Boating
Which boats can you drive without a licence?
On Lake Thun, you need a boat licence if engine power exceeds 6 kW or sail area exceeds 15 m². A licence is not required at those exact thresholds.
The important differences
- Lake Constance: a licence is required above 4.4 kW or 12 m² of sail. A Swiss licence alone does not automatically confer Lake Constance authorisation.
- Lake Geneva has its own engine threshold of 10 hp; the High Rhine uses 3.68 kW. Check the waterway before choosing a licence-free rental.
- Licence-free does not mean rule-free: registration, insurance, minimum age and equipment are separate requirements. Under the Swiss ordinance, the usual minimum age for motorboats up to 6 kW is 14.