A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

[Billiy]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

For me its is based on what where doing and who it is i am not to shy to say you help with fuel/ food sure we can take the kids tubing for the day. but i would rather be fishing. i have also found that alot of times when its freinds and there kids for a day of tubing my daughter doesnt realy tube much she will get out the first time then she done for the day. but i gess she might just be used to it. we go fishing alot and she will go for a spin on the tube at the end of a morning fishing or before we start in the evening. This just helps keep the batterys charged lol.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

I guess it's never been an issue on my boat (or truck, or at the house, etc) - I only invite good friends aboard. Being good friends, I would never ask for a penny on the boat, knowing they won't ask for a penny next time I ask for a hand doing someting. It's the age old "one hand washes the other".

 

[Grand Larsony]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

If we need gas it's usually going to be $500-700 to fill up. When this happens in the presence of guest (which I try to avoid at all costs, but it's inescapable sometimes)... it's a little awkward.

Even a generous guest might offer $40 bucks... but that seems like a drop in the bucket, diminishing his\her contribution and only making them feel bad.

That's why I just handle the gas myself. Their money ain't no good on my boat. They're GUESTS after all, right?

 

[bnicov]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

If you invite, expect to pay for everything. If they invite themselves, they had better bring something whether it be food, beverages of choice and what not. If they always show up with empty pockets and nothing, get some friends, lose the mooches.

 

[wgl333]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

In my days BFBO (before boat ownership) when invited out, my first question, after say yes was, how big a cooler can I bring? I would always bring enough for myself and the boat owner and spouse. And I would always offer funds for fuel (even before it cost a mortgage payment to fill up). And I echo several others that have answered when they extend the invite, any future invites are based on how concientious the visitors are. If they are voluntarily generous, they stay high on the list....otherwise....see you when you buy your own!

 

[sbooy42]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

We go out assuming the guests are not bringing anything (never ends up being the case) Anything they want to bring or offer is welcome. We live in a little town, low income area, next to one the most beautiful lakes in the US. We have 3 kids with lots of friends. Many of these kids and others may never get to experience whats in their back yard...IMO a great experience outweighs $$$ every time and we are more than happy to help provide that experience...

 

[v_fourmax]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

When I invite someone out to go fishing I do not EXPECT money to speak of but when someone starts going with me on a regular basis then yes I do feel helping with the trips expenses is justified.

Think about the dollars I have tied up in owning and maintaining the boat and tow vehicle as well as allowing the non boat owner to be able to fish areas that he cannot fish from the bank then chipping in a few bucks for the gas and ice lets me know they appreciate being able to go.

I have had a few friends that mooched for free for quite some time and never offered a dime or to even buy a bag of ice for the cooler when we stopped on the way to the lake and finally I quit letting them know I was going fishing.

I know that if I was the non boater I would not feel right going if I did not help with some of the expenses of what the trip cost to go out.

I really do not care about the dollars to speak of it is more that a real friend would not expect you as the boat owner to always shoulder the financial load alone if they went with you on a fairly regular basis.

 

[bransjeep]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

i could care less if my friends help as long as my boat is respected.

 

[madurodave]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

I never accept an offer. However, those that dont offer rarely get invited back. I am very generous on or off the boat but dont take advantage of it. I have never accepted amything but always byob.

 

[mcgyver210]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

With gas prices going up along with everything else do when you hit the lake with friends as the owner do you pay for Gas, Food, Etc.?

If I invite someone I feel it is my obligation to take care of my guest & it is up to them if they want to offer to pitch in at all unless arrangements are made upfront.

Whats the responsibility as the boat owner?

#1 is Safety of all guest

What about towels? Bring your own? or have spares for those who forget?

We have vest towels etc on-board since it is our boat & how can I expect a guest who may not own a boat so why would they have a vest.

Seems like everyone wants to hit the lake and have fun but the expectation is that you will have everything ready for their day of fun in the sun? Anyone else feel the same way?

Yes & NO depending on if I invite them or they invite their self. No different than when we have parties, or other get together s we host.


Oh & definitely if something is broken & isn't paid for they will not be on my list anymore.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

The boat is my wife and I's. We do NOT drink on board. (I am not a t-totaller, just not on the boat). NO SMOKING !!! Life jackets, towels, water, pop, gas is furnished. If there is only 2 extra people they are welcome to ride with me and save the cost of a daily park permit. (That's all I can haul + my family. ALL of the people that I take WILL RESPECT THE BOAT AND THE LAWS !!! NO EXCEPTIONS !!!

We took one guy with us as a guest. He wanted to take his "2 " grand-daughters. Well, I had vests for " 2 " kids that would work. BUT, they brought " 4 " more !!!!!! He got pizzy when HE had to buy 4 more vests. Didn't offer anything extra.

Most people will offer something, somewhere along the way. I appreciate at least a thank-you though.

But as for the guy that didn't want to pay for anything. My signature is actually a sign in my boat. He is the reason. Sign simply says: THIS BOAT RUNS ON GAS NOT THANKS

 

[soggy_feet]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

Big slow boat drinks a lot of gas, if its only the couple miles to the beach we hang out at, I dont ask for money, and often refuse it if its offered. If its the 2hr haul across the lake to the island, it's usually about $10 a person, and my friends set that up.

They bring everything they want, I supply everything they need.

A few people I know have little boats of their own, mine is the 'mothership' everything is based off of.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

Huh, inviting people on the boat....never thought of that....

 

[444]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

I really do not care about the dollars to speak of it is more that a real friend would not expect you as the boat owner to always shoulder the financial load alone if they went with you on a fairly regular basis.

And that's the big one. A real friend should feel morally obligated (without you even asking) to offer to chip in for fuel unless they are paying it forward in some other way.

 

[444]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

Huh, inviting people on the boat....never thought of that....

You don't like to share your hobby with your friends? I do. But I also don't take out people I don't know.

 

[rrhodes]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

I tell my friends that I will be out anyway so if they would like to join me I have plenty of room. I have vests for all ages from 2 years old and up... most of them will bring snacks and adult beverages but I will be burning fuel with or without them. I have a few that insist on kicking in on ramp fees and gas, others never say a word but I smile and remember memories are priceless.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

I have never asked or expected fuel money. I have, just in conversation, mentioned what it costs to run the boat at cruise speed, but wouldn't expect people to hand me cash at the end of the trip. Every group that has come however, brings food, alcohol and water etc... I provide safety items, they provide towels and bathing suits.

 

[Big Island Lifer]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

I am going out with or without a crew of friends. I am a boater and that is what I do.

I have a great good group of friends that will bring more beer, food, supplies then I need. I always have the required boating neccesities for safety, etc. I have never asked anyone for gas money, but it is offered and sometimes I do accept. Its not often but if they have been out alot lately I'll take them up on it. I do expect anyone on my boat to respect my boat and its operation. When I am at the helm I take the safety and security of my occupants very seriously. If anyone doesn't like it they are dropped off. I am not a hard @ss. I have only had a problem with one person in the last 20 years I have been boating.
A couple of years ago I had a new friend out. He was absolutely insistant that he pay to fill the boat up on our way home for the day. I kept telling him that it wasn't necessary and that he was not prepared for the bill (I have a 150 gallon tank). We pulled up to the marina and I let him start pumping. I let him off the hook after 50 gallons (I needed that much for a free head pump anyway). He was white in the face. After that he was very humbled and had the utmost respect for my boat and was very appreciative for being invited out. We are still good friends and likes to tell that story to everyone we meet.

When I am paying $5.25 per gallon on the lake we will spend more time at anchor then cruising, but it still a good time for all.

 

[riptide09]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

I have a real simple system. I supply the boat, gas, PFDs, safety equipment, tubes, skis and everything along those lines. I bring my own food and drinks. Guests bring their own food, drink, towels, sun screen etc.

You disrespect the boat or anyone on it and you get moved to the no invite list.

You bring extra food, drinks or offer to pay for gas and you move to the top of the invite list.

You take a safety class and learn to drive the boat so I can ski if my son isn't around to drive and you are way at the top of the list.

 

[SeanMcl]

Re: A Day at the Lake, Do you Foot the Bill?

Depends. This group is free.

This group chips in for gas and brings their own food.

And this group fills the gas tank before we leave and after we return, brings their own food plus food for me, washes and waxes (including the bilge) the boat once it's on the trailer, does light maintenance and repair, tops off the tow vehicle and buys dinner on the way home.

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