Frequently asked questions

You do not need a boating licence, but the skipper must be at least 18 years old. At least one person on board must have previous boating experience and know the rules of the water.

Adult life jackets are stored in the right-hand storage hatch. We recommend wearing them throughout the trip. Please bring correctly sized life jackets for children and pets.

Yes. Take care of your dog’s safety and bring a suitable life jacket for it. Please return the boat tidy for the next guests.

Yes. The boat is designed for picnics, so bringing your own food is encouraged. Alcohol may be enjoyed in moderation, but the skipper must remain sober.

Arrive at Eläintarhanlahti about 15 minutes before your booking starts. This gives you time to open the locks, prepare the boat and read the instructions in your booking confirmation.

Rain alone does not automatically cancel a booking, so check the forecast and bring waterproof clothing. If you want to move the booking because of the weather, notify us at least 24 hours before departure. Stadin Botski may cancel when conditions are unsafe for boating.

Do not set out during a strong-wind warning. If conditions deteriorate unexpectedly, reduce speed and return through the most sheltered official channel if it is safe. Otherwise, go to the nearest safe jetty where mooring is permitted. In immediate danger, call 112 and report your location; also notify Stadin Botski.

Yes. Email moi@stadinbotski.fi. If you cancel more than 72 hours before the booking starts, we will refund the full booking fee.

Yes. You can reschedule by emailing us at least 24 hours before the agreed departure. This also applies when you want to move the booking because of the weather.

Stadin Botski may cancel if the weather is too poor for safe boating or the boat is not operational. In that case, the full booking fee will be refunded.

A €200 card hold is placed on your payment card before the booking. It is released after the rental when the boat has been returned undamaged and shallow water and prohibited areas have been avoided in accordance with the terms.

A maximum of 8 people may be on board. Everyone counts towards the limit, including children.

The boat cruises at a leisurely speed of about 7 km/h. That is roughly a brisk jogging pace and is ideal for unhurried sightseeing along Helsinki’s shores and archipelago.

A full battery provides a range of about 50 kilometres. Wind, waves, load and driving style affect consumption, so always leave a generous reserve for the return trip and monitor the battery level on the control panel.

The boat does not have a chartplotter. Before departure, install a navigation app on your phone, such as Orca, whose basic version is free. Make sure your phone has enough battery. An app does not replace navigation marks, official channels or Stadin Botski’s shallow-water map.

If the boat slows down or the motor vibrates, grass or debris may be caught in the propeller. Stop in a safe place, put the throttle in neutral and switch off the power before making a visual check. Never touch the propeller while the power is on or enter the water to inspect it. Remove visible debris only if you can do so safely; otherwise contact Stadin Botski.

Use official boating channels only and keep about 25–50 metres from shore. Do not enter the Katajanokka or Sompasaari canals, drive east of Mustikkamaa in front of Kulosaari Casino, or enter other shallow and rocky areas. Always follow navigation marks and give way to other traffic.

You may moor at a public jetty when mooring is permitted, the water is deep enough and the boat can be secured safely. Do not drive onto a beach or rocks or use a private jetty or an unmarked shallow area. The boat must never be left unattended, and your booking time continues during the stop.