Sailfloat
Guide

Guides

Short, accountable answers to the questions people actually ask before renting — or renting out — a boat. The rules differ by country, so each guide says which country it is written for and names its source.

Norway

For renters

Do you need a boating licence to rent a boat in Norway?

You need a boating licence if you were born on or after 1 January 1980 and the boat is over 8 metres or has an engine of more than 25 hp. A Norwegian licence or a valid equivalent qualification both count. Those born before 1980 are exempt.

For renters

How to rent a boat without a boating licence

Without a licence you can rent a boat under 8 metres with an engine of 25 hp or less — or rent a boat with a skipper and let someone else helm it.

For renters

Rules at sea: alcohol, speed and required equipment

The blood alcohol limit is 0.8 for leisure boats under 15 metres, speed is capped at 5 knots within 50 metres of swimmers, and flotation equipment must be worn in boats under 8 metres under way.

For renters

What does it cost to rent a boat in Norway?

Each owner sets their own price, driven by boat type, size, season and location. A service fee is added on top, and a deposit is held — but not charged if the trip goes well.

For renters

Your first rental trip: a practical checklist

Check wind and weather before you leave, walk through the boat with the owner, locate flotation and emergency gear, and plan a route you are comfortable with.

For boat owners

How to rent out your boat without carrying the risk

Clear rental with your insurer first, set realistic requirements for who may helm, document condition before and after, and work out what is actually left.

Sweden

For renters

Do you need a licence to rent a boat in Sweden?

No, not for an ordinary leisure boat. Sweden sets no formal competence requirement for operating one. The exception is a leisure ship larger than 12 × 4 metres, which requires a skipper or coastal skipper examination. The Swedish boating certificates are voluntary.

For renters

Rules at sea in Sweden: alcohol, lifejackets and seamanship

Sweden's fixed blood alcohol limit at sea is 0.2, and it applies to any vessel capable of at least 15 knots or with a hull of at least ten metres. Everyone on board must have a CE-marked lifejacket in the right size.

Denmark

For renters

Do you need a licence to rent a boat in Denmark?

Not for an ordinary leisure boat under 15 metres — but yes if the boat is a planing speedboat. That requires a speedboat certificate, and the requirement follows whoever has their hands on the wheel at any given moment, owner or renter alike.

For renters

Rules at sea in Denmark: alcohol and responsibility

The fixed 0.50 alcohol limit applies only to leisure vessels from 15 metres, planing speedboats requiring a speedboat certificate, and jet skis. Every other boat falls under a judgement rule: you may not sail so impaired that you cannot safely discharge your duties.

What would you like to do?

Whether you are renting a boat or renting out your own, it starts in the same place.

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