This article is part of a charter special. The contents:
- How to enjoy a relaxed charter holiday on a boat
- You can save money with these twelve tips
- The most important tips about the boat and the area
- Crew contract: Legal security when chartering
- What you need to know about the charter licence
- The right insurance for your boating holiday
- Charter checklist - Everything you need to consider
- Provisions plan and stowage tips for your holiday cruise
- Tricks for the berth - relaxed mooring
- Instruction on the catamaran - know what is where
Which route leads to the destination of your dreams? At least when it comes to holidays on the water, the answer to this question is anything but easy - fortunately, one might say. Because there is hardly an area in Europe (and beyond) where there is not at least one charter yacht waiting for crews eager to discover it. The tourist offer ranges from the crystal-clear, sun-drenched bays of the south to the quiet expanses of the north. Regardless of whether you prefer the familiarity of home or the exotic, whether you prefer inland or sea voyages - the choice is literally limitless.
The same applies to the types of boats available: Here, the range extends from the standardised fleets of international providers, which are fully geared towards charter customers, to the much more individual models of regional companies and "one-offs" in private hands. The fact that the industry is booming is not only due to this great variety, but also to the fact that most areas (at least inland) can be explored without a boating licence - and are therefore also open to holidaymakers who previously had no "connection" to the water.
In Germany, this has been made possible for almost twenty years on a whole series of waterways by the so-called charter certificate - particularly in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Brandenburg. It is issued after a thorough briefing by the charter company, with every point covered being recorded. It is only valid for the duration of the hire. However, the boat in question must not be faster than twelve kilometres per hour (which is completely sufficient within Germany). In many other countries, however, there is simply no driving licence requirement, which makes chartering uncomplicated.
Charter: These boat types are available to choose from
Houseboats
The nautical tourism industry has been focusing on "houseboat holidays" in its advertising campaigns in many places (at least on inland waterways) for years. No wonder, because hardly any other term can be associated with adventure and cosiness at the same time.
The now widespread term is somewhat misleading, at least from a technical point of view: in fact, these are often not houseboats in the classic sense, i.e. watercraft that are intended for living rather than sailing. In the charter business, the term was initially used to describe those models that are operated by large companies represented in several countries with standardised fleets - which facilitates both maintenance and advertising. These boats are built in standardised series and are specially tailored to the requirements of the target group. In other words, primarily for crews who do not spend time on the water every day.
This includes a robust construction with good fender protection and technology that is easy to learn and operate, as well as a practical layout and sufficient space on deck. Their low top speed is sufficient for inland waterways. This saves stress when travelling and enhances the experience of nature, but means that you sometimes have to get up a little earlier if you have a long day of cruising ahead of you. Another advantage of these displacement boats is that they are also available in versions for up to ten or even more people thanks to their modular design in series production. However, you won't find these houseboats on coastal areas.
Dutch steel displacer
The situation is different for the second type of charter boat that is widely used in Germany, the Dutch steel displacement type. These are motor yachts from around 10 metres in length with classic lines. They are somewhat more heavily motorised, more individually designed and often more elegantly equipped. In addition, they not only look more stylish, but are usually also more seaworthy. In return, the handling of the technology can be somewhat more versatile. Steel displacement boats also offer space for up to ten crew members or more. They fill entire harbours on the "licence-free" inland waters of Mecklenburg, Brandenburg and, of course, the Netherlands.
Gliders and semi-gliders
If you want to travel faster on holiday, for example because you have planned further cruising stages, you can also opt for a glider or semi-glider. Although they are commonplace in southern Europe, they are rarely found in the charter fleets of northern Europe. This is perhaps also due to the fact that sporty motor yachts, with their large sunbathing and seating areas outside, are made more for the sun and are rarely a marvel of space below deck. Then there are the fuel costs. But sometimes the special driving experience is the deciding factor.
Catamarans, cabin cruisers and co.
Speaking of space wonders: motorised catamarans are unbeatable in this respect. The segment is growing steadily, also primarily in the Mediterranean and overseas.
The most cost-effective variants among the charter boats are smaller cabin cruisers, pontoon boats (which come closest to the classic idea of a "houseboat" and can offer amazing comfort) and motorised wooden rafts with cabins or tents for the adventurous types.
Of course, not all boat types are available in every area; however, if there is a larger selection (as is the case almost everywhere in Germany and the Netherlands), a price-performance comparison makes sense even if you are a "fan" of one type or another.
Save time and see more: the one-way trip
Charter companies that have more than one base in the area often offer the option of a one-way trip between two different locations. This allows you to cover considerably more distance and see more than if you have to take the same route there and back.
The one-way option is particularly useful when a round trip is not possible - i.e. on river and canal routes that do not offer any side trips or larger lakes. In some cases, the direction of travel is specified by the charter company and a transport service is offered for the return journey. For longer hire periods, it is sometimes possible to make a supra-regional journey. You will need to enquire about the additional costs.
How to compare charter prices
Once the number of crew and cabins have been determined, there are other criteria that play a role when choosing a boat for charter. However, a price comparison only makes sense if the overall performance is taken into account. This includes
- The boat age: The differences here can be large, as chartering involves a lot of wear and tear. If a boat is more than 15 years old, it is worth asking about its technical condition (including the equipment). If it has been modernised in the meantime, all the better!
- The equipment: It can decide how comfortable the cruise will be. Bow and stern thrusters make manoeuvring much easier. A powerful heating system can be just as important. As a rule, the companies also offer extras that can be booked. Dinghies and on-board bicycles are among the classics.
Important formalities when chartering
- Insurance: Before signing the contract, clarify with the charter company which risks are covered by the charter contract and to what extent; if in doubt, it is advisable to take out additional insurance. Also find out how the deposit is handled.
- Operating costs: You will be charged a flat rate according to operating hours or actual consumption. Sometimes the boat must be returned with a full tank.
Good questions for the takeover
When the boat is handed over by the base staff at the start of the charter, not all questions are always clarified in detail. This can happen very quickly, especially for beginners. Therefore, if in doubt, always ask until there is clarity. There are always two areas to consider:
- The on-board technology: In this area, it is often the "little things" that are overlooked but can become very important. These include the exact functioning of the anchor winch as well as the battery and power supply. Other topics can include the heating and cooker (especially with gas). Another point is the "secrets" in the operation of the increasingly common plotter.
- The precinct: Here, too, there are points that could become important when chartering. For example, special lock technology in the area. Or nautical issues such as low bridges, risky sections, closures and construction sites.
Cruising and cruising literature
The "Houseboat holidays" series from Edition Maritim has so far published these titles with practical tips and cruise suggestions:
Each approx. 180 pages, pictures and plans, paperback, price: 24.90 euros.
Travel and area reports
BOOTE regularly publishes trips organised by the editorial team on charter boats in the areas described. Nautical and tourist information is included as well as details of boats and charter companies. Click through our Travel reports.
This article is part of a charter special. The contents:
- How to enjoy a relaxed charter holiday on a boat
- You can save money with these twelve tips
- The most important tips about the boat and the area
- Crew contract: Legal security when chartering
- What you need to know about the charter licence
- The right insurance for your boating holiday
- Charter checklist - Everything you need to consider
- Provisions plan and stowage tips for your holiday cruise
- Tricks for the berth - relaxed mooring
- Instruction on the catamaran - know what is where
