I found this online but cannot find their source material to verify.
"When the new Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993 was signed into law,it cleared up the confusion for recreational boat owners over who is a “guest” on board and who is a “passenger for hire.” This being the determination for compliance to either commercial vessel or recreational vessel standards of the U. S. Coast Guard.
Under the new law,a “passenger for hire” is defined for the first time as someone who has contributed “consideration” to the owner,operator,or agent of the vessel as a condition of being taken out on the boat.
The new definition of “consideration” does not include nominal gifts such as food,drink,or any other small item. The seven dollar annual registration fee has not been determined to be “consideration” under the new law. Voluntary sharing of expenses for food,fuel,bait or other supplies for the outing does not constitute “consideration.” "