Frequently asked questions
Do you have a question?
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to send us a message. Just visit the contact page.
Sauna Boats
What are the rental times for the sauna boats?
We have two sauna boats named "HILDI" and "ALICE," which are practically identical in design and construction. The start times vary depending on the day of the week and the season:
September to May
HILDI
Mon-Fri: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM // 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sat-Sun: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM // 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM // 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
ALICE
Mon-Fri: 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM // 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Sat-Sun: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM // 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM // 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
June to August
HILDI
Mon-Fri: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM // 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sat-Sun: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM // 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM // 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
ALICE
Out of service for maintenance
For special requests, please contact us at mail@bootsvermietungenge.ch.
Where is the starting point for my sauna boat booking?
I want to book both sauna boats simultaneously. What rules must be followed?
- A maximum of 6 people are allowed per boat.
- Both boats must always maintain a minimum distance of 50 meters from each other. Both groups must stay on their respective boats until the end.
- Docking the boats together is not permitted.
- While boating and anchoring, a minimum distance of 150 meters from the shore must be maintained.
Can I buy drinks and snacks on site and take them on the boat?
We have a small selection of beer, sparkling water, and soft drinks available for purchase on site, which you can take with you. We do not offer snacks. Generally, refreshments and snacks can be consumed on the sauna boat as long as there is no excessive mess. You are also welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks on board.
Does my booking take place in any weather?
Generally, yes. However, if a storm warning is active, we are not allowed to let the boats leave for safety reasons. If this happens, the following options are available:
- Sauna on the boat at our pier (without departure) - a 30% reduction of the booking amount.
- Reschedule the booking to a new date free of charge.
- Cancel the booking without any cancellation fees.
Does my booking take place even in the rain?
Absolutely! If it rains and you are relaxing in the hot sauna on the lake, it makes the experience even more enjoyable.
What is the process like on the day of my booking?
We are a group of 8. Can we all go on one sauna boat?
No, the maximum number of people allowed on one sauna boat is 6. However, you have the option to book both boats simultaneously. Please familiarize yourself with the rental rules for both boats.
Is there a shower on the sauna boat?
No, there is no shower on the sauna boat.
Can I book the sauna boat for only 2 or 3 hours?
Currently, only 4-hour slots can be booked online in advance.
From November 2024 this year, we will also be offering 3-hour morning appointments online from Wednesday to Friday at a price of CHF 350.00 (9:00-12:00 on the ‘Hildi’ and 9:30-12:30 on the ‘Alice’).
Can I store valuables like my scooter or laptop?
You are welcome to store extra luggage in our changing room. If you have a laptop or other valuables in your luggage, you can also leave them in our office, which is either always staffed or locked when unattended.
Can I book the sauna boat spontaneously?
Can I rent a bathrobe, towels, or slippers on site?
Yes, you can rent a bathrobe (9 CHF), towel set (7 CHF), and slippers (3 CHF) on site. You can add these extras either when booking or before departure. Payment can be made by card, TWINT, or in cash.
How many people can fit on the sauna boat?
The sauna boat can accommodate a maximum of 6 people. This limit must not be exceeded for safety and legal reasons.
Can I wear swim trunks in the sauna?
For hygiene reasons, our sauna is a nude zone. Towels can be rented on site, or you are welcome to bring your own towels.
Is there a toilet on the sauna boat?
No, there are no toilets on the sauna boat. You can use the public restrooms located just above our boat rental at Hafen Beiz Enge before departure and after arrival.
Can I change clothes before departure and after arrival?
Most of our customers change on the sauna boat. We also have a small changing room on our boat rental platform, which you are welcome to use. A hairdryer is also available.
How far can I go with the sauna boat?
Since our sauna boats are not speedboats, we ask our customers not to go further than Zollikon/Kilchberg. Distances are often underestimated, leading to delays in returning the boats. If the boat is returned late, additional fees will apply.
What happens if I return the boat late?
If you return the sauna boat late, we may not have enough time to prepare it properly for the next customers. The boats are also recharged between slots. If you are late, the next group may not be able to depart on time. In this case, we charge a Fairplay fee. The longer the delay, the higher the fee:
for the first 30 minutes 🡪 50 CHF
after 30 minutes 🡪 100 CHF
Are children allowed on the sauna boat?
Yes, children are allowed on the sauna boat as long as they are supervised by an adult.
Rental Boats
I booked a boat online. When and where should I be?
Please arrive at Bootsvermietung Enge 15 minutes before your booking to ensure a timely start. We will conduct a brief introduction, covering the essential lake rules and explaining the features of the boat. After both parties check the boat for any existing damages or defects (Boat Check) and you sign the rental contract, you are free to depart and enjoy your trip.
Can I come by spontaneously and rent a boat?
Yes, you can. Part of our fleet is reserved exclusively for walk-in guests. Especially in the peak summer season, it may happen that all boats are already rented out at the time of your arrival. Depending on space availability, you may wait on our pier for a boat. We cannot predict the waiting time, as our customers can stay on the lake as long as they like. Payment is made after returning the boat.
If you want to be sure, we recommend booking one of our rental boats online: https://bootsvermietungenge.ch/en/rental-boats/
Can I rent/book a boat without a boating license?
We have both license-required and license-free motorboats in our fleet. Our website provides a good overview of our offerings: https://bootsvermietungenge.ch/en/rental-boats/
Can I also book a pedal boat or a rowing boat?
Yes and no. Our pedal boats and rowing boats can only be rented on site. However, we recently added two of our large pedal boats to our online booking tool: https://bootsvermietungenge.ch/en/rental/pedalo-large/
How much does it cost to rent a boat, pedal boat, or rowing boat?
You can find all the prices on our website at the following link: Price List https://bootsvermietungenge.ch/en/rental-boats/
Is there a minimum rental period?
The minimum rental periods vary depending on the boat.
SAPHIR 6 PS: 30 min
Electric Boat SHORTBREAK 5.8: 1 hr
Small and large pedalo: 30 min
Rowing boat: 30 min
license-required boats ZAR 59 SL, YAMARIN 63 DC & OVATION 6.8: 2 hrs (3 hrs on weekends)
How old do I need to be to rent a boat from you?
Regular pedal boats can be rented from the age of 12 without parental supervision, and our license-free motorboats from the age of 18. For our license-required boats, our Electric Boat SHORTBREAK 5.8 and our Electric Pedal Boat OTTER, the minimum age is 22 years.
Is my boating license recognized on Lake Zurich?
Not every boating license entitles you to operate a license-required motorboat on Lake Zurich.
On Lake Zurich, the boating licenses that are generally recognized are those based on the Resolution No. 40 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. This includes, for example, the German Sportbootführerschein BINNEN. It is important that the boating license is not only issued for coastal areas (option côtière, coastal areas, etc.) but specifically approved for inland waters. If indicated, approval is also subject to a maximum engine power or size/length of the boat.
Before the official confirmation of your booking for a license-required boat, we need the following information from you: full name, address, mobile number, and a photo/scan of your boating license, as well as the date and time slot of the desired booking. Without this information, we cannot confirm a booking. We will verify the data and the validity of your boating license and get back to you with the final decision. All information can be sent to our email: mail@bootsvermietungenge.ch
Note: An international certificate is only valid with a valid national boating license. Without this, the international certificate is void.
If you are unsure whether your license is valid on Swiss waters, specifically on Lake Zurich, feel free to contact us via email with a photo/scan of your boating license: mail@bootsvermietungenge.ch
What do I need to bring to rent a boat?
You must bring a deposit in CASH and an official ID (e.g., ID card or passport). The rental fee can be paid at the end by card, TWINT, or cash. In the peak summer season, it is also recommended to bring a hat and sunscreen.
Do I need to return the boat with a full tank?
All our license-required boats must be returned with a full tank. Fuel is not included in the rental price. If the boat is not fully refueled upon return, the skipper is required to refuel it. The additional rental time will be charged at the regular rate. We do not offer a refueling service.
Our license-free boats do not need to be refueled/recharged.
Am I insured?
The renter is fully responsible for the boat and its passengers. The renter is fully liable for any damage to people and property.
Bootsvermietung Enge has liability insurance for all rental boats and comprehensive insurance for the motorboats. Depending on the motorboat category, the renter is liable for a deductible between CHF 1,000.00 and CHF 2,000.00.
The renter remains personally liable for all damages not covered by the liability/comprehensive insurance. If the boat cannot be rented out or can only be rented at a reduced price due to the damage, the renter is liable for compensation.
Are there life jackets on the boats?
Yes, all our rental boats, including pedal boats and rowing boats, are equipped with appropriate life jackets. Please note that life jackets are to be used only in emergencies and are not swim aids. You are welcome to bring your own swim aids.
Do the boats have a sunshade?
Our Electric Boats SHORTBREAK 5.8 and INFINITY 455 MC, as well as all our license-required boats ZAR 59 SL, YAMARIN 63 DC, and OVATION 6.8, are equipped with a sunshade, which our staff can open for you upon request before departure.
Our license-free motorboats SAPHIR 6 PS, as well as the pedal boats and rowing boats, do not have a sunshade. However, we will soon offer this as an extra for the pedal boats.
Is there a sound system on the boats?
All our Electric Boats SHORTBREAK 5.8 and INFINITY 455 MC, as well as our YAMARIN 63 DC and OVATION 6.8, have an integrated sound system. You are also welcome to bring your own small music system, such as a boombox.
Can I drink alcohol while I'm on the boat?
Yes, but like in road traffic, a blood alcohol limit of 0.5 per mille must be observed.
Can I buy drinks and snacks on site and take them on the boat?
We have a small selection of beer, sparkling water, and soft drinks available for purchase on site, which you can take with you. We do not offer snacks. Generally, refreshments and snacks can be consumed on the boats as long as there is no excessive mess. You are also welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks on board.
Can I rent water skis, a wakeboard, or a tube?
Yes, for the license-required boats, you can rent water sports equipment for a flat fee:
- Water skis and/or wakeboard: 50 CHF
- Tube or banana: 30 CHF
Can my child go on a pedal boat alone?
From the age of 12, it is possible to rent a pedal boat without adult supervision. If necessary, we recommend bringing a swim aid.
Can I bring my dog on the boat?
No, dogs are not allowed on our boats for hygienic reasons and due to the increased potential for damage. However, you are welcome to leave your dog at our boat rental, provided they can handle the lively atmosphere. We offer a shady spot, water, and, if desired, some petting. Our own dogs, Jacks and Rio, usually enjoy having visitors.
