General terms

General terms and conditions for boat rental at Giethoorn Village

Article 1 – Definitions

In these terms and conditions, the following definitions apply:

  • Entrepreneur: a natural or legal person who concludes an agreement with a consumer for the provision of a vessel against payment of a rental price. This entrepreneur is a member of the partnership Giethoorn Village.
  • Consumer: a natural person who concludes an agreement with an entrepreneur for the use of a vessel against payment of rent. This consumer does not conclude the agreement on behalf of his profession or business, but in a personal capacity.
  • Parties: the entrepreneur and the consumer, as described above.
  • Vessel: an object made to reside on the water and move on it, including the equipment and inventory associated with it. These terms and conditions explicitly refer to a vessel that is intended for sports or leisure activities.
  • Rental agreement: an agreement with which the entrepreneur undertakes to give a vessel without or with crew into use to the consumer against payment.
  • Electronic: by e-mail or website.
  • Inventory: list of objects belonging to the vessel.
  • Condition list: list on which the parties record the condition of the vessel and any damage present before departure.
  • Disputes committee: the Water Recreation Disputes Committee in The Hague.

All amounts stated in these general terms and conditions include VAT.

Article 2 – Applicability

These general terms and conditions apply to every quotation and every agreement concluded between entrepreneurs and consumers regarding vessel rental.

Article 3 – Offer / quotation

  1. Entrepreneurs make an offer orally, in writing or electronically.
  2. If the oral offer is not accepted immediately, it is invalid unless a deadline is stated.
  3. Written or electronic offers must be dated. If a validity period is stated, the entrepreneur will not change or withdraw the offer within that period. If no period is stated, the offer remains valid for 14 days.
  4. The offer contains a complete and accurate description of the vessel and states at least:
    • the rental period and departure/arrival location;
    • the rental price and any additional costs and payment method;
    • the insurance deductible;
    • the amount and method of guarantee;
    • the cancellation procedure.

With each offer, the entrepreneur provides a copy of these general terms and conditions.

Article 4 – Agreement

  1. An agreement is concluded once the consumer accepts the offer.
  2. If accepted electronically, the entrepreneur will confirm electronically.
  3. Agreements are preferably recorded in writing or electronically.
  4. The consumer receives a copy of the written agreement.

Article 5 – Price and price changes

  1. Parties agree in advance on:
    • the rental price and any additional costs;
    • whether price changes are permitted and under what conditions.
  2. The entrepreneur may pass on government-imposed taxes or levies.

Article 6 – Payment terms

  1. The consumer must pay within 14 days after receipt of the invoice, and in any case before the rental period starts. Reservation is final only after payment.
  2. If payment is not made on time, the consumer is in default. A free payment reminder will be sent, granting 14 additional days.
  3. If payment is still not made, extrajudicial collection costs may be charged according to Dutch statutory limits.

Article 7 – Cancellation

If the consumer wishes to cancel the rental agreement, this must be communicated electronically via as soon as possible.

If the consumer cancels, Giethoorn Village B.V. may charge fixed compensation:

  • 10% of the agreed rental amount for cancellations up to 48 hours before the rental period (minimum €10.00);
  • 100% of the agreed rental amount for cancellations within 48 hours before the rental period.

If the consumer requests a substitution or change of date and Giethoorn Village B.V. agrees, a change fee applies:
10% of the agreed rental amount (minimum €10.00, maximum €25.00).

In case of an unfavourable weather forecast, Giethoorn Village B.V. will seek a reasonable solution together with the consumer.

Article 8 – Obligations of the entrepreneur

  1. The vessel is made available in good condition and suitable for its intended use.
  2. The vessel is insured for liability, hull damage and theft within the agreed sailing area.
  3. A condition list is signed before departure.
  4. An inventory list is provided.
  5. The vessel is received at the agreed time and place.
  6. Emergency contact numbers are present on board.

Article 9 – Obligations of the consumer

The consumer must:

  • Have sufficient boating skills (minimum age 18 unless otherwise permitted).
  • Refrain from alcohol or drug use while operating the vessel.
  • Follow all instructions of the entrepreneur.
  • Check inventory and safety equipment before departure.
  • Use the vessel responsibly and not transfer use without written permission.
  • Return the vessel on time and in the same condition.
  • Pay operational costs (fuel, port fees, etc.).
  • Report damage immediately.

Repair costs require prior approval from the entrepreneur.

Article 10 – Liability

  1. The consumer is liable for damage or loss during the rental period, insofar as not covered by insurance.
  2. Full liability applies if the vessel is knowingly used outside the agreed sailing area or instructions are ignored.
  3. Liability is limited to €500 plus the deductible, regardless of insurance.
  4. The entrepreneur is not liable for property damage, injury, or accidents unless directly caused by a defect in the vessel.

Article 11 – Non-compliance

  1. If the entrepreneur fails to fulfil obligations, the consumer may terminate the agreement and receive a refund.
  2. Compensation may be claimed unless the failure is not attributable to the entrepreneur.
  3. Late return entitles the entrepreneur to proportional rent increase and compensation.
  4. Damage beyond insured coverage may be repaired at the consumer’s expense.

Article 12 – Complaints

Complaints must be submitted in writing or electronically within a reasonable time after discovery.

Failure to complain in time may result in loss of rights.

If no solution is reached, a dispute exists.

Article 13 – Deviations

Additional or deviating provisions may not disadvantage the consumer and must be recorded in writing or on a durable data carrier.

Article 14 – Applicable law

All agreements and disputes are governed by Dutch law, unless mandatory law provides otherwise.