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Renting a sloop without a boat licence: rules and tips

GroundLiving

Automatically translated · View original (Dutch)

A practical guide for anyone who wants to rent a sloop without a boat licence. Rules, speed limits, age requirements and what to ask the rental company beforehand.

duration

€ 90–180

budget

Ground

pace

Renting a sloop without a boat licence is perfectly fine in many parts of the Netherlands, as long as you stay within the boundaries set by law. For boats shorter than fifteen metres that travel no faster than twenty kilometres per hour, you do not need to show a boat licence. Most rental sloops fall well within that rule and cruise at around six to nine kilometres per hour. Book a few weeks in advance, especially on weekends or during warm weather, and check beforehand which ID you need to bring.

The rental company always gives a short briefing on starting, steering and mooring. Ask follow-up questions about right of way, bridge clearances and where you can safely swim or take a break. Budget between ninety and one hundred and eighty euros for a half day, plus a deposit and possibly fuel. Bring sunscreen, water, a light jacket and flat shoes. Keep alcohol to a minimum, as the skipper remains responsible for the boat and the people on board.

Checklist

0 of 7

ID en pinpas mee
Verhuurder gebeld of geboekt
Weerbericht gecheckt
Zonnebrand en water in tas
Platte schoenen aan
Schipper afgesproken
Borg betaald en bevestigd

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Book two to four weeks ahead and compare rental companies on timing, price and boat type.

Bring valid ID and confirm the deposit amount beforehand -- usually one hundred to two hundred euros paid by card.

During the briefing, pay close attention to throttle, steering and mooring, and ask if anything is unclear.

Remember that a sloop without a boat licence may travel at a maximum of twenty kilometres per hour, and most waterways are well below that limit.

pause

Moor somewhere halfway through for lunch or coffee -- a spot with a jetty is much easier than a rough riverbank.

Top up the fuel, tidy up and return the sloop on time to avoid extra charges and any hassle over the deposit.

For anyone copying this

Do as we did

PaceGround

Duration4u

RouteAny order

Budget€ 90–180

Suggestions

Check the weather forecast and wind conditions beforehand -- from wind force four onwards, steering becomes tiring.
Book on weekdays for lower rates and calmer water.
Ask whether fuel is included or charged separately.
Wear waterproof or flat shoes, wet steps on a jetty are slippery.
Agree in advance on who is the skipper -- that person drinks the least.

Variations

- Boek een fluisterboot met elektrische motor voor extra rust.
- Combineer met een picknick en lunchstop op een steiger of eilandje.
- Kies een sloep met overkapping voor wisselend weer.
- Plan een avondvaart bij zonsondergang, vaak met korting.