split gas?

I buddy of mine just bought a boat and invited me out. When all done, I gave him $10, the standard he used to pitch in to me. Later I heard him talking about how much it costs to drive the boat to the ramp, fill with gas, payments, etc. I just laughed. When out on my other friends 36' Baja, I usually fork out a hundo to him, and always get invited back out. A day on the water for me is usually $75 for boat/truck gas, and about $500 for him.

I have some friends who don't exactly have much spare $$, I tell them that their help at the ramp, and wiping down the boat are more than enough. I guess it's a case by case basis for me, but if I'm forkin out the whole tab, I'd usually rather take the wife and kids.

what if they show up with the sweedish ski team?

I agree as many have stated. If I invite someone out for the first time it is on me. If its my buddy that comes everytime I expect him to help out and chip in a little for gas. It doesn't have to be a lot. As I was the one with the boat growing up on a lake I know what its like to have people just expect you to take them out skiing. I always try to kick in some cash if someone invites me out.