Why are houseboats so big?
True, our largest Kormoran is 15 meters long and 4.35 meters wide. But a lock is about 40 meters long and 5 meters wide. They might be big but our fleet is designed to be easy to maneuver and remember travelling speed is always slow.
What about the other waterway users?
Compared to road transport, the traffic on water is negligible. If you see another boat on the water, you will probably have the same speed. The majority of time you only will share the waterway with the nature.
Do I need to be able to navigate?
If you can read a map, then you will be able to navigate on the waterways in Germany. Travelling on the waterways is much slower than on the road, so there is more time to decide which way you should take and less chance of any heated discussions.
And if I don't respond quickly enough?
Take it easy, on a houseboat everything is much slower than you are used to. The speed limit is just 10 miles per hour on the waterway, so there is always time to think about the next steps.
I don't know the rules on the water!
Fortunately, boating was invented before bureaucracy. The traffic rules are usually characterized by logic and reason, so if in doubt common sense should prevail.
How are we all going to fit on a boat?
It is true, in comparison to a house, a house boat is smaller. But you will be surprised how much space you have on board. The boats are designed with maximum headroom, easily accessible cabins, large beds, a foredeck, a back deck and a fully equipped galley.