Before you rent a boat, it’s worth asking yourself a few key questions. What are you hoping to get from your time on the water? Do you already have a plan in mind? How much boating experience do you have? Where would you like to go? How far are you planning to travel? And what budget are you working with?
Choosing the right boat isn’t always straightforward. To help you find the option that best suits your plans, here are the main factors worth considering.
What kind of boat do you need?
There are a number of things worth considering before choosing a boat. Ideally, you should have a clear idea of the type of trip you’d like to enjoy before you start browsing.
- If you’re planning a day out on the water, a motorboat is often the most practical choice.
- If you’re planning a longer escape of several days or even a full week, a catamaran or sailing boat will often be better suited thanks to the extra comfort and space on board.
How much experience do you have?
Depending on your experience, there are several ways to enjoy a boat rental.
Bareboat rental
You’ll be responsible for the boat yourself, so it’s important to choose something that matches your level of experience. If you’re new to boating, it’s usually best to avoid overly powerful boats and opt for something easier to handle.
Staying on a boat in the marina
A different way to spend a night by the water and enjoy the unique atmosphere of a marina.
Renting a boat with a skipper
You wouldn’t drive a car without the proper licence, and the same applies on the water. If you don’t hold the required qualifications, or if you’d simply rather relax and enjoy the experience, you can rent a boat with a professional skipper who will take care of the navigation.
Find out everything you need to know about renting a boat with a skipper.
What are you planning to do?
The activities you have in mind will play a major role in determining the type of boat and equipment you’ll need. It’s also worth considering engine power, as some activities require more performance than others.
- Looking for a relaxed cruise to explore a coastline or enjoy a family day out? You’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
- Planning a fishing trip, watersports or a lazy day at anchor? Choose a boat that genuinely suits your plans, particularly when it comes to engine size and onboard facilities.
- Travelling with a larger group and planning to stay overnight? In that case, look for a boat with one or more cabins.
Whatever your plans, it’s always worth adopting responsible boating habits to help protect the marine environment and preserve the places you visit. Discover our tips for a responsible boat rental.
Please note, some boats are available for cruising, while others are offered exclusively as accommodation in the marina.
Where will you be boating?
Every cruising area has its own characteristics, and some types of boat are better suited to certain conditions than others.
- In destinations such as Greece, strong seasonal winds like the Meltemi can affect navigation.
- Around the Balearic Islands and along many Mediterranean coastlines, conditions are often calmer and well suited to leisurely cruising.
- On the open sea, waves and swell are generally more frequent and more challenging than in sheltered coastal waters.
Your destination can have a major influence on the type of boat you’ll need. The requirements for a boat rental in Greece, a boat rental in Croatia or a boat rental in the Balearic Islands can be very different.
Who are you travelling with?
If you’re travelling with family or friends, the boat should comfortably accommodate everyone on board while providing the level of comfort you’re looking for. It’s also worth considering the boating experience of the people travelling with you.
Facilities such as cabins, a galley, bathroom facilities and areas to relax can make all the difference on a multi-day trip.
- If you’re spending several days away with family, especially with four, five or more people on board, you’ll probably be more comfortable on a catamaran or a large motorboat, both of which offer plenty of space and comfort.
- If you’re planning a day of watersports with friends, a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) could be the ideal choice.
- If your main goal is simply to enjoy sailing, a sailboat is hard to beat.
How far do you plan to travel?
The length of your trip will naturally influence the distance you’ll cover. Before booking, ask yourself a few questions:
- Do you have the experience required for several hours or even several days on the water?
- Have you factored fuel costs into your budget?
- If you’re renting a boat for several days, does it have suitable cabins for sleeping on board?
Before setting off, it’s also worth planning your route and estimating fuel consumption to ensure you choose a boat that’s suited to your itinerary.
Always make sure you have enough fuel on board to avoid running into difficulties at sea.
Your budget
Your budget is one of the most important factors when choosing a boat, which is why it’s essential to assess your needs carefully before you start searching.
There’s no need to choose the biggest or most fully equipped boat to enjoy a fantastic experience on the water. The key is finding a boat that suits your plans, your crew and your expectations.
Finding the right boat
Now that you know what to look for, finding the right boat becomes much simpler.
Take a moment to review your plans and explore our selection of boats for rent on SamBoat to find the perfect boat for your next day on the water, weekend away or sailing holiday.
