Is it more expensive to own and maintain a boat for off shore fishing or pay for party boats and charter service ? What are advantages and disadvantages for each ?

The main variable in that decision is the number of times you go fishing/boat riding and if you enjoy being responsible for finding what you catch.

If you only go once a week or if you just like to catch fish and not worry about trying to find the fish, charter is the way to go.

If you prefer learning places to go and trying to figure out a pattern and or go daily, then you are better off buying.

Totally agree with the notion of frequency of use...also, a boat that stays moored is something else to maintain. Raw wash is just for blood, etc. at sea...you then need a moor with fresh to do the 2-hour cleanup after use (I know you know that, I just have to remind myself)...then the registration fees, mooring fees, cost of replacing a diesel motor, etc., etc. A 24-hour party boat trip once a month is about $3000 a year...1 day private charters once a month would be about $10,000 (minimum). If money is not a concern - BUY ONE ANYWAY AND INVITE US. Tight Lines! <*///><

B1 is right as usual........simple math on expenses. Chartering is less expensive, and owning is more freedom and a feeling of pride when doing it yourself.......I owned a regular bay boat for 7 years and after it was paid off, I still spent more per year on the boat upkeep, fees, expenses, etc than I would hiring a guide once a month for 7-8 months.......Of course I fished the bays more than most folks that lived at the coast.........that said the freedom to go when you want, until you want, and where you want are worth every penny.............don't know how serious B1 was but I'd be happy to help out on expenses, including some wear and tear expense for the chance to go offshore a bunch in a situation like this............you do like to fish for tuna, don't you????? ......we went out this August on a 41' boat, was told it cost over $400,000 new.......forget the make, maybe Rogue Wave remembers.......that's a lot of trips on charters and head boats........of course used boats are less. Know the Freespool XL was for sale for about $75,000 earlier this year. This is the boat they used to charter for private trips out of Offshore Adventures in Port Aransas........whatever you decide, I'd like to be able to have this type of decision to make. www.outdoorstexas.com

Of course I was serious...always willing to share expenses on something like this. One thing that many don't really take too seriously is the fact that an offshore boat must have twin screws - something we all learn the hard way sooner or later!! This also figures into the initial cost; but a single engine 75 miles offshore is too scary to even ponder.

Thanks for the info . Looks like owning a bay boat would be worth it if you have the opertunity to fish often . A boat for chasing tuna is out of the question for me unless I win the lotto. A boat for near shore fishing (20mi - 60mi) for kings and snapper may be in my reach . What do 28ft - 32ft deep V center consoles sell for now days .

Don't know where you are located, but I go to Port A nearly every week...will be there next weekend (10/30-11/2) and will check prices there...new or used? There are usually quite a selection and probably not rearly as high as Harris/Galveston county prices. Let me know if you want me to check.