I agree with Chipper1, its up too the boat owner and guest 's too decide whats fair
I think there is a difference , between your close friends and people that you go fishing / hunting (or what ever) with once or twice a year. or strangers you met from this forum.
Its different when taking out family friends who return favors and invite you for gatherings etc... versus the co-worker ,aquantaince who only fish / hunt with and never see otherwise.
I run / organize a deer hunting camp for friends and family at my parents and neighboring properties.....I supply lodging, 20+tree stands, scouting and supplies. I have had friends complain about having too help out around property once or twice a year and pitch in 100$ / year towards hydro,propane, and gifts for land owners. So guess what those guys no longer get invited. As i felt i only see them during hunting season and feel they are taking atvantage of me.
I am a guy who loves too fish. Although I own boats I am not comfortable taking either of them out trolling on the great lakes.
So because of that I am a fishing whore !! ANY BOAT, ANY LAKE, ANY TIME (weekends only LOL)
Most years I get out on the great lakes 7 or 8 times in up too 6 different boats. I have never had anyone (even strangers from this forum) ask me for money!
But at the same time I would never go out and NOT OFFER and some instances insist, too pitch in for gas, bait, launch etc. Its the least you can do, knowing how much work / cost that goes into maintaining a boat.
I think allot of people either find it boring or unsafe to go out on the great lakes alone, but sometimes its hard to find close friends / family to go with.
I think forums like this: Are a great way for people with similar passion to meet others with same interests. There are times its nice to take inexperienced friends, family, co-workers etc. out with you fishing but then other times its nice to not feel like a guide and have someone with you: who knows how too drive a boat or set riggers, dipsy's and possibly teach you some new tricks. So thats why I enjoy The OPEN SEAT offers. I have fished with several people that i have never met before & 90% of them i still keep in touch with and have never had a bad experience with anyone from this forum. co-worker / aquantainces of friends on other hand different story...boats without GPS, compass, VHF etc, Jimmy rigged everything. ( there is a reason I always take my own handheld VHF & GPS, spark plug wrench, pliers, multi tool and electrical tape. along in my tackle box. reguardless of who or how nice a boat) Its not personal...but i have been stranded on the water several times in the past (young & dumb), and have no interest in experiencing that again. If i can help it.