In Reply to: Re: Personal boats and liability posted by Capt. Jerry on March 07, 2007 at 19:09:06:

Jerry, that's not true anymore.

46CFR24.10-1 defines:

Passenger-for-hire means a passenger for whom consideration is
contributed as a condition of carriage on the vessel, whether
directly or indirectly flowing to the owner, charterer, operator, agent, or any other person having an interest in the vessel.

Consideration means an economic benefit, inducement, right, or
profit, including pecuniary payment accruing to an individual,
person, or entity but not including a voluntary sharing of the
actual expenses of the voyage by monetary contribution or donation
of fuel, food, beverage, or other supplies.

Net: your buddies can voluntarily kick in for gas.

Chuck