Thoughts on taking gas cash?

I don't think most non-boaters understand how much gas these boats can take. Last week twice when I went to the gas dock the guy at the pump said "you've already got 10 gallons" like hey I think you're about full- should have seen his face when I said "she'll take at least 30" another one said "you sure you want to keep going?" when I was at 20 gallons, and those are marina workers. I have a friend who rode pretty regularly with me last year and finally he offered 5 bucks for gas. I told him thanks but no thanks- well now this year he has his own boat and was shocked after about a week at how much it takes.

you could pull the old "oops I forgot to fill it up after our last trip, wanna go past the gas station/gas dock with me on the way out?" trick. If he sees you drop $100 in the tank he might get the picture.

My sister was going to make me a shirt the says "The boat does not run on thanks." Then had acceptable payments that go with Cash.

My thought is I expect to pickup the gas. People have a higher likelyhood of going out again if they offer gas money. It is really just the offer that makes the difference. I have had people that do alot of wakeboarding or surfing or tubing then as soon as we hit the boat ramp they take off and just say thanks for the day but we are now busy and have to be somewhere. Not even an offer. $10-$20 for a day on the water is well worth it in my mind.

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Originally Posted by flatH20

one of my guests ran the boat too close to shore once and showed up at my house with a new prop - that's over the top... and he rides for free this season... it's always nice to make the offer - I do it every time...

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Nice! Can you give me his number?:D
Nice to have friends with a sense of responsablility.

I guess we are like most as well. We don't expect money from newcomers but have kinda come to expect money from the regulars and they chip in everytime, and not 20 to 50 bucks.

I was more like Ed G on my old boat but these wakeboats take serious gas. I'm confused how ya'll are talking about $100 for the weekend. We drop 400+ every weekend and I couldnt pull people all day without the help.

I agree with you, common courtesy would tell him to at least bring beer and at least offer to fill up the tank.

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Originally Posted by Tyger

Gracious people will offer to chip in somehow. I will usually take gas money from people if they are insistent, unless I know they can't really afford it, then I refuse.

However, as several have mentioned, there's wiping down the boat, setting it up and putting it away. People who are always there helping fold up the bimini, throw the rope out , etc are usually the same people who are offering gas money, bringing drinks and food for everyone. People without common courtesy don't chip in and lay out on the sundeck until it's their turn. The latter ones don't get invited back out.

I think what you are looking for is some appreciation that you are doing said 'gentlemen' a favor and you're not getting that appreciation. I wouldn't like it, either.

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EXACTLY! Hell, I would take a "thanks Mark for bringing us out all day" and maybe a Cold Beer on tap at the local watering hole and call it a day.

Ah well...

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Originally Posted by KG's Supra24

I guess we are like most as well. We don't expect money from newcomers but have kinda come to expect money from the regulars and they chip in everytime, and not 20 to 50 bucks.

I was more like Ed G on my old boat but these wakeboats take serious gas. I'm confused how ya'll are talking about $100 for the weekend. We drop 400+ every weekend and I couldnt pull people all day without the help.

I agree with you, common courtesy would tell him to at least bring beer and at least offer to fill up the tank.

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I was wondering the same thing! I do alright, but I wouldnt be up for spending $1,600-$2,000 a month just to tow some buddies with zero help.

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Originally Posted by Mikey

If i go out with regulars they usually chip in either gas or lunch etc. First timers i will not take anything from as we are usually asking them so its just nice to see the enjoyment they get out of it.

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Yep, this is about the way I feel to a T.
:cool:

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Originally Posted by skiyaker

I don't think most non-boaters understand how much gas these boats can take. Last week twice when I went to the gas dock the guy at the pump said "you've already got 10 gallons" like hey I think you're about full- should have seen his face when I said "she'll take at least 30" another one said "you sure you want to keep going?" when I was at 20 gallons, and those are marina workers. I have a friend who rode pretty regularly with me last year and finally he offered 5 bucks for gas. I told him thanks but no thanks- well now this year he has his own boat and was shocked after about a week at how much it takes.

you could pull the old "oops I forgot to fill it up after our last trip, wanna go past the gas station/gas dock with me on the way out?" trick. If he sees you drop $100 in the tank he might get the picture.

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Thats a good idea. This guy usually is really wanting to hit the road by the time we are pulling out. Listen to this, come to think of it he is generally pulling his truck out and waiving goodbye right after I have pulled the boat off of the ramp and am stopping to wipe down. HAHA!

I've said it before. first place I stop on the way to the lake is the gas station, especially when taking new peeps. gives them an idea on how much the boating really cost. I haven't ever asked for gas money, and it's amazing how many will offer once they see the costs. usually it's a wow, that much :)

That being said, many mention that they are going to the lake anyways to burn gas so what's the difference in more coming along? my and others' ride time. if you go along, granted the boat is burning gas, but I'd rather be spending my hard earned cash towing my arse around the lake. if you want to just booze cruize, fine, I don't expect anything, but if you want a tow, you should offer up cash and I have no issues taking it.

I know that I may come off sounding harsh, but the reality is that these things cost a ton of cash and I certainly don't want to shoulder all the burder for others enjoyment.

I do the same thing. I always fill up on the way.