One point no one seems to be addressing is there are two activities involved here. The fees to charter a boat support the actual business operations which consists of the boat, marketing and support, maintence, the time spend setting up charters,etc. Regardless of the make up of the crew, be employee, owner or independent captain, while the charter is going on, they are on the boat for your charter time 24/7. I would hope people would show appreciation for their efforts in providing s great vacation. I wouldn't hesitate to tip knowing my next trip will have their full interest and attention. You tip everyone You deal with from cab drivers dock workers and restaurant servers. Why in the world would you try to find an excuse not to tip the people working the hardest and longest to give you a GREAT vacation?????