FAQ
I would like to rent a boat from you. Do I need a boat license?
Yes, for sailing on the Rhine the possession of the SBF Binnen (Sportbootführerschein Binnen) is required.
I do not have a sport boat license, what can I do?
With us you can get on the water even without a sport boat license. Take a practical taster course with us!
Or become a club member!
You can then do your sport boat license with 10% discount through our partner https://www.onwater.de/bootsschule-duesseldorf.
In addition, we - or other club members with their own boat - regularly take members out on trips as part of the club. These are always free of charge! (Sometimes the skipper agrees with the passengers only contributing to the cost of gasoline).
Can I book the practical driving training instead of the safety briefing?
Basically, the driving training does not replace the safety briefing as a prerequisite for chartering. During the driving training you do not receive a detailed briefing on the charter boat including equipment, the devices and the area. It is mainly about the driving itself.
Especially with several people such a detailed briefing as with the safety training is not possible.
But talk to us, we will advise you what is useful for you or think together whether or how we can combine both.
Will I receive a booking confirmation after the charter booking?
Yes, after the binding booking you will receive a confirmation mail from us. In the mail there is also a link to call up or change the booking again.
I booked in advance, but the weather forecast has now turned bad. What happens now?
Don't worry, we keep a close eye on the weather for you and we won't send you out in the rain or storm just because we have a binding booking. If there is a bad weather forecast for your booking period, please call us and we will discuss how to proceed. If the trip cannot take place, we will arrange an alternative date. In this case you will not incur any costs. Please contact us in any case, because without cancellation and in case of no-show we can not refund the reservation costs, because then - no matter what weather - someone will be ready for you on site.
Can I bring my dog? He is also very experienced in boating...
No. Dogs are not allowed on our boats. We ask for your understanding.
I have my license only recently and am still very inexperienced. Can I get a briefing from you about the boat and the area?
The Rhine with the professional shipping is not a safe area. No matter how long you have the license, with us before the first charter the participation in the unique safety briefing is mandatory. During this training you will be introduced to the boat and the area. After that we decide if we can give you the boat for charter in good conscience in the future. If you want to charter the boat a second time at a later date, you do not have to participate in the safety training again.
Independently of the safety briefing, we recommend booking practical driving lessons* if you have no experience on the Rhine. (*only possible for club members)
How long before should we be there and where exactly do we have to go?
Please be at the marina 15 minutes before the charter starts. Just come directly to the platform in front of the big old sailing ship directly under the Rhine Tower. If you are late, this could be at the expense of your charter time, which would be a pity. One hour after the start of your booking time, if you do not show up, the boat will be released to other users and the reservation costs will not be refunded.
How many people are allowed on the boat?
The boat is certified for seven people with a total weight of 665 kg.
Where can I go with your boat?
The distance up or down the Rhine is not limited. Just make sure that you allow enough time - especially when returning against the current - to be back at the marina on time and to be able to dock in peace.
Travel to other rivers that flow into the Rhine is not permitted.
Do you have any maps that you can provide us with?
On the boat there is a chart plotter, which is a device with a digital map. In the map all important places are marked, so that you are always safe on the road.
Do you have sufficient parking facilities?
In the immediate vicinity of the marina is an underground parking garage(https://goo.gl/maps/roNVj7M3kdMz37PV8) and a public parking lot(https://goo.gl/maps/MSbzhBuWiUfqSVVk9).
Do you provide life jackets? Do you also have vests for children?
Yes, both.
How is the boat insured?
Our boats are insured against liability and fully comprehensive. The deposit is 500 euros, this sum also corresponds to the deductible in case of damage of 500 euros.
How does refueling work?
Since there is no boat refueling station in Düsseldorf, we have canisters ready, with which we fill up for you after the trip. The boat is handed over full before the start of the trip, so we then know exactly how much has been used and how much you will be charged accordingly.
We will then drive to the gas station with the car and the canisters after each fill-up, refill the canisters and carry them back to the dock. For this effort we charge 50 cents extra per liter of gasoline, but not more than 20 €.
What is the gasoline consumption?
Depending on the driving style and the number of people on the SILVER, the fuel consumption can vary greatly. With continuous moderate driving and 3-4 people on board, you can assume an average fuel consumption of about 15-20 liters per hour.
Is the consumption of alcohol allowed on your boats?
For the boat driver, drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited.. For all others not.
Charter contract download
