Gas etiquette

wakerook · Newbie Joined: 14 Aug 2010 Posts: 17

If am am only getting a 15-20 min pull, how often should I bring gas? Should I be bringing a 5 gal tank every time?

Those of you with boats, what do you expect those who ride with you to bring? Also curious how long is a normal pull? I understand its boring when you got someone learning being pulled, and prob seems a lot longer since they fall so much and ride at a slower speed. Thanks.

vette74 · Posted: Aug 24, 2010 2:05 pm Post subject:

I am cool with about $10 a pull. It also depends on the boat if it is an I/O that doesn't drink as much as a wakeboard boat than you could get away with less.

JeffreyCH · Posted: Aug 24, 2010 2:10 pm Post subject:

If your just getting one pull 5-10 bucks is usually cool. Beer also works too Laughing

LaynDoor · Outlaw Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 152 City: Meriden CT

Its a courtesy thing... your not only chiping in for the gas YOU are using, your chiping in for the use of the boat/equipment too... I ALWAYS bring 5 gallons and enough beer for the boat if im riding with someone else...

Dont be stingy... you cant ride behind 5 gallons of gas... show the boat owner that you are appreciative and you will always have a pull...

BTW, 15-20 minute pull is pretty long... for a newb

wakerook · Newbie Joined: 14 Aug 2010 Posts: 17

JeffreyCH · Posted: Aug 25, 2010 8:13 am Post subject:

Another thing that is nice is to stick around to help wipe down/clean up the boat. Nothing peeves me more then pulling the boat out of the water and everyone disappears and I have to clean up and pack everything. Helping with that is almost better then gas.

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

I'd say think of it from the perspective of it being your boat. Treat the boat owner how you would want to be treated and compensate accordningly. If it is a weighted wakeboat, it will easily burn 5-8 gallons of gas per hour. Also, keep in mind the boat has other costs associated with the ownership. If you handed me $5-10 or the equivalent in gas, for me giving you one 15-20 minute pull, I'd feel you were being courteous and I'd welcome you to come along any time.

I would second what Jeff said, sometimes helping wipe down and clean up is almost better than the gas money.

People that pitch in for gas and are helpful are the first I invite to come with. There are all kinds of things that make the time of the lake easier with help. Tending to the rope, helping drive, helping with boards, wiping down after, clean up, etc.

wakerook · Newbie Joined: 14 Aug 2010 Posts: 17

Thanks for all the tips guys. Definitely thankful to be able to get out there and get pulled at all. I've been helping carry all the stuff (boards/vests/ropes/etc.) to the house, that is a no brainer Smile

I hardcore have the "bug" though, did my first FS ollie 180 today and Switch HS FS 180. The Book videos are HUGE help. Thanks.

GnarShredd · Posted: Aug 25, 2010 12:44 pm Post subject:

jmlloyd · Criminal Joined: 20 May 2010 Posts: 61

I also agree with helping clean up and helping while out. As far as money, as the owner of the boat I would never ask for money from anyone on my boat. However, it is always nice when someone leaves a little bit.

m_lesney · Soul Rider Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Posts: 358 City: Austin

stick around for cleaning and bring a bottle of babes the green one!

Kip · Newbie Joined: 09 Jan 2010 Posts: 20

I agree with Okie completely. 5 - 10 bucks for the gas and definitely help wipe down and stow away the gear.

mucksoup · Outlaw Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Posts: 120 City: eugene

hears what you do....

Bring some beer.
chip in $5-10 for gas.
Get your boaters licence.
Help out while your on the boat. (anchor, holding the dock)

And for gods sake stick around while i pull the boat out.( dry it off. help take the boards off the racks)

NoW i do not expect this from anyone i take out, but if you do some/all of these things, I'll be calling you everytime I go out...

skye120 · Criminal Joined: 12 Aug 2010 Posts: 74 City: Knoxville

we do everyone throw in 10 bucks and help clean the boat up. I mean what else can you do all day day for 10 bucks?

Climber · Newbie Joined: 06 Sep 2010 Posts: 40 City: Pelham

From beginning of last season I am usually going with my buddy. He and his wife invite me and my family (wife, baby-son) to their house and boating as well. You got the picture...

This season I went to BP gas station and got him $100 gas card. Well he did not like it. He took it after some time and then returned it. He told me: it feels like a bribe.
I did not want him to feel bad, so from now-and-on every time I come I bring 5 gal fuel + some think else like food, water, etc.

And of coarse, when he need help with maintenance of boat, dock or other stuff I am always available.

wakerook, if you are asking this question, you are already have "etiquette".

patoloco · Posted: Oct 28, 2010 6:31 pm Post subject:

Your definitely on the right track from an etiquette perspective.

Personally, I'm just happy to have someone that can actually make it out. More important to me than gas is someone that listens and learns have to give a great pull and knows the routine.

vegas mike · Criminal Joined: 20 May 2009 Posts: 78 City: San Diego

i always ask the boat owner how much gas money i should give him, but plan on giving $10
i also always help clean, even if that means standing around the boat talking to other people that are cleaning it. seems like 2-3 people is more than enough to clean the boat.

i'm always down to back the trailer down to launch the boat and pick up the boat.

the most important thing in my opinion is to show up if you say you are going to ride.
no one likes a flake and in some states you need 3 people on the boat. if you are the 3rd and you don't show up then the other 2 guys are screwed.
i always try to show up 10 mins early to help launch the boat, gotta get the fat sacks full before everyone shows up.

J-Ro · Posted: Oct 29, 2010 8:24 am Post subject:

Some people won't take gas money - put it in the glovebox at the end of the day. If you take 2 or more runs a 20 spot is plenty. If you take one run, bring drinks or snacks for the boat.

Ask if they want help wiping down. Personally I like to wipe my own boat down while my wife gets the inside of the boat picked up. Get your own gear out though.

Ask what you can do while on the boat. Don't expect the owner to tell you what to do as they may not know what you can do.

Be on time to the lake or the house. If you have to cancel do it at least a day ahead of time.

The most important thing is to have a good attitude all day. If you are fun to hang with most of the stuff above can be optional. If your annoying or a jerk all the above may still not get you an invite back.

HHI Dave · Posted: Nov 07, 2010 8:07 am Post subject:

I usually ride with the same core group that I've been riding with for the last few years. Sometimes they chip in gas money, sometimes they help clean up. Sometimes they pick up the dinner tab after the boat is put away. Over the years, some have even contributed other items like a tower mirror and a new fat sac/pump. These are my close friends so its a bit different than just an occasional pull for an acquaintance.

My general rule of thumb is when I invite someone out for the first time, I don't take gas money from them, though I do think more highly of them when they offer. I always say the first ride's on me. If they come out again then they can contribute. $10-$20 is perfectly acceptable to me. The fact is that there are a WHOLE bunch of people who always tell me "I want to go wakeboarding" but the reality is only a select few actually get invited. Cool

cmoroy · Outlaw Joined: 10 Sep 2008 Posts: 124

As a boat owner, I would not be able to afford to take people out if I didnt get help with gas. With the price of diesel it cost me 10$ just to drive to the launch and back. When I run with ballast full I can burn a half tank in just a couple hours. so I usually ask for about 20$ per ride. That also helps cover maintenance, cleaning supplies, storage. Owning a boat is extremely expensive. Way more than I calculated during my initial estimate for operating expenses. Dont be stingy 5$ will barely buy 1 gallon of gas.

cmoroy · Outlaw Joined: 10 Sep 2008 Posts: 124

As a boat owner, I would not be able to afford to take people out if I didnt get help with gas. With the price of diesel it cost me 10$ just to drive to the launch and back. When I run with ballast full I can burn a half tank in just a couple hours. so I usually ask for about 20$ per ride. That also helps cover maintenance, cleaning supplies, storage. Owning a boat is extremely expensive. Way more than I calculated during my initial estimate for operating expenses. Dont be stingy 5$ will barely buy 1 gallon of gas.

Lotz · Newbie Joined: 20 Jul 2007 Posts: 16 City: Seattle

slidin_out · Soul Rider Joined: 05 Mar 2010 Posts: 353 City: Pearl

sounds like you won't have to worry about your etiquette, you're bringing gas or money and helping out, the helping out part is HUGE, i have been left at a ramp ALONE to do all the clean up, wipe down, stowing away, etc including backing the trailer down, loading the boat, and pulling it out of the water, not a great feeling to have and the owner ultimately ends up pi$$ed and isn't likely to invite people other than their good friends any more, so i would say you are doing fine in getting yourself invited back

LopsidedMidget · Newbie Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 28

haha Lotz is definitely right on this one. I usually go on a friend's boat and we have a waiting list for people to come along with us. Generally we ask each person to donate $20 and BYOB. We'll all share beer, even if you don't bring it, but it's nice to know that there is enough. lol. The waking up thing is a huge pain. I don't go to church, I wakeboard instead. lol. It's the only thing you can get me outta my bed before noon on a weekend for. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people that can't hang, and even more unfortunately they are usually the females that are never up and never contact you to let you know that they are flaking.
Oh, on that note. Gas etiquette is nice and all, but letting someone know if you are unable to go at least a day before the trip is a HUGE step in getting invited again.

Jensen · Posted: Feb 16, 2011 2:09 pm Post subject:

swift6six · Criminal Joined: 02 Nov 2010 Posts: 74 City: Boise

There is always the "oops I forgot cash, but I did bring a stripper" routine..

skye120 · Criminal Joined: 12 Aug 2010 Posts: 74 City: Knoxville

Benji Mac · Newbie Joined: 02 Mar 2011 Posts: 34 City: Okinawa, Japan

man you guys are lucky, I would love to have a friend with a boat I could throw some cash to and help out with clean up. I have to pay 3000 yen for 30 mins, which at 80 yen to the dollar adds up to over $30 and i try to get two sessions the day i go up (1 hour drive). so $60 + gas to get up north = about $80 + 2 hours drive time for a total of one hour on the board - not complaining, it's worth every penny (yenny), but you guys should definately take care of your boat owners and not take that for granted at all.

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

tyty401 · Posted: Mar 06, 2011 12:45 am Post subject:

Every time I go on my buddys boat I always make sure to give him 10-20 bucks... keeps everyone happy

CJFinkle · Newbie Joined: 27 Mar 2011 Posts: 19 City: SF Bay Area

I've ALWAYS paid or been paid with beer! It's just a given now with the friends I go out with...

Enygma · Soul Rider Joined: 26 Jul 2009 Posts: 356

I have one problem with all the beer drinkers here. While I do drink and have the occasional beer here and there(Or the occasional binge on special occasions) I don't really drink on the boat.

I have a buddy who thinks that my grand total of 3 beer last summer payed for his portion of literally thousands in gas money per month. I live a couple hours away from any decent lakes, on top of being known as the windy city(always at LEAST a 20mph wind on a GOOD day). Gas for the truck is damn near more then gas for my I/O for the day.

As the owner I would prefer snacks or money or a meal at the end of the day over beer.

Guess I'm just trying to say know your audience.

All's dandy this year though... He bought a truck and I don't intend to give him a dime for towing...He's mooched boat gas a few years now. Payback Evil or Very Mad

brahhper857 · Newbie Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 45

I have a strict rule of $20 per person or $30 per couple. it costs me an average of $100 a day between truck and boat. i charge the same amount whether you stay a couple hours or all day.

JeffreyCH · Posted: Mar 31, 2011 7:54 am Post subject:

cubbies017 · Posted: Apr 05, 2011 4:30 am Post subject:

My buddy usually wants like $10 and of course beer, prefferably enough so that everyone can enjoy. Typically a 12 pack.