Frequently asked questions

We ask for your contact details and a valid ID, and we ask about your boating experience. Before departure, we ask for a deposit. The amount differs per boat.

• You are 25 or older.
• You have a valid ID.
• You have boating experience or are willing to book boating instruction.
• You follow the rules that apply on the water and on our boats.
• You're looking forward to a boating holiday in Friesland!

You can read it all again in our terms and conditions. 

You can sail without a boating licence on a boat with a maximum speed of 20 kilometres per hour and a maximum length of 15 metres. Almost all of our boats meet these requirements, so you won't need a boating licence. If you do need a licence, this is clearly stated for the boat in question. 

For most boats, boating experience is required, so take a good look at what the description says. If you have no boating experience, we offer boating instruction in some cases. If you do have experience, the owner or manager will of course give you a good explanation of how the boat works.

Choose the right boat in Friesland. 

On our website you can select based on different wishes:

• How many people are going on your boating holiday?
• How many days do you want to spend on the water? Our boat owners have different (minimum) stay periods. You can easily tick these in the booking system, so the available boats are clearly shown.
• How much comfort is important to you? Besides space, you can also choose boats with a bathroom, heating, television, oven or other extras.
• Do you have boating experience? Choose the boat that suits your experience. It's not wise to head out on a large boat without any boating experience.
• Do you have a preference for a route or region? Familieboten.nl offers boats at various locations in Friesland, so you can choose the ideal starting point for your preferred route.

All boats at Familieboten.nl belong to private owners or professional boat hire companies. They provide a personal experience and well-maintained boats. In many cases the owners/hirers handle the check-in themselves, so you benefit directly from their knowledge and tips. In this blog you can read more about choosing a suitable boat.

When searching for a suitable boat, you can state how many people you want to hire for and also the number of sleeping cabins you'd like. 
That way you can see straight away which boat meets your wishes. 

The time of year you choose can have a big influence on your Frisian boating experience. From the lively summer months to the quiet autumn days, every season in Friesland has its own charm. Although the official boating season runs from April to October, every period offers unique opportunities for boating fans. In this blog you can read more about it. Would you rather have personal advice? You're always welcome to call us or send us a message.

Dogs are welcome on several boats. This is clearly indicated and you can also filter on it. Please note that a surcharge is charged for a dog's stay. 

Absolutely! If you can't find what you're looking for, or you simply want advice and help, we'll work on it together. We take plenty of time for this, including in the evening or at the weekend, at a time that suits both you and us. Feel free to get in touch!

Yes, you can! We understand that sometimes you want to talk it over with your travel companions or sleep on it. That's why, in our booking procedure, under the "book now" button, you can choose "take an option".

This free option is valid for three days. You're not committed to anything and you only have to pay once you make a definitive reservation. 

You can read our cancellation policy in full in our terms and conditions. Here is a summary:
If you cancel, you pay a fixed percentage of the agreed hire price:

• More than 3 months before departure: 15%
• Between 3 and 2 months before departure: 50%
• Between 2 months and 1 month before departure: 75%
• Less than 1 month before departure, on the day of departure or later: 100%

We recommend taking out cancellation insurance. That way you're protected against unexpected situations that prevent you from departing. 

Every boat you hire from us is comprehensively insured and specifically covered for boat hire. The associated excess differs per boat. You pay this amount as a deposit, no later than five days before departure, either to us or directly to the owner/manager of the boat. You need to take out travel and cancellation insurance yourself. 

We understand that your plans can change or that you sometimes want to come back early. However, no refund of the hire price is possible for an early return.

Yes, if you make a reservation straight after you return, you get 5% off your new booking. 

When you book a boat, you immediately pay 50% of the hire price as a down payment. You pay the remaining 50% no later than 60 days before departure. Booking within two months of the start of your boating holiday? Then you pay the full amount in one go. During the booking process you'll receive a payment link. You can easily pay via iDEAL, PayPal, Apple Pay or bank transfer.

The amount of the deposit differs per boat and is usually between €400 and €1,200. Five days before departure you'll receive a payment link by email to pay this amount. 
The deposit is equal to the excess on the boat owner's insurance. In the event of damage, the cost of the damage is deducted from the deposit. If the damage is lower than the deposit, you'll get the remainder refunded. If the boat is returned in good condition and on time, you'll of course get the full amount back. 

When you search for a boat, you see the price per night. On top of that come fixed service costs of €9 per booking, plus cleaning costs set by the boat owner. In addition, we charge a deposit for all boats, which you get back (in part or in full) after your boating holiday.
You'll see these costs in one overview when you click through to booking. You're not committed to anything at that point. 

The main hirer must be at least 25. 
We ask for your age when you book. Boat owners may ask to see your ID. 
If it turns out at check-in that you are younger than 25, the boat owner may cancel the booking without refunding the hire price. 

Great that you're going boating, we love to see it!

After your down payment, you'll receive a confirmation email from us with all the details of your reservation.

Two months before departure, we'll ask you to pay the remaining amount. Three weeks before departure, you'll receive a detailed email with information about the boat, the mooring and the owner's contact details.

From that moment on, you can ask the owner any practical questions directly. Of course, we also remain available if you get stuck, and we're happy to help!

It can happen that a boat is unexpectedly unavailable. For example, due to serious damage from previous hirers or a technical defect meaning we can't guarantee safety. In such a case, we'll contact you straight away and go through the following steps:

1. We'll let you know as soon as possible and discuss whether you're open to an alternative or a different date on the same boat.

2. Do you want to sail on the agreed date? Then we'll actively look for a comparable boat that is available at that time.

3. Is no suitable alternative available? Then we'll cancel the booking free of charge.

No later than three weeks before departure, you'll receive an email from us with all the practical information. It also includes all the details of the owner or manager. From that moment on, you can make arrangements and discuss details together. If you'd like, we can put you in touch earlier.

If you book at the last minute, we'll put you in touch straight away. 

Yes, once you've received the information email, three weeks before departure, you can contact the owner or manager of your boat directly.

Yes, you can! But by appointment only, because the boat may be hired out at that time or, for example, be at the yard for maintenance.

Would you like to come and take a look? Feel free to get in touch with us to arrange a viewing. Do let us know what you're looking for, we're happy to think along with you.

The inventory differs per boat and is always stated in the description.
Every boat has a complete kitchen on board as a minimum – with crockery, pans, cutlery and more. 

Whether bedding (such as sheets, duvets and pillows) is provided differs per boat. Some boat owners offer it at a price per person, while others ask you to bring your own. You'll find this in the boat description too.
Before departure, all boats have a full fuel, water and gas tank (if applicable).

Keep in mind that the weather on the water can change quickly. It also gets colder in the evening, and it's often a bit windier on the water than on land. So dress accordingly. As well as swimwear, bring waterproof clothing, a warm jumper, a sun hat/cap, sunglasses and sturdy shoes (and definitely leave your high heels at home!). Read our blog "Packing list for the perfect boating holiday in Friesland", with tips on suitable clothing for a boating holiday and much more.

Towels, duvets and pillows are not provided as standard, but with many boats you can hire them, or add them to your booking later.

If this isn't possible with your boat, you'll need to bring them yourself. So check the options for the boat you want to hire carefully when you book.

In our blog ‘Packing list for your boating holiday’ we also give you handy tips to help you prepare for your trip.

Of course! Take a look at our boating routes on our website, or let us put together a tailor-made route for you. Boating with kids? Want a culinary route, a historical trip or plenty of peace and quiet? We know Friesland well and are happy to help.

When you arrive, you'll be welcomed by the owner or manager. You'll get an explanation of the boat, the inventory and the boating routes. If needed, the boating instruction will also take place. Together you'll check for any damage or other points of note.

Most boat owners welcome guests from 3 pm. 

There is parking at every marina, so you can leave your car safely.

In the information email you'll receive from us three weeks before departure, you'll find exactly how parking is arranged at the location where your boat is moored.

At most locations you can. You'll receive the owner's details 3 weeks before departure. Check this with them beforehand, so you know for sure that it's allowed. Incidentally, there's often a marina or Marrekrite spot within an hour's cruise where you can head after check-in. Curious about lovely places to spend the night? Then read the blog Overnight stays on the water. 

When you arrive, you'll walk around and through the boat with the owner or manager. Record any damage together. 
Damaged the boat along the way? Always report the damage straight away to the owner or manager of the boat. 
Take photos of the situation and, where applicable, fill in a damage report form together with the others involved. Depending on who is at fault, the damage will be deducted from the deposit. The amount of the deposit is equal to the excess on the insurance. 
Please note: if it turns out that you, as the hirer and skipper, haven't kept to the agreements (for example by sailing under the influence of alcohol or drugs, going too fast or ignoring the boating rules), you can be held liable for the full damage. 

We recommend downloading the ‘Waterkaarten’ app on the day of departure.
It's free to use for one week and fairly easy to operate. You can set a route with it, and the app then works like a navigation system.

You'll also see handy information such as passage heights, bridge opening times and details of marinas along the way.

Most boats also carry paper charts.

On all Frisian lakes and waterways. The IJsselmeer is not permitted for most boats. Think carefully about a route beforehand, take a look here for inspiration. If you can't work it out, we'll be happy to help. 

You can go boating without a boating licence on a boat with a maximum speed of 20 kilometres per hour.  We advise you not to be in a hurry on the water and to take it easy. This is better for the engine and adds to the enjoyment of the trip. In villages, towns or nature reserves you're often asked to slow down, so bear this in mind. 

All our boats are well maintained. But of course, something can always break.

First make sure you're in a safe spot, then call the owner or manager of the boat straight away. They'll arrange help.

Always keep an eye on the weather forecast. Check the forecast for the next day the evening before you leave. You're not allowed to set out in a thunderstorm. We also advise against it in strong winds.

Be prepared for changeable weather and bring waterproof and warm clothing. Also take a look at our blog "Packing list for the perfect boating holiday in Friesland".

No, you may only moor in designated places, such as visitor marinas, municipal marinas and, in nature, at the designated Marrekrite spots.

Staying overnight in a marina usually means you can use all kinds of facilities, such as toilets, showers, electricity, water points and sometimes even a launderette or a café or restaurant. In return, you pay mooring fees, usually between €15 and €35 per night, depending on the size of your boat and the facilities.

A Marrekrite spot is a simple, often beautiful natural spot by the water with no facilities. You can moor there for free, but there are no hook-ups or sanitary facilities. These spots are ideal for those seeking peace and quiet and nature lovers.

Please note: rules do apply at Marrekrite spots, such as a maximum stay of three nights and respect for nature. They are managed by the Stichting Marrekrite.

A Marrekrite spot is a simple mooring place in nature, managed by Stichting De Marrekrite. They are beautiful spots in nature, usually without electricity or other facilities. Most boats have a Marrekrite flag that allows you to moor at these places. You can find more information on the website of Stichting de Marrekrite.

A visitor marina is a private marina specifically for temporary guests, with facilities such as electricity, water and sanitary facilities. A municipal marina is managed by the local council and often has similar facilities. In general, municipal marinas are slightly cheaper than visitor marinas. Spots along the quays in villages and towns usually fall under the municipal marina. Always report to the harbour master, or use the QR codes that are used in many places to register your boat.

See a sign saying ‘Meldsteiger’ (reporting jetty)?
Moor there and report to the harbour master. You pay the mooring fee to them and get instructions about your berth and the available facilities.

No reporting jetty? Then look for a free berth (do make sure your boat fits in it!) and report to the harbour master afterwards.

In many municipal marinas or at quays with facilities, a QR code is used. With it you can register and pay for the boat online, without having to go looking for the harbour master.

The cost of an overnight stay in a marina varies by municipality and location.

Expect to pay around €15 to €35 per night, depending on the size of the boat and the facilities available in the marina.

Make sure you have suitable life jackets, always keep an eye on them and get the kids involved in the boating.

Read our blog “Boating with kids".

The skipper must always be 25 or older. Children are not allowed to be at the helm on their own. 

Yes, with a valid fishing permit you can fish from your boat in Frisian waters. 

You can buy a permit in various places in Friesland. Read more about the Fiskpas here. 

Yes, as long as the maximum number of people allowed on board isn't exceeded.

Luckily, you usually don't have much trouble with mosquitoes on open water, especially during the day. They don't like wind and sun, and those are exactly the conditions you often get on the water.

In the evening at sunset, especially if you're moored close to the shore or in a sheltered marina, there can be mosquitoes, and often tiny invisible biting midges too. Bring mosquito spray, thin long trousers and possibly a mosquito net.

Every booking is covered by comprehensive insurance. The excess is equal to the deposit and varies per boat, unless stated otherwise. We recommend that you take out your own cancellation and travel insurance before you leave. 

Always report damage straight away to the owner or manager of the boat.
Take photos of the situation and, where applicable, fill in a damage report form together with the other boat involved.

Depending on who is at fault, the damage will be deducted from the deposit. The amount of the deposit is equal to the excess on the insurance.

Please note: if it turns out that you, as the hirer and skipper, haven't kept to the agreements (for example by sailing under the influence of alcohol or drugs, going too fast or ignoring the boating rules) you can be held liable for the full damage.

Check-in and check-out times vary per boat.

You'll find these times in the boat description, during the booking process énd in the email you'll receive from us three weeks before departure.

Check-out is almost always in the morning, so make sure you're back in the marina in time to check out. Bear this in mind when planning your route too, so you can head back in a relaxed way and without rushing.

Of course, we want the next guests to be able to enjoy their boating holiday on time too.

That's why we advise you to always build in some extra leeway when planning your route. That way, if the weather is bad or something unexpected happens, you can skip a day and still be back on time.

Are you back late anyway? Then unfortunately we'll have to charge extra costs.

Want to enjoy your boating holiday for longer? If the boat is still available, we'll gladly arrange that.

Contact the owner or manager as soon as possible to discuss it. If an extension is possible, we'll sort it out for you and the owner. 

The boat must be returned broom-clean. That means the washing-up is done, the rubbish bin is empty and, where applicable, the waste water tank has been emptied. You should also refuel the boat, preferably as close to the marina as possible. 
Please report any damage when you return, and preferably sooner, so the owner or manager can deal with everything properly before the next guests arrive.

Yes, the boat must be returned with a full tank, unless agreed otherwise with the manager or the owner.

Once the boat has been checked, any damage, fuel or cleaning costs will be deducted from the deposit.

Once the final check has been approved, the deposit is refunded within 5 working days.

The hire agreement is made between the hirer and the owner of the boat. The deposit arrangement is also part of this agreement.
If you have any questions or there's a disagreement, Familieboten will gladly help to find a good solution together with both parties.