In Germany there are several lakes where we can book a yacht, including Chiemsee, Lake Constance and Müritz. However, we should not do it without any planning. To make the whole thing an unforgettable experience, we need to take a few things into account. In this article, we will show you what is really important.
Choose the right charter
There are several yachtcharter in Germany to book a yacht. Choosing the right one is not that easy, but essential for a good experience. On the one hand, not every yacht charter has a good range of luxuriously equipped boats, and on the other hand, prices can vary greatly. If you want to be on the safe side, you should choose a charter that has received good reviews from customers. Just check whether they are genuine reviews.
Obtain the mandatory driving licence
In Germany, you need either a “Sportbootführerschein Binnen” or a “Sportbootführerschein See” to drive a yacht. Which one is required depends on the particular body of water. If you do not have the necessary driving license, it will generally not be possible to book a yacht. The only exceptions are yachts with a skipper, as you do not drive the boat by yourself.
Take a look at the equipment
Not all yachts are equally well equipped. While some include only basic equipment and offer neither particularly good comfort nor a high level of safety, others score excellently on both aspects. A well-equipped yacht should definitely have safety equipment such as life jackets and signaling rockets. You also need bathrooms, cozy sleeping cabins, a large kitchen and a spacious deck with amenities such as a barbecue. Last but not least, you should have navigation equipment like a compass, plotter and nautical charts. All of this has to be on board, as you can’t always rely on your smartphone.
Think about the insurance
If you book a yacht, liability insurance is almost always included. Nevertheless, you should check the insurance conditions carefully and buy additional insurance if necessary. As a yacht is very expensive, even the smallest damage can cause a high financial loss. The most important thing is a comprehensive insurance, as it guarantees that you are not liable for any damage to the boat. You should also consider a deposit insurance. However, such insurance is only worthwhile if the deposit amount is really high. If you have experience with yachts, you might get discounts on insurance.
Check the booking conditions
When booking a yacht, it is not just about the price. The booking conditions are also important, as these can differ greatly in some cases. It is generally best if the rental costs already include all additional costs such as cleaning, fuel and harbour fees. The deposit regulations are also very important. The deposit for the yacht should be clearly defined. Otherwise, you may end up being liable for damage that you did not cause. To avoid such unnecessary additional costs, always check the booking conditions.