What does a tuna trip cost?

OceanBlue · 09-04-2002, 07:37 AM

A friend asked me a question that I am having a hard time answering...

What does a tuna trip cost? If a guy is fortunate enough to get a seat on an iFisher's boat, what can he expect his share of the expenses to be? How do you guys work this out? Does the fortunate party agree to pay $X for his share of gas/food/transportation/care and maintenance of boat, etc?

I know that when I go with Pilar, we don't really work these details out. I've replaced a seat on the boat, I haul the boat with my truck, I buy the groceries and prepare the food much of the time. If I'm fueling my truck, I'll fill the boat as well. Other times, he picks up the tab. But I suspect that our situation is just a little different than the norm.

When we return to port, there's fish to deal with, cleaning the boat, refuelling, etc. I pitch in with these chores, too. I hate the thought of the skipper having to handle all of those tasks.

Input here guys? What are your expectations?

Threemuch · 09-04-2002, 07:51 AM

To me, depends on the crew. Good friends, that I know well, I don't worry about splitting costs even. They pick up some, I pick up some, it all comes out, and they never leave me hanging, or they wouldn't be good friends. Most of them will ask when we part ways if we are square on cash, which usually we are.

New crew or people I have never been out with, I try to explain up front what their share would be, without making it "manditory" which would make me an illegal unlicensed charter. Most people ask, and for tuna, on my gas hog, I figure about $100 per for a crew of three (that includes me). If it is me and just one other, about $150. Depends how far we go, how much fuel we burn, etc. For halibut, at Garibialdi, 30-40 per head for a crew of three, 50-60 at Newport (to the ranch). Something like that. Does that cover all my costs? No. Should it? I don't think so, but some captains do, and that's OK. I crew for some that expect to not pay for any expenses other than the boat, and sometimes not even that. That's OK, and I respect them, but that's not for me. I figure split ice, gas and oil up amongst everyone on board and that's it.

If I guy is using my gear, and breaks something doing something stupid, I would expect him to replace it. If he breaks it through normal wear and tear, or by accident, I tell him he is not responsible.

All in all, I try not to worry too much about the costs or breaking even or catching enough fish to cover expenses or any of that, because it takes the fun out of it. If someone stiffs me, that's OK, but I probably won't invite them back.

corrirod · 09-04-2002, 10:33 AM

Ditto Threemuch except my boat doesn't go thru as much petro. Typical full day tuna trip runs me about 60-65 gallons so around $90 split 3 ways(that's 3 including me). 15 bags of ice=$20. Then the cost of any bait=$20-25.

Typical per person split $40. I don't expect my passengers to cover my costs because I enjoy their company. I don't expect my passengers to make allowances for my maintenance, repairs, etc., those are just part of being a boat owner. If you expect compensation for those items I suggest you sell the boat and spend your money on guides and charters.

Fishplay · 09-05-2002, 04:37 AM

We have always split expenses pretty much evenly. Boat repairs are the captains. I don't expect someone else to pay for my toy. I do have a very good fishing buddy that is there for me when I need him. He has helped me install my engine twice. He knows my boat from bow to stern as well as myself and there is a certain comfort in that when your out a long ways. But like threemuch said good friends are a different matter. I myself have spent countless hours helping with repairs on friends boats. And I have traded labor for trips numorous times; been on both sides of those trades also.
One thing I will say is... Nobody likes surprises....Its always good to let people know what they can expect those expenses to be.

avid · 09-05-2002, 07:32 AM

The key word in how much does a tuna trip cost a passenger is "voluntary." If the amount isn't voluntary then you are operating a charter and could be in big trouble with the CG. When I learned the regulation you weren't even allowed to share expenses otherwise you could run afoul of the law. When I saw this thread, it made me wonder and I started looking. The law was changed in 1993 and now allows for "voluntary" contributions. Here is the CG page with the regulation change:

http://www.uscg.mil/d11/msosf/dprtmn...tions/PVSA.pdf

Here is a page from BoatSafe.com with an interpretation of the regulation and a question about sharing expenses:

http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/passengers.htm

[ 09-05-2002, 08:33 AM: Message edited by: avid ]

OceanBlue · 09-05-2002, 08:49 AM

Avid, Yes, I understand that only a voluntary contribution is appropriate for a non-charter, non-guide. I'm operating under the assumption that anyone worth taking along would want to be sure they're making an appropriate contribution... kind of like when I'm invited to someone's home for dinner... I always ask what I can bring.

Thanks everyone! I guess what I'm hearing is that it is appropriate to consult the host prior to the trip - and be prepared upon departure. Much like my mother taught me regarding being a guest in someone else's home. (thanks ma!)

Happy hunting!

avid · 09-05-2002, 09:11 AM

I absolutely knew you understood how it worked. Just wanted to be sure that it was clear to everyone. My contributions at iFish are always offered in hope that it helps someone. Gratitude expressed in the form of sharing expenses and offering to work getting ready and cleaning up is expected. Especially if someone wants to go with you again. <g>

OceanBlue · 09-05-2002, 01:33 PM

Hi John! Gosh it's been a long time! Are you ever going to make it back from "Kansas"?

Sure hope to see you soon, Captain My Captain!

Mark Mc · 09-05-2002, 03:47 PM

OK, take all the mushy- lovey stuff off-line.

OceanBlue · 09-05-2002, 06:17 PM

Huh? Was that mushy and lovey? Hmmm... I guess you must be deficient on mushy/lovey Mark?

:grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:

Pilar · 09-05-2002, 11:21 PM

Hi Jen!

I love your post. The first thing you lose when you become a boat owner is any curiosity about how much a pound the fish actually costs.

You raise a good point. Any riders should contribute what they can to help out because it is a very expensive hobby. Whether that is fuel, ice, tackle, boat wrangling and cleanup or whatever.

The key here is that it is a team effort.

Team Pilar!