I know that the skipper and owner eat it if an open trip is not sold out, but who eats the cost if a whole boat charter comes up short. I think that the Charkbait was short-will Mark have to make up the difference? Will that affect his plans for next year?
This is distressing. The boats needs to make a profit and Mark should break even at worse. The economy up here sucks and doesn't look like it's going to get better soon. I hope things are better in the Peoples Republic of California.
My understanding is that on a charter trip the chartermaster pays for the cost of the trip and tries to fill the slots and if it isn't filled the chartermaster ends up eating the difference. Although, I'm sure if they are a regular chartermaster and the boat wants to retain them as a client they'll give them a break on the price (as long as they aren't losing money). I'm not positive, but I guess this is how it works.
On the boat I chartered for 26 years it worked like this. I would sign a contract for the price of the charter then It was up to me to fill the spots to make the money back. I was not charged the money up front but if I didn't fill all the spots it was up to me to make up any shortage, which only happend one time.
That really isn't a problem if the trip is a genuinely good trip' weekend trip' lite load, prizes, but I'm all over a true lite load type of weekend trip in a prime time slot. I have a job and sometimes I can't leave work (not get paid) to spend money on a fishing trip. I suggest that the beam width should exceed the "total " number of fishermen for any trip!! I'm an old fart but I am cool to fish with !! and will steer clear of any trouble if you are looking for it !! 1st class a-hole but I give respect to those who know how to calmly fish their own fish. I think too many people get defensiveb and jeaoulous in a prty boat. we need to fish together and all pitch in financially. any trip can suck or be o.k. or be a really fun time.
Crown, the problem with your scenario is that the cost would be prohibitive for most of us if the passengers were limited to the width of the boat. I can't believe how much it costs to go out on a local 3/4 day trip anymore. By the time you get into the jackpot, pay your galley tab, filleting charges, etc., it's outrageous! I too try my best to give people a wide berth and act courteous around everyone, especially those that respond in kind. Nothing worse than being on a long-range trip with a boat full of 1st class a-holes, or even just a couple are enough to take the winds outta everyones sails! If you're going to have an attitude problem and think that the boat and crew are only there to cater to your particular wishes, you need to stay at home so that the rest of us on the baot, including the crew, can enjoy ourselves! Most of us work too hard and pay a lot of money to go on these trips and don't need the fun spoiled by a few premadonnas who don't know how to behave!
