Boat-Evasion
Everything you need to know about boat sharing between members in Switzerland.
Boat-Evasion is a boatsharing platform connecting motorboat owner members and user members in Switzerland. Choose a boat, select a date and time slot (morning, afternoon or evening), pay securely online by credit card and pick up the keys from a secure key box. Check-in and check-out are done directly on the website or mobile app.
In Switzerland, operating a motorboat with more than 6 kW (approx. 8 HP) on lakes requires a motorboat licence (category A). Some boats on Boat-Evasion do not require a licence (under 6 kW). The required licence is clearly indicated on each boat listing. If you do not hold the required licence, your booking will be cancelled.
Boat-Evasion offers boats on several lakes in French-speaking Switzerland, mainly Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Biel and Lake Murten. More lakes may be added as new owners join. Check the interactive map on the home page to see available boats and their exact locations.
Payment is made by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) via Stripe, a secure payment platform. A deposit is pre-authorised on your card at the time of booking and automatically released within 72 hours after the boat is returned, provided no damage is found during check-out.
To list your boat, create an account and post a listing from your personal space. You set the available time slots, price and conditions yourself. Boat-Evasion handles the booking, payment and check-in / check-out process. You receive payment directly to your bank account.
All members are liable for damage caused during their outing. The pre-authorised deposit may be charged for damage identified during check-out. We recommend verifying that your personal insurance covers navigation on Swiss waters. In case of an issue, our team is available via the contact form.
Yes. As a non-profit association, Boat-Evasion pursues no profit goal: the 15% commission charged on reimbursements is used exclusively to cover the association's management costs (platform, support, insurance, licence verification...). In accordance with Article 24 of our Terms and Conditions, we commit to publishing an annual statement of the costs covered by this commission each year and to adjusting it if it is no longer justified.
The battery switch is usually located near the engine or under the dashboard — flip it to "ON" before starting. The kill switch is a safety lanyard you attach to your wrist or life jacket before starting: it automatically cuts the engine if the skipper falls overboard or moves away from the helm. The exact location of both is described in each boat's handling guide, provided at check-in.
As the skipper, you're responsible for returning the boat clean and refuelled — not the owner. Clean the boat with the cloth and water buckets on board, remove waste and sand, and check cleanliness before leaving. Tidying, cleaning and refuelling can be done within 30 minutes after the end of your booking.
Yes, in theory: Lake Neuchâtel is the central hub, connected to Lake Biel via the Thielle canal and to Lake Murten via the Broye canal (there is no direct link between Biel and Murten). From Biel, there is continuity all the way to Solothurn via the Aare river and the Nidau-Büren canal. This route is never guaranteed at all times, though: it depends on the water level and ongoing canal works. Check current conditions before setting off, notably with the cantonal authorities or the harbour master, rather than assuming this route is always open.