pro captain to charter boat owner, how and why make the jump?

[Captain Michael Buffington]

I am trying to make the transition, or rather trying to decide if I should. I would love some advice from some of you guys who have already done it. Whether it worked for you or not, any advice would be appreciated.
Michael

[Hallnass282]

Im young and dont have my tickey yet and will become one of the two you mentioned within the next couple years but heres the way I see it.

I am good friends with a guy whos son is a very accomplished captain on a private boat.He fished with Peter Wright for light tackle blacks when he was younger and hes sitting pretty well now.He has nothing to pay for if something happens to the boat ... yeah he has to maintain the thing but its his job and hes getting a paycheck even if he has a bad day on the water.

This guys father took me under his wing and intoduced me to some capts in Indian River to try to get on some boats to mate.I look at some of the guys that own their own rigs ... you get stuck with everything.Someone pays you 1400 dollars to go fishing and you go out, get skunked because the bites slow and then nail a log on the ride in because your frustraited with being skunked.Now you got dissapointed clients and a busted shaft or a hole punched in your hull.Now that 1400 dollar charter turns into a 14000 dollar loss on your part.

If you have a dream go for it and thats what I'm always told.I graduate this summer (homeschooled) so I have been hearing this a lot.I figured it out that making a living on the water is a hard in many ways, but its going to be even harder if you own your own boat.I dont personally know you but if I was in your situation I would stick with the private deal but dont be afraid to accomplish something that is on your dream list.

[SeaMent]

you better have some deep pockets, but you better not have short arms!!!!

[Capt.Joe Monticolo]

If you want to amke money fish on somebody elses boat. If you want to loss money buy your own. I've done both and am currently lossing money

[JDLM]

I have done both.If you are fortunate enough to get the right owner,someone you get along with that wants to fish the same as you do and pays well,I think you are better off on a private gig.However with the wrong owner I'd rather dig ditches 8 hours a day.We all know charter fishing is not a get rich deal,but it is your business to run as you please,which can mean a lot.If you are in an area where you can fish yearound and build up to 250 - 300 days a year,you got a shot.It's tough in a seasonal local.Also, buy your boat right,you don't want to fish that payment every month.
Good Luck!