Party boat prices

[reason162]

Originally Posted by TogRipper

Just odd fares are increased by all the same time.

I think the question answers itself, no?

I remember when all the party boats stopped offering squid strips en masse. No big deal for me since I never use boat bait...but if you believe every captain arrived at that decision independently...well, you know how the rest of that saying goes

[Duffman]

Originally Posted by reason162

I think the question answers itself, no?

I remember when all the party boats stopped offering squid strips en masse. No big deal for me since I never use boat bait...but if you believe every captain arrived at that decision independently...well, you know how the rest of that saying goes

Well said. Can you imagine one boat at a dock of six charging $10 less than the rest....ooofffaaa

[frugalfisherman]

AH boats 3/4 day $70 and $ 65 senior. Belmar ALL DAY $70 and $65. PP all day $70 and $65. PP 3/4 day $55 and $50. Brielle all day $70 and only $60 senior. My mama told me you gotta shop around.

[OH HENRY II]

When I get my 20 ft. w/a from Allentown PA to Atlantic Highlands marina for a 3/4 day fishing, between gas, bait, tackle, ice, and all other necessary things, I'm in it for at least $200.00 round trip just by myself and more if I have passengers. I can't even imagine what it costs pb captains per day sometimes with only a few fares, it just doesn't seem to equate. My point is, if anyone can get on the water for 3/4 day fishing with an experienced crew for just $70.00 do it and be grateful.

[Reelron]

Don't know why anyone would expect a group of Captains/Boat owners that are sitting and working side by side, to NOT get together and discuss pricing in an attempt to set prices that are competitive? Been looking at this post for a couple days now and it just seems silly. Even if they didn't, how long would it take for Captain A, to look at the other boat signs and adjust his price accordingly? Not exactly an anti trust issue in my mind.

If the price is the same I look for the boat that has better service and will produce.

And maybe a Senior Discount?

[SNAPS]

Originally Posted by dakota560

here's my take regarding comparable prices. With ports, these boats sit side by side, most with prices published. Don't think barbers, plumbers and even charter boats have a similar situation. If there's five boats side by side and one has a cheaper price, whose going to get most of the business from people who don't fish that often. I'm sure that factors into it whether it's agreed to by all or not.

More so here's my take regarding prices in general. This is where regulations are killing these businesses. People are talking about bait and gas prices. This is a capital intensive business, how much does the boat cost and what kind of mortgage do these operators assume. Interest and principal payments alone must be significant and are due whether they sail or not. Factor in property and casualty insurance, crew costs (even if they get tips), slip rental, winter storage, repairs and maintenance, ancillary equipment. All these are significant costs, required just to be in the game before the first fare steps on board and incremental to operating costs like fuel and bait.

Now factor in how many less people are sailing these days due to regulations and try absorbing what are predominantly fixed costs into presumably lesser fares and truthfully i'm amazed prices haven't increased more. Now factor in how short the season is in this area of the country, legitimate bad weather days, days with not enough fares to sail because the weather man botches the forecast and how limited the time frame is for these owners to scratch out a profit to justify their existence. And when every marina turns into a high end water front real estate development, high end marina which doesn't cater to recreational or party boats or another 9th ave. Pier in belmar, i don't think anyone will be concerned if they charged comparable prices to eke out a living. Most people by that time won't even remember what a party boat was.

you hit the nail on the head?
I am a buyer for a commercial ocean container carrier, costs are crazy high.

[Dclark2]

Compare fishing price to a round of golf with a cart for around 3 - 4 hours and the choice is simple to me. Add in the price of 2 sleaves of lost balls and the fee for the 19th hole and I have made my choice.

IT's THE PASSION.....................

[Gerry Zagorski]

Interesting topic here....... You'll find in any commoditized industry, business are constantly monitoring competition. The gas stations across the street from each other will change the same price to compete since they are in the same location and selling the same thing.... It's competition and the laws of supply and demand.

Further, if you look at the party boat example what would happen if one boat started charging $50 and another $100 for the same trip? I would submit that the one charging $50 would soon be out of business because if you're loosing money on every fare, you can't make it up on volume... The boat charging $100 would also meet the same fate since they won't be carrying as many passengers.... This is why you see them all charging the same and they compete on things like better service.

This is great for all of us since we have many quality fishing businesses to choose from. The competition results in more choices which results in fair prices and better service since these businesses are forced to compete for your business..

Now the wild card in all this.... What happens if fewer people are taking fewer fishing trips?? 3 main causes here are likely regulations, cost per trip and the fact that there are fewer people are getting into our sport... Nothing in the short term the party boat owners can do about any of this...This is the reality of the situation these business owners are faced with and at some point if these trends continue, you'll see fewer and fewer businesses around.

Any of you who think these businesses are taking advantage of you and price fixing or gouging, IMO you are mistaken... I think that the prices are about as low as they can go since these business owners have to make a living, they have fixed and variable costs they need to recoup and as mentioned above, if they charge too little or too much, they are out of business...

A lot of people get on the boat and start counting fares... Hmmmm Captain X made $3500 today $70 times 50 people.. What you don't see is the costs and the time associated with operating their business. Fuel , repairs, inspections, slip and insurance fees, the times they can't get out due to weather or not enough fares, not to mention the hours involved.

If you think these businesses are taking advantage of you and price fixing or gouging, IMO you are mistaken... I think that the prices are about as low as they can go since these business owners have to make a living, they have fixed and variable costs they need to recover and as mentioned above, if they charge too little or too much, they are our of business...

These guys are not getting rich.... If this business were so easy and profitable, everyone would be doing it. Fact is, there are a lot easier ways to make a buck then being charter or party boat owner.

Frankly, I'm thankful there are still some around that make the choice to stay in the business given what they're up against... They provide us all with the ability to get out on the water for a day at what I think is a fair price and a relative bargain.

[fishark531]

My 2 cents

The fares are VERY reasonable in NJ

For those that think the fare hike is excessive

Buy a boat
Pay for docking
Pay for up keep
Pay for bait

Your average cost will be SIGNIFFICANTLY higher per person and you get to clean the boat as well lol

I think a $ 70 fare is a bargain

I

[Stanton327]

Originally Posted by TogRipper

It seems all the party boats all increased their fares at the same time?
It seems they all decided to raise the fare 5 dollars to 70.
Seems odd as every other service provided or product sold in other industries have different prices for competition.
For example, barbers, plumbeers, charter boats, and others who provide service all have different prices when shopping for a service.
Anyone else have a thought on this?
Gerry if this needs to be moved to another part of the subject board please do so.
Thanks!

God forbid party boat captains try to keep up with inflation and cost of doing business in Jersey!!! Why try to stir up SH$& man get a life and go fishing...buy your own boat its sure to be cheaper!!!