Most new captains make their first mistake before they even leave the dock: they buy the boat and print cards, but they never form a company.

By default, you are a "Sole Proprietor." In the eyes of the law, there is no difference between your personal savings and your business liability. If a passenger gets injured, you aren't just losing the boat; you could lose your truck, your house, and your personal assets. We break down why the LLC is the only hull shape that handles the heavy seas of liability.

You’ve heard the rumor that 80% of businesses fail. That’s a myth. In the charter world, most captains don’t fail—they slowly bleed out.

The IRS has a specific code (Section 183) for businesses that don't consistently show a profit: they call them "Hobbies." If you are flagged, your deductions vanish, and your audit risk skyrockets. Here is the difference between a "Tax Write-off" boat and a legitimate charter business, and how to prove your profit motive to the government.