How much to tip?

[BoatGuy]

I put that and "tip" in the search engine. Nothing. Surprised this never was asked before.

If you charter a boat, lets say for the sake of this discussion, it cost $1,000 a day trip. How much do you tip. Lets also say, the service you got was good. I have been on a few boats and the service usually is. How much is the tip?

On party boats, which cost less, I assume the typical gratuity is 15-20%. Again, assuming good service.

 

[Roccus7]

Same percentages

 

[BennyV]

I put that and "tip" in the search engine. Nothing. Surprised this never was asked before.

If you charter a boat, lets say for the sake of this discussion, it cost $1,000 a day trip. How much do you tip. Lets also say, the service you got was good. I have been on a few boats and the service usually is. How much is the tip?

On party boats, which cost less, I assume the typical gratuity is 15-20%. Again, assuming good service.

20% for charters is the going rate. If service is absolutely amazing I’ve done 25%.

Open boat trip really depends. A good starting place is 15%. Then again I have had regulars throw me 40% while working deck if they had a great day. Not really expected or the norm, but it’s much appreciated. It makes up for those that think if they don’t catch fish, they don’t have to tip.

To take this conversation to the next level, you can ask “When to tip?” If I’m new to a boat I’ll tip when I pay my fare. Shows them I have a clue and ensures when I need a net they’re right there.

 

[captmike28]

20% for charters is the going rate. If service is absolutely amazing I’ve done 25%.

Open boat trip really depends. A good starting place is 15%. Then again I have had regulars throw me 40% while working deck if they had a great day. Not really expected or the norm, but it’s much appreciated. It makes up for those that think if they don’t catch fish, they don’t have to tip.

To take this conversation to the next level, you can ask “When to tip?” If I’m new to a boat I’ll tip when I pay my fare. Shows them I have a clue and ensures when I need a net they’re right there.

I agree with all the feedback on this thread and would also call attention to another situation.

I also feel that in a service-oriented business tipping is optional and should be based upon the level of service received. I make that very statement to every group that books a trip with me.

However, on several 6 pack operations like my own, there is no mate aboard and the Capt shoulders the responsibility of doing both jobs. Although it has only happened on a few occasions, some folks who are not familiar with the customary practices in this business assume that if it the Captain's boat and operation then he/she may not be entitled to a tip. I am quite sure that for those who run an operation similar to mine this does not seem fair. We arrive at the boat an hour or more before the clients, leave an hour or so after they depart, and handle every additional job a full time Mate would on each trip. That includes prepping rigs and bait, untangling lines, replacing lost rigs, netting fish, handling the ground tackle, cleaning the fish, cleaning the boat, etc.

Please remember that those small boat operators are, in fact, dong 2 jobs and if it done well, it should be recognized.
Thanks for listening.

 

[OVERBORED]

When I worked deck, the average always worked out to 20%>

Bust my ass filleting 400 scup and get <10%. Play catch and release with another charter, no fish cleaning and they feed me. Get 30%.

No rhyme or reason.

Good practice to start at 20% and go from there. It's appreciated and a good way to build relationships.

 

[BennyV]

I agree with all the feedback on this thread and would also call attention to another situation.

I also feel that in a service-oriented business tipping is optional and should be based upon the level of service received. I make that very statement to every group that books a trip with me.

However, on several 6 pack operations like my own, there is no mate aboard and the Capt shoulders the responsibility of doing both jobs. Although it has only happened on a few occasions, some folks who are not familiar with the customary practices in this business assume that if it the Captain's boat and operation then he/she may not be entitled to a tip. I am quite sure that for those who run an operation similar to mine this does not seem fair. We arrive at the boat an hour or more before the clients, leave an hour or so after they depart, and handle every additional job a full time Mate would on each trip. That includes prepping rigs and bait, untangling lines, replacing lost rigs, netting fish, handling the ground tackle, cleaning the fish, cleaning the boat, etc.

Please remember that those small boat operators are, in fact, dong 2 jobs and if it done well, it should be recognized.
Thanks for listening.

Very true and well said on operations where the captain is the mate as well.

 

[BennyV]

When I worked deck, the average always worked out to 20%>

Bust my ass filleting 400 scup and get <10%. Play catch and release with another charter, no fish cleaning and they feed me. Get 30%.

No rhyme or reason.

Good practice to start at 20% and go from there. It's appreciated and a good way to build relationships.

Funny but true LOL.

The days we slam the fish I might only make a few bucks more then just an ok trip.