Depoe Bay Harbor

[Sea Jypzee]

Well, it's happened! The fuel dock in Depoe Bay is shutting/shut down. He's no longer selling gas to anyone but the Coast Guard, and that's only till the tank is empty...and Diesel only until his current tank is empty. After that, it's closed. Kaput! Gone.

For the trailer sailors, this isn't a big problem as they can continue to fuel up at regular gas stations. For those of us with non-trailered boats, this presents a much larger problem. For me, it's either going to mean having to carry down 5 gallon cans, or make a run to Newport fuel dock for gas which would cost me considerably more.

I know that this effects at least a few of ya'll here. Mark - aka Fish Assassin, Marty, myself and anyone else there who maintaines a perminant slip there.

I went over and spoke to Jim at the fuel dock. He said that his reasons were financially motivated, and that for the past 3 years he's been losing money keeping the fuel dock open. I make no attempt to judge whether that is true or not. What I do know is that it's going to hurt a lot of people. The few remaining commercial fisherman, I suspect will be pulling out. Many of the larger charter boats already have fuel (diesel) trucked in for them. The rest are going to have to start having it trucked. For those of us who run on gasoline? [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

[ 09-17-2003, 03:02 PM: Message edited by: Sea Jypzee ]

[Mr. Fisherman]

This could have larger ramifications! If the Coast Guard is the only boat buying fuel enough to keep him going [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img] where will they get fuel? [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img] Will a lack of fuel cause them to think twice about towing a boat under questionable conditions? What about when they are having a really busy day? Where are they going to fuel, South Beach? Garabaldi? I hope there is a workable solution. Is the dock for sale or lease? Maybe Ifishers would buy from an Ifisher [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img] if not I shudder to think about the negative side of this topic... [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

[fish assassin]

OH, wow! What a drag!! I know that Jim was pretty miffed when the charter
guys started having the fuel trucked in and that is why he started only being
open on Monday and Friday ... but *this* totally sucks!! I wonder what the
minimum load you need to take on is to get the truck to deliver to you? I
believe I heard it was 100 gallons. If that's true, then I guess I'll be
ordering the fuel truck every couple of weeks (unless I go TUNA! fishin' and
then it'll be more like weekly!).

Thanks for the "heads up" Nancy!!

-assAssin-

[Sea Jypzee]

Yes, this is going to potentially have MASSIVE ramifications on the harbor, and Depoe Bay itself. If the USCG can't get fuel here, will they even remain in the harbor? Will they even go out on rescue/tow missions when they will have to go all the way to Newport or Gerabaldi just to refuel up? What about the state dollars that the town gets for the harbor? What about those of us who pay annual fees for keeping our boats there? There's lots of questions and issues that will be coming about and demanding answers because of this.

[Sea Jypzee]

Ok, I just got off the phone with the folks at the Depoe Bay City Hall. She said that this was the first she has heard of it :shocked: and agreed that it definitly presents a major problem for a lot of people.

There is a Harbor Commission meeting Next Wednesday at 7pm at the Depoe Bay City Hall. I am going to make it a point to be there, and I would encourage ALL people who have annual moorages in the harbor to get there and make our voices heard!! This can't be tolerated at all. We need to MAKE them take some action. [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

[Birdnest]

I am sorry for your dilema.

How much per gallon were the pukers saving on having it trucked in? I don't blame a small business doing what it can to be more efficent. To bad they couldn't come to an agreement, maybe a discount rate(equal to what they were paying for the trucks) for the pukers.

Joe

[sherry marie]

Nancy
Thanks for the heads up. I will try to run over to the meeting next wed. after work. The commision should be concerned with the safety issue also will all of us trying to fuel from cans at the docks.... Gas vapors and machines are asking for a disaster. If the fuel dock is open for a lease I would be interested in participating so that we can continue to use Depoe Bay as our summer fishing base. Lots of issues to consider here.

Ray

[CAPT KUJO]

Thanks Nancy.....sorry to see them go. The Depoe Bay Charter Fleet has no loyality, to anybody, not even themselves. The Coast Guard will Fuel up in Newport until they come up with a solution.

[Sea Jypzee]

I went down and spoke with a few more people down at the docks. A call was made to the company that delivers diesel and we're waiting to hear from them if they'll be able to begin carrying gasoline as well. Hopefully will get an answer tomorrow on that one as a stop gap measure.

The Harbor Commission SHOULD definitly be concerned over this, but as I find out information, I have some doubts. Jim Wahl the guy who's been running the fuel dock is also the Harbor Commissioner from what I have heard. I know that at least a couple of the folks on the city council are getting phone calls in the very near future.

It is my understanding that they are leasing the property from the city. I would think that the city has a definite interest in this, and will be persuing this further.

[rockn'reel]

Too bad there is not a way to get that fuel dock and start up a business on this spot. What would be really great is if there was a way to put a comercial ice machine there for the tuna guys to buy from and a considerably cheaper rate than the bags at the store. Maybe get some of the ifishers together on a joint business purchase and give them a cheaper rate on ice and just sell to the general public for a little more. then those who have a per slip can still have fuel, don't have to hike big loads of ice down to their boats and the coast guard won't have to waste money, fuel, or time going to newport.
Just a thought!

[OceanBlue]

A good thought R&R - Let's just keep it under our hats for the moment, though, shall we?

[Miss B Haven]

Trucked diesel fuel runs 15-20 cent a gallon cheaper in Warrenton than the Astoria or Hammond Fuel docks discounted rate (over 100 gallons= 10 cents off in Astoria).

It's NOT because it's cheaper out of the truck. It's the same oil company (Niemi Oil) that runs the truck and has the Astoria Dock fuel (and set's the base price)
It's because it's High Sulfur Diesel and it's inherently cheaper. It also causes more polution and wear and tear on your engines. Proly makes more people sick to. The fumes smell a lot like battery acid to me. Your supposed to change your oil more often to keep the acid from building up in the crank case and breaking the oil down.

It's all Dyed #2 diesel (off road) but the trucks can't burn hi-sulf on the road. Only diesel boats can burn it. Less refining and smaller market so lower price.

By the way- Warrenton Marina gets an extra 2 cents a gallon when we have fuel trucked for using the Marina dock to tie up and run the hose down. Seems fair.

PS- No marine fuel docks make money without a side business. The volume just isn't there and the overhead is. They have to have a store, a concession (Hammond Fuels the pilot boats and sells tons of fuel to them) something else to make a go of it.

[ 09-17-2003, 06:21 PM: Message edited by: Miss B Haven ]

[WP]

Too bad the Texaco operation at the top of the ramp hill can't provide this service. They are so close to the ramp and seem to do pretty well in the service side.
Dave

[Marty]

Does anyone know about what it may cost to set up a cardlock type operation at the pumps??? Seems like that would solve the problems of almost everyone. Fill it up when you want to and get a bill at the end of the month. My back is hurting already thinking about lugging gas down to the boat. Seems I already do that too much, as the pumps are never open when I need them during the week. AssAssin............maybe Frank can take them over!!!

Marty

[fish assassin]

"AssAssin............maybe Frank can take them over!!!"

Oh, puhleeze!! I have enough trouble with finding Frank so I can sell him fish ...
I can just imagine what it would be like if he was in charge of the fuel dock as
well!! I would just as soon somebody that is a whole lot more more responsible
take over *that* business.

EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT

EDIT: Please let me rephrase that last line ... not more responsible than
Frank, but somebody that has less responsibilities. I don't think Frank could be
around enough to run the pumps
as well as run his other businesses that take him away from the docks quite a bit.

EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT

I'm not at liberty to say much, but a little birdy told me that the business
(the fuel dock, the welding shed and some property fronting hywy 101) is for
sale and that a certain person is looking into it. I think this certain person
would be a better fit. I hope everything works out for said person!!

I believe that the fuel dock is actually owned by the City and is leased out,
but the other properties could be a real asset if set up correctly!!

-assAssin-

[ 10-14-2003, 06:07 AM: Message edited by: fish assassin ]

[Sea Jypzee]

Actually if it's the same 'little birdy' I believe I've heard the same thing. :grin: That or there's multiple little birdies looking into this!

I just hope something can be done quickly. I know that there are things in the works as stop gap measures, but a final solution is needed ASAP.

[fish assassin]

Nancy,

I would imagine that it's the same "little birdy" ... but I wouldn't expect a
real quick solution. Things like this take time and I suspect that under the
best circumstances we probably shouldn't expect the fuel dock to be open again
until next season ... at the earliest!

-assAssin-

[Sea Jypzee]

Agreed. I just hope that something can be done over the winter so that it CAN be ready by spring. I'm not overly worried about getting out much this winter anyway with an occasional whale watch, bottom fish or crabbing trip...but that'll be about it for the most part and then only on exceptionally good weather days.

[Flathead]

A cardlock operation is possible. I work for a major fuel distributor that has cardlock facilities all over the state. Arrangements could be made with the fuel dock owner to set it up. Liability for spills by users could be an interesting issue however. In the mean time all of the fuel distributors in Lincoln City, Newport and Toledo are over the water certified and can deliver all grades of #2 Diesel (on-road and off-road) as well as gasoline. I do believe all of them have a 100 gallon minimum delivery. Our company has worked with most of them in the past and they are reputable. I'll check in on the cardlock possibility tomorrow. I know there are several across the country.

[SalmonJeff]

I agree that is to bad. wouldn't you think that makeing a deal with the puke boats would be the best thing I am sure there could have been some sort of arangement made to make enough to keep both happy.

[Albacore Tuna Captain]

FYI the charter boats probably were not getting any concession for the amount of fuel they use. I consume over 6,000 gallons a year and I get no discount. For a cash payment I get a cheaper price and it amounts to about 2 cents a gallon. But this saving would not be enough to justify the trouble of trucking my own so they must be getting a lot more.

I know that the Port of Newport gets a big chunk of the price of fuel and I bet Depoe Bay does too. So if you cut out some of the middlemen or get some fingers out of the pie, maybe there would be a way to make the business profitable enough to continue.

So the charter fleet in Depoe Bay were probably able to get a much better deal by trucking their own fuel. It would be a lot more troublesome to truck but they wouldn't be doing it if they weren't getting a considerable reduction in the price. With the price of operation going up, you have to cut wherever you can.

I suspect the City of Depoe Bay will have to come up with a solution. It would be extremely unresponsible on their part to lose all their port business due to a lack of fuel. The world revolves on energy and they will have to find a fix if the town of Dopey Bay wants to survive.

[Flathead]

Looks like our company could be interested in setting up a cardlock operation at the Depoe Bay Fuel Dock. If the City is interested in doing it also. How many people would use or already use cardlock for fueling? Another question is, due to Oregon's ridiculous no self service laws, flammable fuels, I.E. gasoline can't be dispensed unless you are a business, government agency or non-profit organization, could you folks form a non-profit so that you can pump gasoline? Does anyone know who to contact with the city to discuss this option? If the City is interested in this option a cardlock could be set-up rather quickly.

[Sea Jypzee]

Flathead - Is there any way way you could be at the Harbor Commission meeting this next Wednesday evening at 7pm in Depoe Bay City Hall?

[Flathead]

Yup, can do. Where exactly is City Hall? Up hill from the Sea Hag?

[Sea Jypzee]

It's the white building at the top of the road going down to the boat ramp. Right next to the Whistle Stop gas station there.

[Flathead]

Know right where your talking about. I'll be there early. Maybe a good excuse to do a little rock hopping before the meeting.

[Marty]

Maybe we could form a TUNA, INC. Company for the sole purpose of being part of a business and thus getting card lock gas. All folks that join up will enable them to get bulk ice for cost or ??? We could have yearly dues of $20.00 and all proceeds to go to a pool of funds for T.A. meetings. I know there can be complications, but if there is a will there is a way. Personally I feel there is a ton of potential at Depoe Bay!!

Marty

[Born to be Wild]

So the charter fleet in Depoe Bay were probably able to get a much better deal by trucking their own fuel. It would be a lot more troublesome to truck but they wouldn't be doing it if they weren't getting a considerable reduction in the price. With the price of operation going up, you have to cut wherever you can.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">Mike,

This whole ordeal wasn’t about money if I remember right. When I first started noticing the charter’s fueling up at the port docks via a fuel truck I asked what was up with that or I just heard the charters talking about it.

Apparently from what I heard back then (6 months ago?) was that Jim issued all of them a letter stating that he wasn’t going to sell them fuel any longer on credit. I heard that the letter wasn’t worded very nicely also.
Well this didn’t go over very well with the charters and they basically boycotted him. Most all the charters started buying fuel that was trucked in only. Well, there went Jim’s fuel business as he doesn’t do much business other than the charters.

In Dopey Bay (the World’s smallest harbor) there aren’t that many boats and from what I have observed in the 9 or 10 years I have been here most of the boats that have had permanent moorage here carried in there own gas anyway. I did on occasion also when I had my moorage for my dory because you couldn’t depend on him anyway and he didn’t work weekends. I always considered Jim as treating his business like he had a monopoly.

Over the years I have seen some of the charter boats run all the way down to Newport to buy fuel or have it trucked in at times because either they felt Jim was too high on his prices or it was during halibut season or a time when they were going through a lot of fuel and it was difficult to impossible to get fuel from Jim who wasn’t there for them. A commercial crabber that I worked for a couple years told me that he carried in his own gas for the same reasons.

Mark,

In the 9-10 years I have been here if my memory serves me right the fuel dock has been closed both weekends and holidays most of the years. Damdest thing you ever saw!

Anyway, for any of you that are overly concerned about Depoe Bay and the possible fuel dock closure I think this thread has been blown out of proportion a bit.

The charters can get their fuel from fuel trucks or a trip to Newport.
You really don’t think a guy like Jim is going to put a branch of the military out of business do you? I’m sure the USCG has the ability to purchase fuel from a fuel truck also, or from Newport, and they probably have the ability to replenish at sea. They probably could even put their own fuel tank in for that matter if they don’t already have one that isn’t be used presently.

As far as private boats there aren’t very many that rely on Jim for fuel and most of the old full time commercial boats are gone (the Davis brothers, their dad Al Davis, Charlie, etc.). It would be an inconvenience for a small amount of boaters like the ifisher’s Nancy, Mark and Marty and the commercial boat JimBob and just a few others. I really don’t think that is going to panic the City of Depoe Bay very much.

When Andy Liddel bought the property directly across from Tradewinds and opened the now defunct Joan-E charters, it had fuel tanks and pumps down on the docks. His original plan was to get them operational but he decided down the road against it and I can’t recall the reason why, but think it was due to the expense of getting them up to par or code. That would be an awesome piece of property with the docks and moorage available, fuel dock, and store front up above on hwy 101. But being this day and age in Depoe Bay, I can’t imagine it being profitable for anyone no matter what you did with the property.

One last note:
It wouldn’t shock me if Jim were to reverse his decision on closing the fuel dock.

Dan

[ 09-20-2003, 12:59 AM: Message edited by: DepoeBayDan ]

[rockn'reel]

Marty, great idea! there is a ton of potential along with opening an early opening deli/ last minute gear buying facility, if you can come up with room. You main problems are;
1. amount of people that this will take in order to keep cost down on the facilities (annual dues idea @ $20.00).
2. Initial investment amount
3. Emergency contact if problems with fueling, ice etc.
4. Training individuals to properly dispense fuel (I know our company has to have everyone take a test on emergency cut-off, how to use, etc. every year.) I think this might have to do with insurance or something.
5. Insurance annual expense
6. Someone to make sure of delivery of product (fuel or whatever) at appropriate times and quantities.
This of course is just a few as with any business there are always other complications. Maybe this could be something for the TA meeting to discuss viable solutions to many of these questions. If we could set up a concessions/gear shop this could take away the problem of supervision of facilities. Then again this raises costs too. If we could get together a working model of are oprtions, we might be able to move on it. Just remember the more we talk about it and not get moving the more someone else has the chance to come in and do it instead. This would be fine, but I would much rather see us do it that way we get what we want in there.

[Flathead]

The Tuna Inc. idea has merit. However, someone has got to take on the chore of handleing the billing of the members. Tuna Inc. would recieve the bill twice a month and would then have to bill each member for their purchases and then pay the cardlock provider. Other organizations have done this successfully. It only becomes a problem when a member is slow to pay or doesn't pay. The cool thing with the new cardlock programs is that the customer, Tuna Inc., can control all of the cards over the internet. Someone doesn't pay on time, turn the card off. That usually catches their attention. Also, Tuna inc. could add a small percentage to it's billing for membership fees, etc...

I'm sure their is someone in this group who is or was an accountant.

Anyway, it can be accomplished. One thing though, the group should be set-up as a non-profit. Possibly as a charitable organization.

DepoeBay Dan,

Do you think if a cardlock is proposed, Jim will realize that other arrangements can be done for fuel, and he will change his mind. One thing about cardlock is that it can be accessed 24hours a day 7 days a week, including holidays. Also, te price of fuel is based on fuel usage and street price. I'll bet that the fuel dock price was significantly higher than the street price.

[Flathead]

RockNReel,

If a cardlock is put in place, the City or the Harbor commission could be the operator of the fueling facility. The new cardlock fuel systems are pretty self-sufficient. Everything is done over the internet, including monitoring the tank levels and ordering the product. Maintenance is minimal and includes some minor cleaning, an occasional nozzle or hose repair. Anything having to do with the pumps, dispensers or electronics is normally contracted out to an equipment company who takes care of all maintenance and repair. As far as training is concerned, it is accomplished at the time you recieve your card and is usually in writing and is generic to any cardlock location.

Otherwords, the ccardlock fueling could be operated as a seperate entity from the rest of the facilities.

[Born to be Wild]

I don't know Flathead. You never know what Jim is up to.
I heard today that he was figuring on a pretty good sum of money to get the fuel dock up to new standards at the beginning of the year and it wasn't cost effective.

That cardlock sounds like a good way to go if it would fly.

Good luck at the meeting Wednesday night whoever can attend and I wish you luck. I imagine something will be worked out.

I heard the USCG will still be able to get fuel there and also that they do have their own fuel tank.

Dan

[Sea Jypzee]

Well I just got home from the Harbor Commission meeting.

Flathead - was that you there that I was talking to?

There was a lot of discussion about the fueling problem, in fact it pretty well dominated the meeting. The Cardlock idea was brought up, and most people seemed to think it sounded like a good idea. There is some question about those of us private boaters though, and getting gas there. Apparently diesel is much easier than gas.

There was no real immediate solution available to this. It is technically illegal to refuel from gas cans, (yet some people apparently are doing it), so for the time being, gasoline powered boats are essentially S.O.L. At least technically. :grin:

They are going to be going to the city council about the city taking over the fuel docks, or at least doing something to keep it open.

The USCG said that as long as there's boats here, they'll be here. If it means they have to put in their own tanks (which they're looking into) or something else is yet to be seen.

[Born to be Wild]

Nancy,

I believe it is legal to fuel up at dock 5 (handicap dock) but not sure. Many boats have been fueling at their own docks for years (prior to me moving here in November '93) but as you said it is technically illegal.

Like to see them go to a cardlock but think that would be for diesel only. It is illegal to pump your own gasoline in the state of Oregon.

That was no doubt Flathead because I ran into him talking to Lars at Dockside Charters at about 6:00PM.

Onr thing I over looked was the amount of trailer sailors here in the summer months that are moored here now that we have a coho season again. So it effects more folks than I realized and is a bigger problem than I realized.

Good luck in getting this resolved. You might check with Gary (harbormaster) and see if it is legal to carry in gas and fuel at dock 5.

I heard rumors that Mark is going to give up commercial fishing and convert his boat over to a tanker. :grin:

Dano

[Flathead]

Sea Jypze,

That was me. I just got home. I Don't think the sport fishers are out of luck. You can get gasoline deliverd to you off of the truck at least as a temporary solution. I left some information with Jack (City Councilman). Pumping fuel out of the truck over the water is not really that big of a hazard, no more so than getting it from the fuel dock. A lot of that discussion was political posturing IMHO.

I'm sure that Lars will be able to get you folks set-up to recieve trucked in gasoline. One possible interim solution is a small drop tank with a meter and pump over by the seawall to deliver gasoline to the sport boats. The Commission could check that out with AL Hatton. I'll bet he could loan a small (550 gallon tank) with a pump and meter for a nominal charge. Maybe even Dockside could provide this service temporarily.

The long term solution is for the City to take over the fuel dock and provide a cardlock fueling facility with a set time for retail delivery of gasoline to sport boats, maybe a couple hours in the AM and a couple of hours in the PM. A city worker could pump the fuel during those hours. I also believe that the city could get most if not all of the funding for the facility through grants from the state and/or federal government.

Now that the he said/she said arguments are pretty much over I think that they will come up with a permanant solution pretty quick.

As far as a privately owned fuel facility is concerned, that just isn't possible. Theirs not enough gallons to be profitable. The city will definantly have to step up to the plate.

Hope I was able to help. Thanks for inviting me over.

[Sea Jypzee]

Dan - Actually I don't think it is legal to fuel at the dock, even on dock 5. The problem is an environmental and fire safety issue, and that doesn't really change at the handicap dock. There is a city ordinance against it as well.

As far as the trailer sailors, for them this isn't nearly as big of an issue. They can simply load the boat on their trailer and head up to the Whistle Stop for gas if they need to. An inconvenience, yes, but major problem, I don't see it for them. Not quite as easy for those of us with larger boats, and boats without trailers to do that though.

Flathead - Thank you for showing up to the meeting. It woulda been good if more of the locals, and ifishers who this effects woulda shown up as well, but oh well. At least we got to speak out and make it known that they must do something.

Now, one question I have. This in reference to a card lock system being set up. Supposing they were to do that with gas and diesel. What about the commercial boats? Are they able to fuel up at the card lock for gas,(supposing the few who do run on gas) or would they also have to rely on the city workers to pump the gas for them? Or would the card locks ONLY be available to the charter fleet?

Supposing that next year I put a commercial license on my boat. (hypothetical only here). Would I then be elegible to use the card lock for gasoline?

[ 09-25-2003, 06:56 AM: Message edited by: Sea Jypzee ]

[fish assassin]

When Jim was running the fuel dock ... did he *ever* pump your gas for you,
or did you do it yourself after he turned on the pump? Is pumping your own
fuel into your boat really going to be an issue with the card lock option??
How do they work it with cars/trucks that use the card lock stations?

Thanks,
-assAssin- (so many questions, so little time! :whazzup: )

[Sea Jypzee]

That's what I was wondering as well. No, I never did have Jim come down and actually pump the gas into my boat over the several years I've moored here. He always just hands the handle down and I pump it myself.

As for the cardlock system, still waiting for answres.

[Woody]

Here is some interesting info on cardlocks from the state fire marshal Non-retail gas dispensing

[Flathead]

Sea Jypzee,

If you are a business with a federal taxpayer ID number, a government agency, or a non-profit organization you can be issued a card lock card for unrestricted pumping of gasoline and diesel. If you are none of the above then you can be issued a card for pumping diesel fuel only. If the cardlock operator wishes to he can set up a retail pump seperate from the cardlock pumps but at the same location and pump fuel for customers who are not eligible by state law to pump their own fuel. So to answer your question, any commercial boat operator, charter or even a person who owns a business and uses his boat to entertain customers, conduct meetings, or any other business activity and has a federal taxpayer ID number can pump their own fuel into their boat. This includes gas or diesel. For those that don't qualify for a cardlock gas card they would rely on the retail pump operating hours.

[Marty]

Nancy......I own a small business and have had a card lock for 6 or 8 years. If push comes to shove make your boat a business like "Sea Jypzee Enterprises" or "Captain Nancy's Fresh Fish Co." and get some real "write off" from, tuna landings, whale watching, environmental/eco tours...........ANYTHING that sounds good on paper. Incorporate to reduce any liability, get some stationary, biz cards and a checkbook with any permits you may need, and you are in. EVERYTHING that has to do with the boat is a write-off, PLUS you now have the privelege of pumping your own gas. It may sound complicated, but it can all be done in 4 or 5 hours and it may end up costing you $100.00, (which is a write-off). Legally you are suppose to show a profit every 5 years, but by then you will be driving around in that 50 Hatteras making 3 day swordfish trips 100 miles into the sunset.

There are many different ways to 'skin' a tuna


Marty

[Phil Layer]

Shoot! Joe Accountant here. My apologies up front.

In order to qualify as a "business" and be able to write off your costs, you need to, at minimum, have the potential of making a profit. Calling yourself Nancy's Tuna won't work because, as a non-commercial fisherman, you aren't legally able to sell your catch. There would be no potential for profitability from such an enterprise.

Also, I think you only have three years to show a profit or you can no longer write off your costs.

Writing off your fishing expenses is a great idea but be prepared when the tax man knocks on the door and say, "Show me the money!"

[fish assassin]

Actually, commercial fishing is considered an Agricultral endevor and you
don't need to show a profit for tax purposes ... you just need to be able to
prove "effort". Don't get me wrong, it's NICE to make a profit, but with all
the capital expense involved, the reaccuring expenses (tackle, bait, etc.)
maintenance costs and fuel it's awfully hard to ever show a profit if you
don't have a very large boat and/or do it full time (and work it like a job).

We won't even go into other misc. expenses like moorage fees or insurance!
One of the nice things about running a commercial boat, however, is that because
it is considered an AG business you get to write off your milage to and from
your boat!! That really adds up when you travel roughly 60 miles a day back and
forth between the boat and "home". Of course, you need to keep real accurate
records and log books as "proof" of both milage and effort.

Disclaimer: I am not an accountant and do not even play on on TV. Please
consult your tax advisor!! (In my case that would be my eldest brother who is
a CPA!!! :grin: :grin: )

-assAssin-

[Sea Jypzee]

Thanks for the suggestions all. I do have some ideas tossing around...so we'll see what happens.

[Mark Mc]

Does that mean you can deduct the cost of a tunaholics meeting as a work-related medical expense?

[fish assassin]

MarkMc,

Hah! I hadn't thought of *that* as a tax write-off!!



-assAssin-