Gas money policy

[CarZin]

Just curious.

How many of you solicit gas money for taking people riding? I am a new boat owner, and now that gas is $4.50 on the lake, not to mention $210 a month in storage fees, a hefty boat payment, and free equipment (I bought boards of multiple sizes and bindings so everyone can ride without having to buy or bring their stuff). I dont think asking everyone to chip in towards the pro rata fuel at the end of the day is much to ask. I am going out 4-5 times a month, and the past 3 trips out have averaged about $100 in gas for the day. I'd love to provide it for free, but its simple economics.

The policy I have adopted is when I invite my friends, I politely ask them that at the end of the day I would really appreciate them chipping in towards the fuel if they had a good time. I dont expect money if they don't ride.

I own an airplane and have done the same thing. When I go on trips, everyone splits the gas evenly. I was told this would never work when I first bought my airplane, but 6 years and 100 passengers later, I've taken a ton of trips with repeat passengers that have no problem chipping in. I dont think anyone has ever been offended by the idea, and if they were, I didnt want them with me anyway.

[csuggs]

I guess it's all in what you want to do. I don't expect anyone I take with me to pay for gas, but if someone offered I would accept only from those that go with me frequently and can afford it - and sometimes they do.

[haugy]

I guess it's all in what you want to do. I don't expect anyone I take with me to pay for gas, but if someone offered I would accept only from those that go with me frequently and can afford it - and sometimes they do.

This. I am most likely going out, with or without friends. So having them along is just fun for the company. I choose not to get into any sport where I have to ask my friends for contributions for them to enjoy it with me. No insult meant by this, just my opinion.

[cadunkle]

Depends on your crew.If they can afford $20-$30 great, if not... Well it is what it is. For me it's like pulling teeth to get 2 other people together so I can ride. I make people aware of the costs of owning a boat, and they know how much 40 gallons of gas cost, but I don't push the issue. I rarely get gas money, so I give free pulls. If I don't, I don't have a crew and don't get to ride.

It sucks, but it's better than sitting at home looking at the boat on a nice 80* day with no wind. In my case bills get paid off slower (student loans) and life gets put on hold for longer, but I love to ride so I'll give up plenty of other things before I give up riding (TV, meals out, restoring my classic car, etc.). What I do though for the younger guys that come out with me is ask them to help clean up the boat and put gear away. Usually they're happy to help and I can sit back and crack a beer while they wash off the boat, clean out the gear and trash from the day, and do any other cleaning up that needs doing. It's sort of my unofficial policy, if you're riding on my dime you have to clean up and put things away. I may bitch and moan to myself about not getting gas money, but at the end of the day I'm glad to get people out on the water having fun.

[CarZin]

Well, I'm not taking out college kids where money is an issue. When I'm out, I'm with adults that are professionals that make plenty of money. I also dont have problems filling the boat with 8-10 people.

I honestly get more enjoyment out of pulling others than going myself, but it is nice for the riders to give back.

[cmtaylor777]

I don't usually ask for money, but I won't turn it down. Unfortunately, Most people don't realize what goes in to having a boat. I always say...The best people to invite to hang out on your boat, is Boat owners. Jet is a frequent flier on my boat and I have to say...He always chips in. But then again...I should get paid extra for having to put up with him.

I say if you get cash...it's a bonus. I absolutely expect help on the clean up though.

No cash, No help.......no return invite!

[Okie Boarder]

Mine all depends on who it is. If I'm inviting someone to come along for the experience and company, I don't expect anything. If it is a regular rider on my boat that is more or less inviting themselves, I appreciate any contribution. I have a couple friends with boats and I ride with them, too. In those cases it's kind of a trade off. A few times out on mine, a few times out on yours and it's all good.

[wolff]

We had one guy in our group with a nice boat and he could not afford the gas for his boat and he made it custom that it is $10 a pull. Now there is 4 of us with nice boats and that has become the stardard when we ride during the week (we try to get out twice a week). New people see this happen and Luckly they fall right into the paying habit so far.



One the weekend i will have a boat full of family and freind i just feel happy to get money.

I usualy do not worry about i got a good job and aslong as the crew and I have fun and every stays out of trouble then it is a good day money or not.

[michael hunter]

I don't expect it but is customary to chip in for gas . I wish I had a friend with a boat like mine and all I had to do is buy the gas and ride .

A** GRASS or GAS nobody rides free

[chrisk]

Something interesting that one of my buddies is considering on the Mississippi - a card-swiper add-on for his smart phone.

This guy is the "founder" of Mizzou's ski team and still stays in contact with all of us on the team so we are ALWAYS going over to his place to do some riding/skiing. Some weekends he'll go through $200 worth of gas. Most of the time he doesn't care, like during the week. But on weekends when he's dropping that kind of coin he gets irritated when people take advantage of him, especially because we all know what it takes to own a boat. SO, he's considering purchasing a card swiper and the app to go along with it for his phone. That way people don't have to worry about bringing cash and he can just split up the gas cost evenly. Should be pretty slick.

Thoughts?

[ditchsnake]

I don't usually ask for money, but I won't turn it down. Unfortunately, Most people don't realize what goes in to having a boat. I always say...The best people to invite to hang out on your boat, is Boat owners. Jet is a frequent flier on my boat and I have to say...He always chips in. But then again...I should get paid extra for having to put up with him.

I say if you get cash...it's a bonus. I absolutely expect help on the clean up though.

No cash, No help.......no return invite!
Family is the worst. My wifes kids (adults with their own kids) expect it all. Free rides but the worst is no help. Just grab their $hit and head for the car when the day is done. I do have a good friend that has his own bout. It's an I/O so he likes riding in the Supra but always insists on taking us out on his boat to make it fair. People should offer a little money and always help cleaning up. I wouldn't ask but it's the right thing to do.

[CarZin]

I actually have an interesting situation coming up. Small family reunion at my aunts. Normally the crowd uses their boat the entire weekend (fri to sun). The boat is not in good shape. I think the way I'll handle it is let everyone know the first $200 in gas is on me. After that, it's on them.

[michael hunter]

ditchsnake
How is a ride on an IO a fair trade? I would rather just pay for the gas and use my boat.

ngaudba
Those Georgia folks know how to do it. I just moved here from Indiana the people are so nice here I'm going in to sugar shock.

[jmpotter]

I took my wife's family last year for a long weekend. As we loaded up, I was handed a large sum of cash. Surprised but not shocked, I returned 40% of it since it appeared to be way too much. I figure I'm going to fill my boat up if I'm going anyway regardless of who shows up, but know skiing several days adds a second tank of gas for sure. I have no guilt taking money if they offer, but would never be offended if they don't. I just didn't expect them to pay for both tanks of fuel and more.
I was cleaning out my boat last weekend and somebody had stuffed several bills into my captain's chair pocket right next to my gas key. Sneaky Bas*****.

Your family is welcome at my place anytime!

[Matt Laird]

I've never asked for $ from anyone riding on my boat, however I live on the lake & fill up @ the marina before docking the boat. Once people in the boat actually see me put over $100 in fuel, more often than not they will generiously hand over some cash...

[Ptownkid]

This season I will pretty much be demanding $15-$20 from anyone who spend any time in the water behind the boat...it's just way too expensive now.

Last June i was buying my gas for 95 cents Canadian a litre, this year it's already $1.35. Oil companies are making a killing...wish my profit margins rose by 40% in 12 months.

[doofus]

Wow, most of you Yanks seem to be a very generous bunch.

The price of petrol in Australia is far more expensive than what you guys are paying, and as such, it has been almost mandatory for years here that if you ride behind a boat, you pay your share of the fuel cost.

I have a lot of mates that charge between $10 - $20 per ride behind their boats, a lot of others start the day of with a full tank, and what it costs to fill it back up at the end of the day is then divided up by how many is in the crew and everybody pays an equal share.

I usually charge $20 for the day, but I also supply all food and drinks for the day, so my crew get off pretty lightly...

It is pretty much accepted in Australia that you wont get another invite out in the boat if you don't contribute to the fuel cost for the day!!!

And yes, like ngavdba, I sometimes find extra cash hidden in all sorts of strange places when I am cleaning the boat at the end of the day.

[Skylar18]

If we ask people out, we don't expect anything. Since we surf so much now, I look at additional people as ballast!

However, if they offer I will sometime accept it, or if we go out to lunch or dinner on the lake, people on my boat 9 times out of 10 pay for our meal.

[iwakeboard]

My friends always remember the days when we were broke college students with an old repo'd boat with a rotten floor, we hardly had money for gas so we'd always split it. We still do it the same way as graduates with jobs.

[KG's Supra24]

My friends always remember the days when we were broke college students with an old repo'd boat with a rotten floor, we hardly had money for gas so we'd always split it. We still do it the same way as graduates with jobs.

This is pretty much my situation as well. We went from the college days of splitting gas to it being part of the weekend now. I also have a regular group that knows how much time goes into the boat and they also ride ALOT. We have no problem spending $200 on gas each weekend and most weekends, I make it out under $50. They know it costs and they know how much they ride and dont seem to have a problem pitching in. And yes, i do expect them to pitch in.

Anyone new that comes along usually sees one of the regulars hand me some cash and they usually follow suit. If i go on a friends boat, I always throw in some gas money.

[Patrick56]

Mixed bag for me. I have never asked for gas money from passengers, and I don't plan on starting. In the past I have usually turned down $ from friends and folks we invited out on the boat unless they were very persistent, but I will probably rethink that this year. Like some others on here, I have had good luck with passengers bringing beer and buying meals for me. It costs to own a boat, time with friends on the water is usually worth it! We just might be floating a little more this year!

[csuggs]

Mixed bag for me. I have never asked for gas money from passengers, and I don't plan on starting. In the past I have usually turned down $ from friends and folks we invited out on the boat unless they were very persistent, but I will probably rethink that this year. Like some others on here, I have had good luck with passengers bringing beer and buying meals for me. It costs to own a boat, time with friends on the water is usually worth it! We just might be floating a little more this year!

I heard that! Gas is just over $4/gal here and headed north. I told my son the other day that we may only be able to put the boat in and float until gas comes down!

[jet]

Ha..ha..ha Chad. I dont expect money either. I only take people I want to hangout with, It makes it alot more fun. But, I will take it if they offer.

[Bkrobz]

I just bought a couple of these t-shirts and almost without fail someone will make a comment.

http://www.zazzle.com/my_boat_doesnt_run_on_thanks_tshirt-235908720485023167

I use my boat to primarily take my employees out on the lake so it's a nice write-off and I have a good time as well.

When I don't use it for work, I always wear the t-shirt and when someone offers, I'll laugh and play it down and say I just thought the shirt was funny. Then I'll tell them the first trip is on me but if they come again I would definitely appreciate the help. It works every time. Most of the people that go with me now have gone before and always bring $$ to help out. Works out well and I don't feel like a chump asking for money.

[Okie Boarder]

LOL! Love the shirt.

[ditchsnake]

ditchsnake
How is a ride on an IO a fair trade? I would rather just pay for the gas and use my boat.

ngaudba
Those Georgia folks know how to do it. I just moved here from Indiana the people are so nice here I'm going in to sugar shock.

It's not. But it makes my buddy happy.

[DAFF]

I think good friends will allways find a way to repay you!!

[iwakeboard]

I think good friends will allways find a way to repay you!!

I think that's a bit altruistic, I had a friend once "repay me" by buying me a pint at $1.50 pint night :D

[Fman]

At $4.35 a gallon now in Nor-Cal, I might be accepting donations to the boat fund. Usually I never ask, but at $200+ for a fill-up, and $20 to launch, plus another $40-$80 to tow to the lake.... ouch! Most people I take out have jobs and knowledge of what it takes to own a boat, and have no problem pitching in some $$ for a great day on the water.

The secret is to take out people who make more money than you do!

[csuggs]

I have a similar shirt that was given to me that has the Supra logo on front and on the back it has a pic of a fuel pump and says "my boat runs on gas, not thanks - no gas, no wake" I just wear it to mow grass.

[Patrick56]

I have the same shirt, a gift out of Overton's about 10 years ago. Just think, back then gas was only about $1.00/gallon at the station and about $1.60 on the water!

[CarZin]

You can buy a sticker as well for the boat with those phrases. I've been in one before. I wasnt offended by it, but I thought it wasnt the most pleasant way to do it. I'm sticking to inviting people, but asking them to please contribute to the gas fund, because a day of riding is over $100. They all seem to get the point.

[Rusty]

Ya know. I would leave a plastic jar out in the open that has a note tapped to it that says "gas fund", and let it speak for itself. If you have moocher friends who always want to go or frequently ask to to go, it would appropriate asking to pitch in... But not to visitors who are going out first time. It could really steal the fun out of the day.

[stinky_1]

I have a hard time asking people for money any time. I think of it as a favor. I never ever lend someone money that I expect to get back. If you do it expecting something in return you will start to resent the people who "leech". I dont mind paying the cost of running the boat. I usually am scraping to get a crew together anyway.

I have had money handed over for the trip and I always accept. I wont turn down cash. but if its more than I expect I will tell them I dont need so much. It is usually the other boat owners that end up paying me for it.

And a tow behind an IO is NOT considered repayment for a tow behind a supra or other DD or VD. Its more like a double slap in the face.

[cadunkle]

$25 annual or $3/day is a great price. Around here everywhere is $15 to use the ramp and a couple places are $20. There's one free ramp but it sucks becasue it's on the open river and unsheltered, so you have strong tidal currents to deal with and tug/cruiser/tanker wakes. Not to mention all the clown on jet skis and such tying up the ramp forever and doing donuts.

Then the main river gets rough after early morning so I usually end up heading up river to the creek to ride at some point. That's 10-15 minutes ride and another 10-15 minutes through no wakes. I'm considering just using the $15 ramp on the creek as it's about 2 minutes from the ramp to where I ride. Probably net savings considering the gas to get to the spot. They do a season pass for $300. I figure I'd have to get out at least 3x a month to break even on that. It's hard to get a crew and I'm lucky to get out twice a month so not sure that would be good money.

So, that's NJ. Socialist states are extremely expensive. If it's fun it's either illegal or heavily taxed. It seems like so many other states have either free or very cheap access to the water. I guess it's nothing compared to the gas I'll burn in a day, but it adds up over a season.

[doofus]

I pay just over $5000 a year to lease a lake at Bonneys Water Ski Park, so that costs me slightly over $100 per week just to float the boat each week before we do anything else.

I live about 40 klms (25 miles) from the waterski park, so that is an 80 klm (50 mile) round trip towing the boat there and back .

Before I even turn the key on the boat for the day I figure I am out of pocket about $120 in expenses (not counting initial purchase cost, insurance, service costs etc etc), so yes, I certainly expect anybody that rides behind the boat to chip in for fuel costs.

As I mentioned in an earlier post in this thread, chipping in for fuel costs is the expected thing to do in Australia, and anybody that doesn't is not likely to ever get another invite back out in the boat.

[csuggs]

Wow - I had no idea some of you guys paid so much to use a ramp. I should feel lucky because I'm about 6 miles from a free ramp that is actually pretty nice - at least by Ohio River standards.
When we go to Summersville Lake we have to pay $3/day launch fee.

[CarZin]

My dry dock at Lake Gaston is $210 a month. I'll be paying that until my aunt and uncle finish their second boat lift (enlarging their boat house). But it is nice. Dont have to worry about towing. They just forklift it out of an enclosed warehouse out of the sun and elements, and dump it in the water for me within 5 minutes.

[Okie Boarder]

Our corps lakes around here are $3 per launch or $30 for an annual pass. The city lake that is closest to me now, that we'll use the most is $12 weekdays or $14 weekends to launch. They actually charge seperate fees for vehicle and boat so if friends follow us in, they have to pay half the above, also. Their year pass is $128 for the boat and truck. It was a no brainer to go ahead and do that this year.

Typically for a full day of fun on our local lake or any small lake, I'll burn 15-20 gallons of gas depending on how many ride. Last year I would burn 20-25 because we were on a little larger lake and drove a little more to get to the driving spot. We've tried to frequent the close lakes which are typically 15 miles away, so I only burn 3-5 gallons of gas in the truck. So if you were to add it all up for the situation I'm in now it would be...

Boat gas: 15-20 gallons ($60-$80 @ $4 a gallon)
Launch Fee: $12-$14
Truck gas: 3-5 gallons ($12-$20 @ $4 a gallon)

Total for the day: ~$100

[Patrick56]

I am lucky to be in East Tennessee, one of the few things TVA still does well is free launching on most of their lakes/resevoirs. We are not on the water, but our neighborhood has deeded lake access and the ramp is about 1/4 mile from my house. My fuel costs are limited to a 20mile round trip with 5 gallon cans to the closest gas station with 100% gasoline and what I burn through the boat. Probably why I am not inclined to ask for gas money from friends. It could be a lot worse from the sounds of it!

[wotan2525]

I pay for everything boat related, handle all maintenance, purchase the bulk of the beer, the tow vehicle, launch fees, and keep everything running.

The people that ride behind the boat pay for gas, though. I'll pay for lunch-runs or sunset cruises or anything else, but if you ride -- you pay. People are more than happy to chip in because they know it's a very small part of the cost of boat ownership.

[cadunkle]

I usually burn about 36 gallons for a day on the water, sometimes a bit more. So between that, ramp fees, and gas in the truck I figure about $180/day now. In another month or two with gas prices I expect it to be over $200.

[CarZin]

36 gallons?? Wow. What type of boat and engine are you using.

[jet]

1st rule of fight club..I mean boating! Never..ever add it up! You will FREAK yourself out. lol. And dont let the wife know. :mrgreen:

[cadunkle]

36 gallons?? Wow. What type of boat and engine are you using.

'89 Saltare 454. When I get out on the water I'm typically out for at least 6 hours, sometimes more. The boat is running and pulling people the whole time. We very rarely do the anchor/float thing.

[KG's Supra24]

I have also used that much gas in a day with the 340 cat in 06 24ssv. There are alot of weekends we are pulling all day, just switching it up between wakeboarding and surfing.

[Fman]

Does it cost you $20 to launch your boat every time you go?
$40-$80 to get to the lake? How far away?

I pay $25 annual pass. $3 daily if preferred option.
30 miles roundtrip so roughly $12-$15 in gas for truck. I don't use but half tank usually every weekend at lake but now even that costs $75. I'd charge too if I had to incur those costs your paying.
I hate to impose a gas tax for business because my customers hate it but five trucks at $1000 a week adds up. As long as I can budget and it ain't breaking the camels back, I'm definitely not charging on the lake. It does bother me to hear that the oil companies are raking in 390 million a day in profit even though I'm not against capitalism. Something in our system is broke.

You must not be in California, its $18 to launch or $180 annual pass which only works on the "state" lakes. Private lakes will not honor the state pass.... The furthest lake I goto is 1hr 15 mins from my house its about 3/4 of a tank of fuel in my Sequoia which is $60-$70. A few closer lakes are less, but usually $40-$80 is the towing price of fuel. I am predicting I will spend about $2,500 in fuel for the boat this season with fuel prices soaring...

We usually use 25-30 gallons of fuel for a full day of riding hard, which works out to be $130-$140 in fuel for the boat. Plus food, and misc items.... usually a full day with food & gas works out to be $200-$250. The more we float and ride less the cost goes down.

Then again, its $100-125 to take my family to the movies with popcorn and sodas/snacks now.... so I dont have a hard time paying this for a full day of fun on the water.

Only positive to high fuel prices, is I am assuming there are going to less people on the water this year that dont want to pony up the fuel costs.

[CarZin]

Fuel is already 4.50+ a gallon where I get it on the lake in north carolina. I can get it .50 cents a gallon cheaper, but the place I fill up is ethanol free. I am debating if its worth the extra money if we are going out about every weekend, and not giving the gas very long to go bad.

[wotan2525]

I'm always amazed how far people are towing just to get on the lake.

My tow is less than a mile. My launch fee is $3. I guess that's why I regularly hit 60+ days on the water. ;)

[mariabastet]

Just curious.

How many of you solicit gas money for taking people riding? I am a new boat owner, and now that gas is $4.50 on the lake, not to mention $210 a month in storage fees, a hefty boat payment, and free equipment (I bought boards of multiple sizes and bindings so everyone can ride without having to buy or bring their stuff). I dont think asking everyone to chip in towards the pro rata fuel at the end of the day is much to ask. I am going out 4-5 times a month, and the past 3 trips out have averaged about $100 in gas for the day. I'd love to provide it for free, but its simple economics.

The policy I have adopted is when I invite my friends, I politely ask them that at the end of the day I would really appreciate them chipping in towards the fuel if they had a good time. I dont expect money if they don't ride.

I own an airplane and have done the same thing. When I go on trips, everyone splits the gas evenly. I was told this would never work when I first bought my airplane, but 6 years and 100 passengers later, I've taken a ton of trips with repeat passengers that have no problem chipping in. I dont think anyone has ever been offended by the idea, and if they were, I didnt want them with me anyway.

i think the old adage applies... cash, gas or ass. no one rides for free!

[ditchsnake]

I'm always amazed how far people are towing just to get on the lake.

My tow is less than a mile. My launch fee is $3. I guess that's why I regularly hit 60+ days on the water. ;)

Wotan you are lucky. My inlaws live in Lacross Wi. Can't believe all the water you have. Went on the Miss. there and couldn't believe how great the water was. Warm too. How can that be? I guess I'll quit whining about fuel. I spend so much money on other crap for the boat I guess I'll shut up I just can't stand making rich bastards even richer. Then we gave the same rich bastards 4 bil in subsidies. My tow is 108 miles one way. I spend way more money on the truck than I do gas for the boat. Colorado kinda sucks for boating. Too many people and not enough water. I hope Fman is right about less fools on the water, that would make it worth the higher price..

[wotan2525]

My tow is 108 miles one way. I spend way more money on the truck than I do gas for the boat. Colorado kinda sucks for boating. Too many people and not enough water. I hope Fman is right about less fools on the water, that would make it worth the higher price..

Where are you in CO? I spent a few weeks out there riding motorcycle and exploring everything between Eagle and Durango. Not tons of lakes/resevoirs, but the ones that we did see were being used by a LOT of people. Water always looked cold to me!

[Fman]

No, sixth generation Georgian and now I know why we are too lazy to migrate anywhere else...we can't afford it. Guess I'll stay here in GA and count my blessing I don't have to mortgage my house to enjoy quality time on my boat. I'm with Wotan...amazed at how far people have to travel. There are a few ramps closer to me even though I prefer to travel 15 miles away because I like the ramps, lighting, bathrooms and typically the people aren't drunk redneck Skeeter driving fisherman that take an hour to load the boat by themselves.

You definitely pay for the great weather, beaches, sierras, snow skiing, and no humidity in California. I cant imagine dealing with any of that east coast humidity, would drive me crazy. Not to mention the brutal winters of the mid-west and east coast. If we hit 35 degrees here in the winter its a rough day.

If you also compare the average salary of someone in GA compared to California its just a little more.... in my profession, I make double if not triple what someone makes in Georgia. So I guess in the end, it all averages out. Taxifornia is not a cheap place to live....

I have a lake 20 mins from my house, but its usually very crowded so I choose to drive to the remote lakes for better water and a more enjoyable day. As long as you and your crew are having fun thats all that matters.

[ditchsnake]

Where are you in CO? I spent a few weeks out there riding motorcycle and exploring everything between Eagle and Durango. Not tons of lakes/resevoirs, but the ones that we did see were being used by a LOT of people. Water always looked cold to me!

We live in Denver. From Eagle to Durango is a long way from the East side of Colorado. Your right about the amount of lakes we have. The water on the west slope is cold. On the East side water temps get from about 75-80 in the summer. We've been on and in the water for three different weekends so far this year. Water was from a balmy 46 to 51 last weekend. Thank you for dry suits. Sorry about hijacking a gas thread.

[Fman]

I think it hit 35 degrees when I was in San Francisco once...in the summer. Did not have proper clothing. Probably wasn't that cold but felt like it. Love what I've seen of Cali so far. Spent sometime in Carmel down to Big Sur and fell in love.
Your'e right though, not only does the humidity suck here, it blows. I'm a native and still can't get used to it. Saving grace is all the lakes we have at our disposal. Every lake in GA is man-made. But man did we make a lot!

We need a few more reservoirs up here in Nor-Cal, I think Shasta was the last manmade reservoir built back in the 50 or 60's...... the environmental freaks keep damns from being formed. Maybe when we are paying $1 for a glass of water they will reconsider! All our water up here is shipped out down to Southern California. In July the reservoirs start massive releases, which really sucks.... drains the lakes quickly!