Whether it’s a motorboat, sports boat or sailing boat with a motor: sailing a boat through rivers, lakes or coastal waters is an experience for all the senses.
With a fresh breeze around your nose, the sound of the water and the rattling of the engine in your ears, life feels free and carefree.
And it’s not just for old sea dogs.
Beginners, landlubbers and even the whole family will get their money’s worth.
For example, children can take on smaller tasks on the boat and learn responsibility.
You can drive motorboats under 15 hp without a license.
We have compiled a list here of which license you need for motorboats with more power.
You’ll also find tips for your first trip, a driving tutorial and popular destinations for motorboat vacations.
Tip: It’s particularly nice if you go to the water with a roof tent.
Then you still have space on the trailer coupling for a trailer with a boat.
Camping Ratgeber:
Close to nature: motor boating & camping by the water
Combining camping and motor boating is not that difficult.
Many campsites are located directly on the water and your boat can anchor right in front of your campsite.
This allows you to combine the tranquillity of nature while camping with the excitement of exploring the surrounding waters, where you can often experience nature and wildlife up close.
Camping by the water also offers a relaxing ambience and allows you to spend time with family and friends and create unforgettable memories together.
Learn with video: Steering a boat
This video explains what is important when steering a motorboat and how to perform simple maneuvers.
Particular attention is paid to coupling and mooring or casting off.
A turning maneuver is also shown that can help you steer your boat in any direction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WqGCq51_r0
Tips for beginners: driving license, first ride & co.
In Germany, you can drive a motorboat under 15 hp without a license.
Nevertheless, most boat rental companies will instruct you beforehand to reduce the risk of accidents.
Of course, it is particularly important to familiarize yourself with the navigation, driving style and general language on the boat beforehand.
For example, “starboard” means the rightside of the boat and “port” the left.
Driving licenses for boats over 15 hp
You need a license for all motorized boats with an engine power of more than 15 hp.
A distinction is also made according to the body of water.
For coastal waters, you need the Sportbootführerschein See – SBF See for short.
With the SBF See, you can operate boats with unlimited engine power and length on coastal waters.
It is required for the area up to three nautical miles off the coast and is internationally recognized.
A license is no longer required on the high seas (beyond three nautical miles), as these are international waters.
However, you should only go this far out if you really know what you are doing.
On inland waters, such as rivers or canals, the inland pleasure craft license under motor – SBF Binnen AM for short – is mandatory for motorboats with an engine power of more than 15 hp and up to a length of 20 meters.
You can find further information on recreational boating licenses and additional licenses from online course providers for your boating license.
Here you will also find a detailed list of the costs you will incur.
Costs for the boat license: theory, practice and examination fees
You can obtain both recreational boating licenses individually or together in one attempt and must pass a theoretical and a practical exam.
Roughly speaking, the costs for the driving licenses are usually between 400 and 800 euros, which is cheaper than most car driving licenses.
In addition to the costs for theory and practical training, there are also examination fees and costs for teaching materials such as a navigation set.
Preparation for the exams can be carried out either at a boat school, with a textbook or by means of an online course.
The duration depends entirely on the provider and your own pace of learning.
Some providers have regular weekly courses, while others offer compact courses over one to two weeks or special vacation courses.
With an online course, you can learn at your own pace.
Driving license for sailing boats: auxiliary engines, radios & sailing yachts
In addition to the SBF Binnen under motor, there is also the SBF Binnen under sail (“sailing license”).
For pure sailing boats (without a motor), no license is required on most waters in Germany.
Only on a few rivers in Berlin and Brandenburg is the Sportbootführerschein Binnen unter Segel required from a certain sail area.
For sailing boats with a motor over 15 hp, an SBF See or the SBF Binnen under motor is required, depending on the sailing area.
The SBF Binnen under sail is therefore a voluntary license for most sailors, which teaches the basics of safe sailing.
Despite its voluntary nature, there are many rental companies that require a sailing license for a rental.
On coastal waters, depending on the rental company, a sport coaster license (SKS) may also be required for renting a sailing yacht.
This builds on the recreational boating license.
In addition, boats with radio equipment require the marine radio certificate (SRC) for open waters or the inland radio certificate (UBI) for everything inland.
Frequently asked questions: Boat license
Here you will find an overview of frequently asked questions about boating licenses.
When do I need a driver’s license for the boat?
For boats with 15 hp or more, you need a recreational boating license (SBF See or SBF Binnen under motor).
On some waters in Berlin and Brandenburg, an SBF Binnen under sail may also be required.
What driving licenses are available?
- Pleasure craft license sea (SBF See): for coastal waters
- Sportbootführerschein Binnen unter Motor (SBF Binnen unter Motor): for motorboats on rivers, canals and lakes
- Sport boat license inland under sail (SBF Binnen unter Segel): for sailboats on rivers, canals and lakes
- Further certificates such as radio certificates for a wide range of requirements
Where can I get a recreational boating license?
Many motorboat clubs and boating schools offer driving license courses.
You can also complete your license in an online course.
How long does a recreational boating license take?
Depending on the provider, this varies between regular, weekly training sessions, compact courses lasting one to two weeks and individual vacation courses.
If you learn via an online course, you determine the pace and duration.
How much does a boating license cost?
Depending on the provider, a recreational boating license costs around 400 to 800 euros.
In addition to the costs for theory and practical training, there are also examination fees and costs for teaching materials.
First trip with the boat: boat club, costs & co.
Having just passed your license, you naturally want to get started straight away.
It is therefore worth joining a boat club.
These clubs often have their own boats, so you can improve your boating experience without having to invest in your own boat.
You can also make lots of contacts with other boating enthusiasts and learn from their experiences.
Calm inland waters are worthwhile for your first attempts at boating after your license.
Waterways with little traffic and a low current are useful here.
For practice at sea, it is advisable to stick to empty stretches of coastline with little swell.
It is particularly important to note that water, as a moving surface, reacts very differently to steering and slowing down than a road, for example.
Weather and currents should therefore be constantly monitored.
Here again at a glance:
- Boat club: opportunity for contacts & good rental boats
- First trips in calm inland waters
- Sea: rather calm coasts
Boat type for beginners: turns are easier this way!
To keep maneuvering easy, it is a good idea to choose a shorter boat to start with.
In many driving schools, the boats are often five to eight meters long and this is also best suited for the first boat trip.
If you want a larger boat, a maximum length of twelve meters is recommended for beginners.
You can find used boats of this size for as little as 4,000 euros.
However, especially as a beginner, you should consult a trusted expert when buying.
- Training boats 5-8 meters long (max. 12 meters)
- Used boat from 4,000 euros
Equipment & insurance: prepared for an emergency
If something does go wrong, it is an advantage to have life jackets with you or to wear them at all times.
Especially on family outings with children and dogs, they should wear life jackets at all times.
Children and animals are often slower to react in dangerous situations and have less stamina if the boat trip does end in a swim.
Liability insurance for the boat is recommended to provide financial support in the event of an emergency.
However, this is not compulsory in Germany.
- Life jackets (especially for children)
- No liability required, but recommended
Top travel destinations: Baltic Sea, Berlin & Co.
In principle, boating is possible wherever there is water.
Nevertheless, you should find out about the applicable regulations for boat rental and the region beforehand.
Here are a few of the most popular vacation destinations for motor boating.
More activities & experiences for your vacation
Fancy an active vacation?
Then read on here:
Water sports on vacation: canoeing, surfing, water skiing & co.
Whether on a canoe, motorboat, surfboard or water ski, water sports are a popular pastime on vacation.
A trip on or into the water is particularly popular when camping.
Whether it’s fishing, canoeing, swimming, sailing, surfing, diving, scuba diving, water skiing or wakeboarding, you’ll find lots of tips for beginners here.
Vacation activities: Water sports, winter sports & co.
Are you planning a vacation but still looking for activities for you, your family, your partner or even alone?
Here you’ll find lots of great ideas for experiences that will enrich your vacation.
With lots of tips for beginners!
So you can start from the very beginning and get your bearings.
