The slow death of Party Boats

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by Capt. Frank

Lets not forget timing. Boat fulls of regulars on Saturday and Sunday don't mean anything the other five days a week. Especially now. And more people fighting for the two day a week fare bonanza means many will fail over time.

As in the past. There is cheap and dirty. And there are people you go out of the way for to use.

Many think getting a OUPV is their ticket to riches. HARDLY! IT's a short season here in NE. Boat costs must be covered, repairs, and what's left is your salary. Did chartering out of Shark River for 3 seasons. It's not fun, and it's NOT LUCRATIVE.

With all due respect Capt, if its not fun, and not lucrative why does anyone bother?... Honestly, if the remaining capts are going broke, why not just pack it in?.. I personally don't buy the " the sea gets in your blood" shtick either..
thats fine for a while, but when the bills come due, you need to have money to pay them...

Society is full of people that went into a business they were in love with, but had to give up because they had to eat.. It happened to me.
If it was as poor a business as some say it is, why are we seeing some capts buying new boats, and new charter businesses coming on line each year?... I am NOT saying these guys are getting rich, by any means.. I am saying that most of them are eating and paying bills ok... if not they simply could not stay in business, despite the call of the sea... bob