How do you other boatowners deal with the delicate subject of money and divers?

[grey2112]

Note - please do not take this as whining, complaining, etc. And I especially don't want the guys who dove with me the other day to think I'm upset with them with regards to the money they chipped in for gas.
However, I was wondering how you other boat owners out there handle this delitcate issue. Do you simply factor in your gallons used vs. known MPG and split the bill evenly (including yourself in there as contributor?)

Do you factor in other things like wear and tear, insurance, taxes, maintenance, upkeep, etc.?
When people ask me how much they owe me for gas I never know what to say - if I say a figure that seems too much I'd feel bad that they might think they are getting jipped. I honestly love the companionship and the numbers provided by some people are actually worth something since I have so few. If it weren't for these guys joining me I wouldn't be going out at all since my wife doesn't dive.

Also, I wonder if telling someone in advance what the cost was based on expected miles driven, could that be interpreted as hiring out, which is illegal unless you have the proper licenses?

 

[maniago]

Not a boat owner, so I'm interested in the answers. But if I was a boat owner, I'd do it the way I do for sharing a long car ride with me - the cost of gas. Period. All the other things that come with being the owner, asking for a split on that seems petty. I could see helping to muck out the boat or cleaning up if its docked etc. But that's payment in sweat equity, not cash. Still, I could be all wet on this one...

 

[rhwestfall]

I think its better to have them on board, and then go to the gas dock. Then on the way back, decide to "top it back off".... watch the sheer horror in their eyes......

What do they bring? Food? Beverages? Air for me?

They get one chance to figure it out.....

---------- Post added February 18th, 2014 at 06:31 PM ----------

I had a guy once on my boat. Was the partner of another guy that was diving with us.... Ran the boat 15 miles down to the next marina to pick him up, then about 5 miles out offshore to the wreck. Brought him back to "his" marina, and he handed my buddy "a couple bucks" - his actual words. He got in his Mercedes and drove off. We drive over to the gas dock for a long haul home (45 miles), and the money was literally 5 X $1.00 bills.....

 

[MaxBottomtime]

I don't ask, nor expect money. I wouldn't ask for food money or a portion of my rent if I have someone over for dinner. If someone insists I will add their money to the cost of gas, but I wouldn't charge someone if I was going out anyway.

 

[jcaplins]

If the boating world anything like the aviation world, then you can equally split the direct operation costs; which is basically fuel and oil (and maybe fees associated with the trip: launch, mooring, etc...). So, no chipping in for maintenance, storage, insurance, etc.

If all your friends owned a share of the boat then all the costs of ownership would be shared by the partners and the direct cost of the trip would be shared by those that went on that trip.

 

[rhwestfall]

Not a boat owner, so I'm interested in the answers. But if I was a boat owner, I'd do it the way I do for sharing a long car ride with me - the cost of gas. Period. All the other things that come with being the owner, asking for a split on that seems petty. I could see helping to muck out the boat or cleaning up if its docked etc. But that's payment in sweat equity, not cash. Still, I could be all wet on this one...

boats get (generously) 1 mile/gallon.....

 

[Dan1219]

My Dive Buddies and I follow this golden rule for private boat diving- YOU SUPPLY THE BOAT WE PAY FOR THE GAS. My analysis of all the costs associated with boat ownership make this the most equitable agreement This rule ensures a GREAT day on the water for everyone, and hopefully a boat owner who knows we appreciate them and their boat.

 

[maniago]

boats get (generously) 1 mile/gallon.....

So then it would seem that splitting cost for gas is even more appropriate than any other expense, yes?

 

[Doubler]

I was under the impression that if you took money for gas you were consider a professional by the Coast Guard and were required to have a 6 pack license? I never asked for or required gas money when I had my boat. I even think this applies to soda and food as it is considered payment.


Wookie?

 

[Wookie]

I was under the impression that if you took money for gas you were consider a professional by the Coast Guard and were required to have a 6 pack license? I never asked for or required gas money when I had my boat. I even think this applies to soda and food as it is considered payment.


Wookie?

Truth. Hang on....

The whole long requirements is found here: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvic/pdf/1994/n7-94.pdf

The definition of passenger for hire is: 'passenger for hire' means a passenger for whom consideration is contributed as a
condition of carriage on the vessel, whether directly or indirectly flowing to the owner, charterer, operator, agent, or any other person having an interest in the vessel.".


DESCRIPTION


- The determination of what constitutes the carriage of a "passenger for hire" must be made on a case by case basis. This determination is dependent upon the actual operation of a vessel and the flow of consideration as determined by the facts of each case. In general, there needs to be some form of tangible consideration or promise of performance being passed for a "passenger for hire" situation to exist.

SEC. 507. CONSIDERATION.
Section 2101 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting between paragraphs (5) and (6) a new paragraph (5a) to read as follows:

"(5a) 'consideration' means an economic benefit, inducement, right, or profit including pecuniary payment accruing to an individual, person, or entity, but not including a voluntary sharing of the actual expenses of the voyage, by monetary contribution or donation of fuel, food, beverage, or other supplies.".

DESCRIPTION
- Section 507 amends 46 U.S.C. 2101 by adding a definition of the term "consideration." Although this term was used in the prior definition of a "passenger," it was not previously defined by statute. Generally, some tangible amount of worth exchanged for carriage on a vessel such as payment, exchange of goods or a promise of performance is required. "Consideration" does not include a voluntary sharing of the actual expenses of a voyage. Additionally, employees or

business clients that have not contributed for their carriage, and are carried for morale or entertainment purposes is not included as exchange of consideration.

The way I read the statute is that you may not ask for food, fuel, drinks, etc. If your passenger voluntarily gives it to you, they are not passengers for hire. If they are asked for contributions, they are considered passengers for hire, and the operator must obtain a license.