Frequently asked questions
Do you have a question?
Here you will find the answers to frequently asked questions. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you are welcome to send us a message. Simply visit the contact page.
Rental boats
Can I drop by spontaneously and hire a boat?
Yes, you can. Part of our fleet is reserved exclusively for walk-in guests. Especially in the height of summer, it is possible that all the boats are already rented out when you arrive. Depending on the space available, you may have to wait for a boat on our jetty. We cannot tell you how long the waiting time is, as our customers can stay on the lake for as long as they like. Payment is only made after the boat has been returned.
If you want to be on the safe side, we recommend booking one of our rental boats online: https://bootsvermietungenge.ch/mietboote/
Starting point of my booking
Please arrive at Enge boat rental 15 minutes before your booking so that you can start on time. We will give you a short introduction, during which we will point out the most important sailing rules and show and explain the features of the boat. After both parties have checked the boat for any existing damage or defects (boat check) and you have signed the rental agreement, you can cast off and set off.
Will my booking take place in all weathers?
Basically yes. If the storm warning is active, we are not allowed to launch the boats for safety reasons. If this is the case, there are the following options:
- Postpone your booking to a new date free of charge.
- Cancellation of a booking, whereby no cancellation fees will be charged.
Minimum age
Regular pedalos can be hired from the age of 12 without parental supervision and our motorboats that do not require a test from the age of 18. The minimum age for our boats requiring a test and our SHORTBREAK 5.8 e-boats and OTTER e-pedalos is 22.
Drinks and snacks
We have a small display of beer, sparkling water and soft drinks on site, which you can purchase and take away. We do not offer snacks. In principle, refreshments and snacks may be consumed on the boats as long as there is no excessive soiling. You are also welcome to take your own drinks and snacks onto the boat.
Alcohol
As with driving a car, the blood alcohol limit for driving a boat is 0.5 per mille.
Life jackets
All our rental boats, including pedalos and rowing boats, are equipped with appropriate life jackets. We would like to point out that life jackets may only be used in an emergency and are not swimming aids. Children, for example, should bring their own.
Security deposit
It is essential to show a deposit in CASH and an official identity document (e.g. ID/passport) at check-in.
Is my boating license also recognized on Lake Zurich?
Not every boating license entitles you to drive a motorboat on Lake Zurich that requires an examination.
On Lake Zurich, boatmaster’s certificates based on Resolution No. 40 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe are generally recognized. This includes, for example, the German recreational boating license BINNEN. It is important that the boat license was not only issued for coastal areas (i.e. coastal areas, option côtière…), but is specifically approved for inland waters. If apparent, the approval is also limited by a max. engine power or size/length of the vessel to be sailed.
Before we can officially confirm your booking of a boat that requires an examination, we need the following information from you: full name, address, mobile number and a photo/scan of your skipper’s license, as well as the date and time slot of the desired booking. If any of this information is missing, we cannot confirm your booking. We will check the data and your boat license for validity and get back to you with the final decision. All details can be sent to our e-mail: mail@bootsvermietungenge.ch
Attention: An international certificate is only valid with a valid national boatmaster’s license. Without this, the international certificate is invalid.
If you are not sure whether your license is valid on Swiss waters or on Lake Zurich, you are welcome to contact us by e-mail with a photo/scan of your skipper’s license: mail@bootsvermietungenge.ch
All our boats subject to mandatory inspection must be returned with a full tank of fuel.
Fuel is not included in the rental price for boats subject to inspection. If the boat has not been refueled when it is returned, the skipper is obliged to refuel the boat. The additional rental time will be charged as normal. We do not offer a refueling service.
Our inspection-free boats do not need to be refueled/loaded.
Insurance
The hirer is fully responsible for the boat and its occupants. He/she is fully liable for any damage to persons and property.
Boat Rental Enge has taken out liability insurance for all rental boats and also fully comprehensive insurance for motorboats. Depending on the motorboat category, the hirer is liable for an excess of between CHF 1,000.00 and CHF 2,000.00.
The hirer remains personally liable for all damage not covered by the liability/fully comprehensive insurance. If the boat can no longer be rented or can only be rented at a reduced price due to the damage, the renter is liable for damages.
Children alone on the pedalo
From the age of 12 it is possible to rent a pedalo without adult supervision. If necessary, we recommend bringing a buoyancy aid. We provide life jackets.
Dogs
For reasons of hygiene and due to the increased potential for damage, dogs are not allowed on the boat with us. You are welcome to leave your four-legged friend with us in the boat rental, as long as it gets along well with lots of cheering and hustle and bustle. We offer a shady spot, water and, if desired, scratching sessions. Our own dogs Jacks, Rio and Lexi are (usually) happy to visit.
Sauna boats
Starting point of the sauna boat booking
The starting point for your sauna boat booking is at Mythenquai 25, 8002 Zurich. Both sauna boats “HILDI” and “ALICE” are located at the jetty of Bootsvermietung Enge, just below the Hafen Beiz Enge. Link Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HEJrEgZp19mFRZYo7
Drinks and snacks on the sauna boat
We have a small display of beer, sparkling water and soft drinks on site, which you can purchase and take away. We do not offer snacks. In principle, refreshments and snacks may be consumed on the sauna boat, provided that no excessive soiling occurs. You are also welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks on the boat.
Checkroom on the jetty
Our customers usually get changed on the sauna boat. We have a small checkroom on our boat rental platform, which can of course also be used. A hair dryer is also available.
WC
There are no toilets on the sauna boat. You are welcome to use the public toilets just above our boat rental at the Hafen Beiz Enge before departure and after arrival.
Shower
Unfortunately, we have no showers on the sauna boat or on our boat rental platform.
Rent bathrobes, towels and slippers
You are welcome to rent a bathrobe (CHF 9), towel set (CHF 7) and slippers (CHF 3) on site. You can either order the extras when you book or purchase them before departure. Payment can be made by card, TWINT or in cash.
Will my sauna boat booking take place in any weather?
Basically yes. If the storm warning is active, we are not allowed to launch the boats for safety reasons. If this is the case, there are the following options:
- Cancellation of a booking, whereby no cancellation fees will be charged.
- Sauna on the boat at our jetty (without exit) – reduction of 30% of the booking amount.
- Postpone your booking to a new date free of charge.
Can I store valuables such as my scooter or laptop?
You are welcome to store extra luggage in our checkroom. If you have a laptop or other valuables in your luggage, for example, you can also leave them in our office, which is always manned or locked if unattended.
Our sauna is a nude zone.
For hygienic reasons, our sauna is a nude zone. Towels can be rented on site. You can also bring your own towels.
How far can I travel with the sauna boat?
As our sauna boats are not speedboats, we ask our customers not to travel further than Zollikon/Kilchberg. The distances are often underestimated and this leads to delays in return. If the return is delayed, additional charges will be incurred.
Delayed return
If you return the sauna boat too late, we will not be able to prepare the boat properly for the next customer. The boats are also loaded between slots. If you are late, the next group will not be able to set off on time. In this case we charge a fair play fee. The longer the delay, the higher the fee.
- for the first 30 minutes or part thereof: CHF 50
- after 30 minutes: 100 CHF
Are children allowed on the sauna boat?
Of course, as long as the children are supervised by an adult, they are also allowed on the sauna boat.
Spontaneous rent
Basically no. Our sauna boats can be booked online up to 28 hours before the start of the booking period. Sometimes bookings are postponed or canceled due to illness or scheduling conflicts. Sometimes slots remain completely free. You are welcome to contact us at short notice by phone on 044 211 22 62 or send us an e-mail at mail@bootsvermietungenge.ch. You may be lucky and the desired slot may still be available.
We are 8 people. Can we go on a sauna boat together?
No, the maximum number of people allowed is 6, but it is possible to book both boats at the same time. Please familiarize yourself with the rules for renting both boats.
I would like to book both sauna boats at the same time. What rules must be observed?
- A maximum of 6 people are allowed per boat.
- Both boats must always be at least 150 meters apart. Both groups remain on the same boat until the end.
- The boats may not be joined together.
- When sailing and anchoring, a minimum distance of 150 meters from land must always be maintained.
