BOAT-COMPARATOR Guide

Which no-licence boat to choose: the right model

Which no-licence boat model to choose: 5-6 m open hull, comfort, size, seating. Our pointers to rent the right boat without picking the wrong one.

Not all no-licence boats are equal. Between a small dinghy and a modern 6-metre open hull, comfort is worlds apart — yet the engine is the same: 6 hp. This guide helps you choose the right model for your group and your plans, without a misstep. Boat-Comparator then lets you compare offers while being affiliated with no platform.

Same engine, the hull makes the difference

In France, no-licence boating is capped at a 6 hp (4.5 kW) engine, whatever the boat. In other words, every model moves at about 5 knots: the choice is not about speed but about the hull and its layout. A longer, better-shaped hull handles chop better, takes less water on board and offers real comfort. For a full day, a 5 to 6 metre open hull is the best compromise between stability and easy handling.

The 5-6 metre open hull, the benchmark

Open day-boat hulls — think small units from brands such as Quicksilver, Beneteau Flyer, Jeanneau Cap Camarat or Bombard on the RIB side — offer a clear deck, storage and often a small forward bench. Reckon on 4 to 6 people in comfort on a 5 to 6 metre hull, a few more if you squeeze in for a short outing. A windscreen and a sun awning make all the difference over a full day at anchor, especially with children aboard.

Choose by your plans

For a family swim outing, favour a stable hull with a bathing platform and ladder. To explore coves and land on sand, a light RIB goes anywhere and forgives rough manoeuvres. If you are mainly after sheltered waters — lagoon, roadstead, bay — the simplest day-boat will do nicely. Also check the certified number of seats, shown on each listing, and never exceed it: it is a matter of safety and insurance. A recent, well-maintained engine will also spare you a lot of hassle: ask about the boat's year and condition, and rely on the reviews left by previous renters.

Compare before booking

A no-licence budget usually sits between 100 and 250 EUR a day, with a 10 to 25 percent spread for the same boat between platforms. Hence the value of comparing: Boat-Comparator gathers Boataround, SamBoat, Click&Boat and GlobeSailor in a single search, with no affiliation. Read the photos and the boat's year, check the stated power and the cancellation policy, which varies by operator. A newer hull with a bimini and a bathing ladder is often worth a slightly higher price for a full day out with the family, and a stable open hull will always feel safer and drier than an old, tired one of the same length. For the general framework and your first reflexes, our no-licence rental guide and our dedicated page usefully round out this choice of model.

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Also worth reading

• How much does it cost to rent a boat in 2026? Real prices
• License-Free Boat Rental in France: Rules, Prices & Where to Book
• Renting with or without a skipper: how to choose