Why do we tip the mates?

[NoLimit]

"In NJ/NY, employers are only responsible for $2.15/hr for tipped employees, which most definitely include mates on a party boat. "

Wow - if I'm a captain and have all that money tied up in a boat, and then have to pay for fuel, bait, rental rods - I sure as hell will not depend on a $2.15/hr guy to show up and work reliably.

I still say raise the fare and let cappy take care of the mate.
It probably comes out to less that 20% and everyone is happy.