suggestions?

If out for fun with mates, I tend to go with splitting the bill for fuel, food, berthing by the number of people on board. That obviously means I end up paying for oil and wear and tear on the boat etc, but that's not too much of an issue.

I found if out wakeboarding or something the fuel bill could be pretty big, and I didn't fancy covering it!

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Stoo

Do you folks have a "policy" with regards to frequent guests contributing to the gas bill for your boats? A diving friend of mine just sold his boat and pretty much said it didn't make much sense to have his own boat when I had one that was better/bigger/faster than his. In the past, he has offered to bring the beer as his contribution to the fuel tab! (Two beers = $3.00) I don't mind treating on occasion, but on some longer trips, I can easily drop $75 on fuel (plus oil, wear etc.).

Any suggestions?

I'd pretty much say there's no point in you paying all the upkeep when there's 2 of you using the boat...

That's cheeky as f**K of him.

[Biggles]

Split everything down the middle. If he doesn't like it don't take him. As you said you got all the hassle of any repair bills and the maintenance etc.

[Limey Linda]

I do this quite often in the role as the guest. This is because I travel long distances to visit friends and there is no point in towing a boat there. I generally work on the principle of paying my share of the fuel/fees ( estimated total divided by number of people) plus beer/ food etc. for myself and owner. I think this is fair and have alway's been invited back. I also try to do my fair share of the work, launching, recovery, clean up etc. There was nothing that used to P me off more than; after an invited day out on a sailing boat than the people that disembarked at Marina, with " I gotta go" and did not stay to pack sails and clean up. The above used to be standard practice.

[Stoo]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

That's cheeky as f**K of him.

LOL... It's nice to know I'm not the only one who feels this way! I don't give this a second thought with friends who come up once in a while, but this chap has a habit of showing up every week...!

[Ezgoing]

Funny stuff this.

I come from a tradition where the boat owner pays all. If I decide to play the part of the boat owner then I feel I must pay. This also gives me the right to decide who come with me, itinerary etc. For me this is all part of ownership. If someone wants the benefit of ownership then either purchase or enter a partnership. To help me on this I try to have a wide circle of boatmates/crew. that way I can usually find someone who will go along with my particular whims for my chosen trip.

rgds

[Aidan]

Originally Posted by Stoo

Do you folks have a "policy" with regards to frequent guests contributing to the gas bill for your boats? A diving friend of mine just sold his boat and pretty much said it didn't make much sense to have his own boat when I had one that was better/bigger/faster than his. In the past, he has offered to bring the beer as his contribution to the fuel tab! (Two beers = $3.00) I don't mind treating on occasion, but on some longer trips, I can easily drop $75 on fuel (plus oil, wear etc.).

Any suggestions?

Hi Stoo, I am no evaluator of friends but only you know the answer to your specific question. However, if its gettin on your wick, and he/she is your friend, then you owe it to them to tell them straight so they understand.
Your friend is only guilty as I see it of being insensitive but perhaps this is because they feel that they are close enough to do this like Brother or sister would. However, if they are good friend then you must tell them, its how you do it that counts. This is where I leave you as I am too direct from here on in... do sort it tho, as it will only take from your friendship

[pathalla]

Most of the people I run with are boaters and have been for some time, including my eight year old daughter. Kids being the exception, if we go for an outing adults tagging along kick in for the gas and dockage and bring food and drinks. If I am heading out on my inflatable I expect at least half the gas cost and the crew pays for dockage if we end up in a marina that requires payment. They sure as hell better bring their own drinks/food as well although I always have some on board for guests, new acquaintances etc. etc. I always offer gas money and bring along refreshments if going out on someone else's boat, common courtesy. If I have extended an invitation nothing is expected but contributions demonstrate "appreciation". After all, boating is expensive, most boats cost at least five figures if not six, plus the associated costs we all know about. If someone wants to go along they are enjoying the experience of being on the water on a extraordinary craft (rib) its not free for the owner, why should it be free for them?

[Tim M]

I used to work out how much it was each and split it with everyone for the petrol. This isn't always easy with student sorts! Now I pay for the petrol and get them to buy me lunch and a few drinks. Most people normally offer to gve me something which is nice. However, what really p**ses me off is one my friend's boyfriend - he never offers to give me anything or offers to buy me anything. Ive only taken him out a couple of times with her but I thought it was really rude as the day cost me quite a bit and I went to all the effort.