Yep thinks so too.

If it passes surveys etc. I'm all over that an living all up in it.

As long as you are only asking people to split costs and contribute to the trip it isn't considered a charter. If you are making a profit, that's where you can get into trouble.

My thoughts too.
Like when I gave free shrimp boiled at the farm market. Asked for donations for gas. Most just took shrimp but som put gas .

Rat, I would strongly consider an auto-inflatable life boat (sets up on your fore-deck) when venturing off-shore. Have a ditch bag handy w/ epirb, flashing strobe, hand held vhf, water, non-perishable food, line and hooks. Keep your sat phone in zip lock bag close by. Splitting cost for fishing trip does not constitute a charter as
Meaux Fishing stated. Fuel bill biggest expense then beverages! Beautiful classic Hat....bullet proof hull. Good luck Rat!

Thanks, in a big boat due to distance I will be going in the GOM I would not leave without any of the items you mention.most of the auto inflate or the good ones have flairs etc too. So yes. Another thing some boats for sale have them mounted allredy but I would suggest getting it inspected ASAP.

Thanks for the suggestions and I would also suggest that if any of you were to get on a boat you check these things as all auto stuff on big craft have tags and show expire dates. Don't go if stuff is out of date. But if boat is older than you 65% of salty guys that don't mean boat is out of date. Some 1970's crafts would run over some of the new stuff nowadays.

I'd have enough type 1 life jackets, with pml's (Chem lights)& whistles attached to them stored in a box on deck to cover whatever the max capacity of friends you can bring aboard as well as everything reef listed above.

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Good man

Get the engines surveyed by a reputable Detroit mechanic.
The boat is a good one. Heavy, but good. Those are good engines, but not
the best on fuel. Better than TA but still burn a lot to move a boat that size.
However, with the age, you may have an insurance issue, usually more $$$.
It is sometimes hard to find insurance on the coast for a boat that size.
You can find it, but it may cost, like I said earlier.
The insurance agent will want a hurricane plan, what you will do if one comes.


The price is a little high. I would low ball them and see what they go for.
I have a friend who paid a little under $100K for a 50 ft. Hatt. last year.

get you one of them bbq grills that sits in a rod holder

Thanks ray my plan is head up mississippi . Yes ins. Is a bit of a deal. And price is always negoshable .as far as fule I'm never in a hurry and displacement speeds are the ticket..

I'm going over my plan on a daly basis and looking for holes and contingencys. I'm trying to look at it from different angels and just takeing it slow as right now that is all I can do. You would be suprized at all the people that seem to think I should have it done by yesterday.

Not me I'm like that I talk about it and talk some more and then asses make changes then talk again. The worst part is really getting down to what I want vers what I need.

All I can say is my biggest need is a boat I can live on and fish with.

My new ideas are to share the fishing experience with people that otherwise would not get to have.

Surveys are a big deal to me. And will come at the appropriate time.