Bend a lure - some charters will give a good discount for booking a lot of trips.
Trick is finding a captain you get along with and who fishes the way you want to.
I know one charter has been booked on Wednesdays by 6 guys for something like 15 years.
The group pays if all or only 1-2 can go.
I sat down with pen / paper and figured expenses for a year - then divided that by $120.00 ( average share on a charter ). I could charter twice a week - at least. Most years I get out 75 to 100 times so it kinda works out.
Then figure in fishing gear / lures / etc - it really adds up fast.
When a $$$$$ break down occurs
- then it really hurts owning a boat.
For me - owning a boat is worth it but far too many really do not get their money back.