Don't have a boating licence, but dream of a boating holiday on the Frisian lakes? Then Familieboten is the right place for you. All our boats can be hired without a boating licence: just step aboard and set off.
The province of Friesland is one of the most beautiful and accessible boating areas in the Netherlands. Its extensive network of lakes, canals and waterways is perfect for beginners and for experienced skippers who have nothing to prove.
Yes, and it's all perfectly legal. In the Netherlands you can sail a motorboat without a boating licence, as long as its maximum speed is 20 kilometres per hour and its maximum length is 15 metres. All the boats offered by Familieboten meet these requirements. So you don't need a boating licence to book a boating holiday with us.
We do expect you to know and follow the rules of the water, which is also a legal requirement. Think of right-of-way rules, how to behave at locks and bridges, and speed limits on certain waterways. Don't worry: we'll go through all of this with you at your own pace during the boating instruction when you set off.
Not necessarily. The Familieboten boats are specially selected for ease of use. They are intuitive to handle, very manoeuvrable and fitted with a bowthruster, which makes mooring in a marina much easier.
Even so, a bit of spatial awareness and patience will come in handy, especially if it's your first time at the helm. A boating experience is a bonus, but by no means a requirement. There's plenty of time for clear boating instruction: how do you operate the engine, how do you moor, what do you do at a lock? Safety always comes first for all our boat owners. It's one of the values we select them on.
Want to know more about what to expect as a beginner? Take a look at our frequently asked questions.
At Familieboten you'll find a wide range of boats in different price ranges, lengths and levels of comfort, all of which you can hire without a boating licence. Whether you're going as a couple or with a bigger family or group of friends, there's always a boat to suit you. From a compact Doerak 850 for two to four people to a spacious cruiser for ten or twelve people with several cabins, a shower and a toilet. There's plenty of variety. All our boats are well maintained, fully equipped and handed over clean. That way you can start your boating holiday in a relaxed mood.
Not sure yet which boat suits you? Then read our blog Choose the right boat for your boating holiday in Friesland or simply give us a call. We'll be happy to help you choose.
Looking for boat hire near Sneek without a boating licence? Several boats we offer are just a short sail from the centre of Sneek. Within half an hour you'll be at the famous Waterpoort and in the middle of the lively town centre. Read more about boating in and around Sneek.
Do you live in or near Leeuwarden, or are you staying there, and want to go boating in Friesland without a boating licence? The Frisian lakes are easy to reach from Leeuwarden. Several departure points are a short distance from the Frisian capital. From there you can sail straight onto the lakes and canals that make Friesland so special.
Boating without a boating licence doesn't mean boating without preparation. With every boat we offer, the boat owner gives you a thorough boating instruction at the start. They take the time to show you everything: how the engine works, how to moor and cast off, how to handle locks and bridges and which rules apply on the Frisian waterways.
Most guests feel right at home straight after the instruction. The boats are designed to be easy to handle, even for beginners. And if you get stuck on the way? Taco and Wietske and our boat owners are easy to reach, even during your boating holiday. That's the personal service we offer, and it's something the big platforms can't match.
Booking with Familieboten is easy. On our booking page you can see straight away which boats are available on your chosen date, including prices, specifications and photos. Filter by number of people and choose the boat that suits you.
After you book, you'll receive a payment link for the deposit. You can pay via iDEAL, PayPal or Apple Pay. The boat owners will then get in touch with practical information about your stay. On the day you set off, you'll be welcomed, you'll get your boating instruction, and then: off to the lakes.
A boating holiday in Friesland doesn't need a boating licence. At Familieboten we take care of everything: a well-maintained boat, a reliable boat owner and a warm welcome. All you have to do is enjoy yourself.
Want to hire a boat in Friesland without a boating licence? Take a look at what's available now on our booking page. Do you have questions about the routes, the boats or the options from where you live? Feel free to get in touch, we'll be happy to help you get started.
