Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our houseboats and rental.

Booking and Prices

Prices depend on the season and rental duration. The price includes a detailed instruction and final cleaning.

> Price Lists

Gift vouchers can be purchased here and can be freely booked by the recipient subject to availability. They are valid for 2 years. If you want to buy a voucher for a different value, just write to us!

> Vouchers

It is recommended to book well in advance, especially on weekends and during holiday periods. Trips must be booked at least one day in advance.

Yes, a deposit of 250 euros must be left in cash on site.

Rain is not a reason for the boat trip to be cancelled. The cabin is weatherproof and the captain has rain-resistant equipment. With forecasted wind forces of six or more, you must head to a protective harbor or are not allowed to leave it. If you cannot start your journey due to severe weather, we will retain the deposit and try to find an alternative date with you.

Opening Hours and Boat Handover

The office is open depending on the season and boat handovers and returns, so please register a visit in advance. We are available by phone Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM, or we will call back.

The boat handover (six days a week/ Monday to Saturday) takes place after the instruction. The instruction usually takes place at 10 AM and lasts about an hour. The boats must be returned by 7 PM at the latest. Please arrange exceptions with us in advance.

The handover and return of the Wasserkutschen, Momme and Zilius take place at the home port (Schlesische Straße 28, 10997 Berlin). The handover and return of the Rossi takes place at the Citymarina Berlin-Rummelsburg.

The Boats

We have prepared an inventory and packing list here for you to download to help with your trip preparation!

A Wasserkutsche is licensed for a maximum of eight people (six people recommended). There are sleeping berths for four people. The Rossi is licensed for a maximum of ten people, with sleeping berths for five people.

No, on the Wasserkutsche there is one large berth (220 x 180 cm) for three people and a single berth (200 x 65 cm). On the Rossi there are two sleeping berths for two to three people each.

On the Wasserkutsche there are 60 liters of fresh water on board for washing and dishwashing. On the Rossi there are 250 liters of fresh water on board for washing and dishwashing. Since it is stored in plastic tanks on the boats, we don't recommend drinking it. Drinking water for drinking and cooking can be purchased for 5 euros per 5 liters (or brought along).

The boat has no railing. It is recommended that children wear life jackets on deck at all times.

Yes and no. Goldfish or snake – no problem. Animals with hair and claws – problem. We love dogs (especially dachshunds!), but experience from recent years has shown that most dogs feel more comfortable on land, and there are always difficulties with hair removal during cleaning, even if your pet is well-behaved. We strongly recommend leaving your pet with a sitter. If you still want to try, then under the following conditions: Wasserkutschen: We remove the bedding and fleece blankets from board. You must bring your own bedding, duvet covers, sheets, and if necessary, cushions. Please also bring a basket or blanket for your pet so it has its own place. It is not allowed on the upholstery. Book the 'Pet' surcharge (60€) under extras in the second booking step. Momme & Zilius: We remove the cushions from board. Please bring a basket or blanket for your pet so it has its own place. Book the 'Pet' surcharge (60€) under extras in the second booking step. Rossi & Schnabel: Pets are not allowed.

No, bringing bicycles is not permitted. Folding bikes that can be stored in bags may be brought on board.

Yes, when well moored and locked with padlocks, the boat can be left alone.

On board the Wasserkutschen there are sleeping berths for four people including duvets and pillows, a table with three seats, a refrigerator, two gas cooking plates, pots, plates etc., a camping toilet, light and electricity, 60 liters of fresh water, life jackets, swimming ladder, fire extinguisher, first aid kit. Additional extras and accessories (such as a grill and charcoal, a music system with connection for your own playback device, weatherproof equipment for the captain, drinking water and much more) can be booked optionally (they will be shown to you in step 2 of the booking process). On board the Rossi there are sleeping berths for five people including duvets and pillows, a table with 6-8 seats, a refrigerator, two gas cooking plates, pots, plates etc., a WC cabin, a music system with radio/CD/USB and connection for own playback device, light and electricity, 250 liters of fresh water, life jackets, swimming ladder, fire extinguisher, first aid kit. Additional extras and accessories can be booked optionally (they will be shown to you in step 2 of the booking process).

Duvets and pillows are provided on board, but duvet covers, sheets, and towels are not. You can either bring your own or rent bed linen and towels from us for 8 euros per person. For the large berth, you need a 180 cm wide sheet (or 3 small ones), for the single berth you need a small one.

Yes, with our fancy charcoal grills with double-walled housing that stay cool on the outside, you can grill on deck. You can find the grill under 'Extras' in the second step of the booking process. Since our boats are built completely of wood and can be damaged by heat, you may only grill with these grills and not with self-brought ones.

According to the manufacturer, a gas cartridge burns for about 75 minutes. You can purchase additional gas cartridges from us if you plan to do a lot of cooking.

You are requested not to smoke inside the boat. You may smoke on deck, but please don't throw cigarette butts into the water.

The camping toilets on the Wasserkutschen are portable dry toilets that work with bags. These are sealed airtight after use and then disposed of as residual waste. There is no separate WC cabin on the Wasserkutsche. The idea is to use the toilet for emergencies and otherwise use facilities during shore excursions. On the Rossi there is a separate toilet cabin with a built-in toilet and tank.

Depending on driving style, the Wasserkutsche's batteries last 3-10 hours. At half power (approx. 5 km/h), you can drive about 8 hours under battery power. For the Rossi, the batteries last 5-15 hours depending on driving style. At half power (approx. 6 km/h), you can drive about 8 hours under battery power.

At all mooring points marked with a yellow wave – where you get water, electricity, and sanitary facilities for a few euros –, and at harbors/marinas, restaurants, sailing clubs, etc.

At maximum discharge (80%), charging takes 6-10 hours.

The boats are powered by an electric motor. Fuel is only needed for the generator (emergency power unit). If consumption occurs, you will be charged per liter at current market prices.

Driving and Routes

For the Wasserkutsche, you need neither a license nor boating experience. The boat has a 2KW electric motor and can be operated without a license. You receive a one-hour, detailed instruction. For renting the Rossi, either a license or appropriate boating experience is required.

There is a map with all waterways on board. The Spree area of the inner city is closed to license-free boats (less than 15 HP). Apart from that, there are hardly any restrictions. The inner city can also be accessed via the canals.

You can moor at numerous marked mooring points and in harbors, marinas, sailing clubs, and restaurants that offer guest berths marked with a Yellow Wave. On board our houseboats, you have a detailed water map where all these are marked with phone numbers and information about facilities. A guest berth with electricity and sanitary facilities costs on average about 15€/night.

You can anchor in rivers and lakes where it is not explicitly forbidden. You cannot anchor in the fairway and in canals.

The inner city area of Berlin between the Oberbaum Bridge in the east and the Chancellor's Office pier in the west cannot be navigated with our Wasserkutschen (2 kw, approx. 3 HP). It may only be navigated by small vessels with at least 5 HP and only with an inland waterways license (this also applies to vessels with less than 15 HP). If you possess an inland waterways license, you may navigate this area with our Rossi, Momme, Zilius, and Schnabel (NOT with the Wasserkutschen) – however only from 7:00 PM in the evening and before 10:30 AM, because: The area between the Mühlendamm Lock in the east and the Lessing Bridge in the west may only be navigated between 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM by vessels equipped with an approved and operational VHF radio device, and must have a person with a valid VHF radio certificate on board. To reach the west (e.g., Havel/Wannsee) with our boats, this restricted Spree area can be bypassed via the Landwehr Canal (runs between Kreuzberg and Charlottenburg). The Landwehr Canal may only be navigated downstream (westward) with the Rossi and other vessels with at least 5 HP, while the Wasserkutschen may travel in both directions.

In case of damage, first call the charter company (us) and in case of an accident, also call the water police. You are liable in case of damage with a deductible of 1500 euros (see terms and conditions). With the optional liability reduction (15 euros per boat and booking), you are liable for 250 euros. Everything beyond caused damage of 1500 or 250 euros is paid by the charter company's insurance. At the beginning of the charter period, you deposit a security deposit of 250 euros. The charter company is entitled to retain costs for damages and losses from this deposit.

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