Question 1

What is Salty7?

Accepted Answer

Salty7 is an online marketplace for renting yachts, motorboats, houseboats, and other watercraft in Poland. We connect boat owners with people who want to spend time on the water — on the Gulf of Gdańsk, Hel Peninsula, Masuria, and other regions of Poland. We act as an intermediary: the charter agreement is made directly between the owner and the renter.

Question 2

How do I sign up?

Accepted Answer

Registration is free and takes just a few minutes. You can create an account as a renter or as a boat owner. Simply provide your name, email address, and phone number. After verifying your email, your account is active.

Question 3

Does Salty7 charge any fees for registration or listings?

Accepted Answer

No. Registration and listing your boat are completely free. We only charge a commission on completed bookings.

Question 4

Which regions of Poland does Salty7 cover?

Accepted Answer

Our primary region is the Gulf of Gdańsk and the Tricity area (Gdynia, Sopot, Gdańsk), the Hel Peninsula (Hel, Jastarnia, Kuźnica, Puck), and the Bay of Puck. We're expanding to the Masurian Lakes, Vistula Lagoon, and other waterways across Poland.

Question 5

Can I rent a boat without a sailing license in Poland?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Polish regulations allow you to operate certain boats without any license or qualifications. On Salty7, look for the "No License Required" category to find boats you can legally operate on your own. Alternatively, you can rent any boat with a skipper who will operate it for you.

Question 6

What boats can I operate without a license in Poland?

Accepted Answer

Under Polish law (Regulation of the Minister of Sport and Tourism, April 9, 2013), you can operate without a license: sailboats with a hull length up to 7.5 meters, motorboats with engine power up to 10 kW (approx. 13.6 HP), houseboats up to 13 meters long with engines up to 75 kW at speeds up to 15 km/h. This means you can independently cruise a houseboat on the Masurian Lakes or a small motorboat on the Gulf of Gdańsk — without any courses or exams.

Question 7

Is it safe to operate a boat without a license?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as you exercise common sense and follow basic safety rules. When you pick up the boat, the owner will provide a safety briefing and show you how to operate the vessel. Life jackets and other safety equipment are on board. Remember: even without a license requirement, the person operating the boat bears full responsibility for crew safety and compliance with regulations.

Question 8

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Accepted Answer

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Question 9

How do I book a boat on Salty7?

Accepted Answer

Search for a boat in your desired location and dates. Send a request to the owner through our messenger. Once the owner accepts, make your payment online. After payment is received, your booking is confirmed and you'll receive the owner's contact details.

Question 10

What payment methods does Salty7 accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay. All payments are processed through Stripe — your card details never touch our servers.

Question 11

Is my money safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Payment is handled by Stripe, a global leader in secure online payments. Your money doesn't go directly to the owner. We only release it after the charter is completed, protecting you in case the boat doesn't match its description.

Question 12

How much does it cost to rent a boat on the Gulf of Gdańsk?

Accepted Answer

Prices depend on boat type, season, and charter duration. Approximate prices on the Gulf of Gdańsk: small motorboats (no license) — from 300–500 PLN/day (~€70–115), licensed motorboats — from 600–1,500 PLN/day (~€140–350), sailboats (7–10 m) — from 350–800 PLN/day (~€80–185), large motorboats with skipper — from 1,200–3,000 PLN/day (~€280–700), jet skis — from 250–450 PLN/hour (~€58–105). Peak season (July–August) prices may be 30–50% higher.

Question 13

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Accepted Answer

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Question 14

What is the security deposit and how much is it?

Accepted Answer

The security deposit is an amount pre-authorized (blocked, not charged) on your payment card before the charter begins. If you return the boat undamaged, the hold is released automatically within 7 days. The deposit amount is set by the owner — on the Gulf of Gdańsk, it typically ranges from 1,000 to 5,000 PLN (~€230–1,160), depending on the vessel's value.

Question 15

Are boats on Salty7 insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every owner is required to have current third-party liability insurance (OC) covering commercial charter. Insurance details are visible on each listing page. You can also purchase deposit insurance to reduce your financial liability in case of damage.

Question 16

What happens if I damage the boat?

Accepted Answer

First and foremost — immediately inform the owner about any damage, malfunction, or accident. Upon return, you and the owner will complete a return checklist with photo documentation. If the damage is within the deposit amount, the corresponding sum will be charged from the card hold. If the damage results from normal use, you bear no liability.

Question 17

Can I cancel my booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but refund conditions depend on the owner's cancellation policy. Salty7 offers three options: Flexible — full refund (minus service fee) if cancelled at least 24 hours before the charter. Moderate — 70% refund if cancelled at least 10 days before. Strict — 50% refund if cancelled at least 30 days before. The cancellation policy is always displayed on the listing page before you book.

Question 18

What happens if the owner cancels my booking?

Accepted Answer

If the owner cancels a confirmed booking, you'll receive a full refund including the service fee. We'll also try to help you find an alternative boat for similar dates.

Question 19

What if there's bad weather?

Accepted Answer

Unfavorable weather conditions (rain, wind) are not automatic grounds for a free cancellation. However, if the Maritime Office or SAR (Maritime Search and Rescue Service) issues an official sailing ban, the booking can be cancelled or rescheduled at no cost.

Question 20

How do I list my boat on Salty7?

Accepted Answer

Create a free owner account, complete verification, and add your vessel. You'll need: boat photos (min. 5), description and technical specs, current liability insurance (OC), registration number (REJA24, if applicable), and pricing and availability information.

Question 21

How much will I earn renting my boat on Salty7?

Accepted Answer

You earn the charter price you set, minus the platform commission. At launch, Salty7's commission is 10% of the booking value — one of the lowest rates on the market (compare: ClickAndBoat charges up to 25%, Boatsetter up to 35%).

Question 22

Do I need to be a business to list my boat?

Accepted Answer

No. Both private individuals and charter companies can list boats on Salty7. However, as an owner you're responsible for meeting legal requirements: liability insurance (OC), vessel registration (if required), and tax compliance.

Question 23

Can I offer my boat with a skipper?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In your listing, you can enable the skipper option and set an additional price for this service. It's a popular choice, especially on the Gulf of Gdańsk, where many tourists don't have sailing licenses but want to experience the sea.

Question 24

How does Salty7 verify owners and boats?

Accepted Answer

Every owner undergoes identity verification (email and phone confirmation). We also verify boat ownership rights, REJA24 registration number (if applicable), and current liability insurance. Verified owners and boats are marked with a "Verified" badge.

Question 25

Do I need to sign a charter agreement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A charter agreement is generated for every booking, signed electronically or at handover by both parties. The agreement specifies: parties, charter subject, dates, price, deposit, obligations, and cancellation policy. A handover checklist with equipment inventory is attached.

Question 26

What should I do in an emergency on the water?

Accepted Answer

In a life-threatening situation, immediately call the emergency number 112 or contact SAR (Maritime Search and Rescue Service) on VHF channel 16. Also inform the boat owner. Salty7 provides 24/7 support via messenger and phone.

Question 27

Can I bring children on board?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as you respect the maximum number of people on board stated in the listing. Children should wear properly fitted life jackets (ask the owner about availability of children's sizes). The owner may have additional safety requirements for children — check the listing description.

Question 28

Can I bring a dog or other pet on board?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the owner. The listing description will indicate whether pets are allowed on the vessel. If so, there may be an additional cleaning fee (typically 100–200 PLN). Remember to bring a life jacket for your pet and protect the deck.

Question 29

Where are the best departure points on the Gulf of Gdańsk?

Accepted Answer

The most popular departure ports in the Tricity area include: Gdynia Marina (the largest yacht marina on the Gulf, great access to the Hel Peninsula), Marina Gdańsk (close to Old Town, perfect for cruises along the Motława River and to Westerplatte), Sopot Marina, and ports on the Hel Peninsula — Hel, Jastarnia, and Puck.

Question 30

What are the most popular sailing routes on the Gulf of Gdańsk?

Accepted Answer

Popular charter routes from the Tricity include: Gdynia → Sopot → Gdańsk (coastal cruise, approx. 2–3 hours), Gdynia → Hel (cruise to the Hel Peninsula, approx. 1.5–2 hours one way), Gdynia → Puck / Chałupy (calm Bay of Puck, ideal for families), sunset cruise on the Gulf (1–2 hours, one of the most popular options), Gdańsk → Westerplatte → Motława River (historical cruise, approx. 1.5 hours).

Question 31

When is the best season for chartering on the Gulf of Gdańsk?

Accepted Answer

The charter season on the Gulf of Gdańsk runs from May to September. The warmest and most stable conditions are in July and August (water temperature 18–22°C / 64–72°F). May and June offer great conditions with fewer crowds and lower prices. September brings beautiful "golden autumn" conditions on the water — less wind and fewer tourists.

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