Going out on other people's boats for newbees

[Tim89]

Good post Pete! I only have one more thing to add: don't be late. A fishing trip is usually timed around tide, time of day, etc.--be there when you're supposed to, or at least make a courtesy call if you'll be late, with a good excuse. Sounds like common sense, but it isn't to some people, apparently.

One thing that really helps me out as the boat owner is if the guest(s) bring the food and drink for the trip. There's enough prep work with getting a boat ready that showing up with the food for the day makes things easier on me.

An offer of gas money is always appreciated as a matter of courtesy. Some will take it, some won't. And I can't pull up the reference right now, but I don't think it's true that the trip automatically becomes a charter in exchange for gas money.

Something that impressed the hell out of me when I had a complete stranger on board was when he rinsed the bottoms of his (non black sole) shoes before stepping onboard. I don't do that, but it showed that the guy cared enough not to grind sand into the nonskid. People like that get invited back (and he packed a mean lunch!).

[cumberlandflyguy]

Besides bringing stuff for the trip I always offer to buy breakfast, lunch or dinner before or after the trip depending on when we get back. I also offer to clean all the fish that are being kept (I bring my own knife) and buy ice for the coolers when we are done.

[E-Z MURF]

I don't claim to know the entire law or ruling on this subject but I will attempt to explain the best I can based on my recollection from Boat School, here it goes.

I assure you guys that the USCG does consider "any compensation for services rendered" as payment for a "Charter".

The USCG uses this "rule" as a means of determining who is actually the employing party on board the vessel, usually the Captain/Crew do not offer or are not required to compensate the Captain or the owner of the vessle for services rendered by the vessle, Captain and Crew. Therefore the party receiving transportation or services of the Captain, Crew and Vessle are considered to be the "Chartering Party"

With that said, I understand the lack of distinction by the USCG between commercial and recreational vessels tends to ruffle a few feathers when ever this topic comes up. We must try to understand the reasoning behind it.

Try to remember that the reason it is important has to do with the legal ramifications if something tragic where to happen during the voyage. If the USCG legal system and lawyers need to step in to settle a dispute, the parties onboard the vessle need to be identified/distinguished as "Chartering Party" (receiving services) or "Chartered Vessle" (rendering services).

I hope this helps to explain this topic for those who are scratching their heads in confusion.

E-Z MURF

[Frightnight]

Thanks for the guidlines, it was good advice for all

[Frightnight]

Just wanted to post here cuz, no one has for awile. This was a great room, I got to fish with a few people from this site, and was never at a loss for someone to fish with anymore. matter of fact, there were many other people who responded to me through this, that I meant to hook up with, but never got the chance because there were so many I was already fishing with at any given moment. I do apoligize to those people, and still have their info for hopefully, future trips.

[Frightnight]

Did a trip share Saturday night with "Kickin Bass Ass", for the first time.
Bad first trip though.....we got skunked....with the exception of a blue, and a dogfish!!!