Which of the following is defined as a charter boat (party boat) under Texas law?

The definition of a charter boat, also referred to as a party boat, under Texas law typically includes vessels that are engaged in activities for hire with specific limitations on the number of passengers. The correct answer highlights a scenario where a vessel is explicitly operated for a chartered service, which involves an owner who has been hired to take a group out for a specific purpose, such as fishing.

In this context, option C illustrates a situation where the owner is responsible for the vessel and is operating it with a set number of passengers, which distinctly aligns with the definition of a charter boat. Chartering implies a contractual agreement where the owner or operator provides the vessel and crew for hire, typically involving some form of compensation for the service provided.

The other options do not meet the criteria set by Texas law for charter boats as effectively as option C does. For instance, the 48-foot vessel in the first option is being operated by a member of the party rather than the owner, which may imply a situation that does not reflect the chartering arrangement. The 28-foot vessel option suggests that the owner is both operating the boat and taking passengers on a cruise but does not clearly define the owner-operator relationship in terms of being a charter service, especially if it