[artbyjody]

Everything posted still applies... take a day or too actually think about it. Having run several failure start-ups and successful businesses myself - you can try to justify all you want to - if all you want to hear is "Go get them cowboy", you got it... but if you want solid business advice... I suggest the Small Business Bureau in your locale, or hire someone to analyze your business objectives in conjunction with your business plan so that you can have a strategy for customer acquisition, retention, and future growth... its a decent idea perhaps but the weight of content in my first reply. But seriously, if you have never spent some time with the Small Business Bureau you should (great folks with volunteers like myself - that have run businesses)...the closest thing you can get to free sound business advice...

Like I stated - it would be best to do small seminars first, to see if you can garner actual interest. Keep in mind Home Depot does the same thing - with exception for them it is a loss leader kinda deal as the intent is to have them shop at the store to do the project at home... but it is a loss leader...

However: [On Edit] your comment, "Gear would not actually be torn apart or disassembled. What I am talking about is showing how gear is installed, how it works and reviewing how it is maintained. NOT actually installing it, taking it all apart or such! I cannot imagine anyone wanting to spend time doing that." - I would have to say - why would I bother...if there is no hands on.. one can read the documentation or go to YouTube.... the hands on is where you would set yourself apart... Home Depot - my example - encourages the hands on approach... maybe working a deal with local marine shops etc... however, you are probably smart enough to see where I am going...

And on aside - since you separate yourself that way you can make strategic partnerships with Charter agencies as well as vendors... making the niche market for yourself (niche is where entrepreneurs make it) but that is about the amount of free dribble I can provide.... you have an idea - you have some basic building blocks suggested... what you make of it - is up to you...

Asking in forums is great and all but a real strategy is actually doing it small scale and working up - knowing you have that capability...

And oh - keep in mind that if the boat is registered under your business - if the business flops - so goes the boat in most situations...Make sure you address that situation with your tax attorney as you will need to prove 3 out of 5 years - profit before being considered a solid business...
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However, if all you are doing is merely an act to escape tax consequences - you will end up not doing yourself any favors and nor anyone that pays to be part of that venture... and likely find yourself sued...