One of the criteria you should look at before buying a boat is the power of the engine. This will affect several things, such as the energy costs for your boat. Another detail is whether or not you need a licence to drive it.
The need for a licence
The power of a boat engine affects how easy it is to sail. For example, in the case of low-powered models, you can drive them without too much fear of causing incidents. However, as soon as the boat becomes powerful, it is more difficult to handle. Without the necessary skills, not only could you initiate accidents with other boats, but you may also struggle to steer the vessel properly.
The use of boat safety equipment is mandatory at all times. However, in the case of an inexperienced and unlicensed pilot, they may be a real necessity. On the other hand, if you are travelling at sea, even if it is a low-powered boat, it is still useful to have a licence. In particular, it gives you the theoretical skills needed to pilot the boat properly.
The threshold required for a licence
If your boat exceeds 6 horsepower, i.e. 4.5 kW or more, a licence is required. From this point on, you may have to use the boat safety equipment when you go out to sea. Below this point, it is not a necessity, although it is highly recommended.
In particular, the boats that are offered for hire will have a power rating that does not exceed this threshold. This makes them more accessible to people who are looking for a simple pleasure boat. If you are a novice in the world of maritime navigation, this is the recourse that will be advised to you. Of course, it is also possible to find high-powered boats from these rental companies.
Getting a boat licence
If you want to get serious about boating, it may be necessary to get a licence. This starts with a theory test, including the use of boat safety equipment, followed by a practical test. The whole thing will cost you about 500 euros, which is quite a lot of money. This is why this measure is only recommended for people who are serious about sailing.
If you only intend to rent a boat during your holiday, this may be an excessive expense. Otherwise, if you are buying one, it may be a necessity, especially at times when you wish to acquire a larger boat model. It is therefore up to you to find out as much as possible about the steps you need to take. Generally, obtaining such a licence should not take too long, and you simply need to prepare yourself.
