Whether buying new or used boats or equipment, renting a berth or a charter contract: many water sports companies belong to the industry association Hiswa. The contracts are often supplemented by the general terms and conditions provided by Hiswa. These are not disadvantageous for customers either. The association's arbitration centre, for example, is generally considered to be very customer-friendly.
Hiswa has now adjusted the conditions - mostly in favour of the buyer. The changes in detail:
- Purchase, construction or delivery of leisure boats: A six-month warranty is granted for a purchase price of a used boat of 4,500 euros or more (Germany: one-year warranty). Furthermore, customers' down payments are better protected
- Hire of boats: The division of the paragraphs has been changed. The rights and obligations of both parties are now more clearly recognisable
- Rental of moorings and pitches: The regulation on advance payment has been changed. In addition, it is now clearly regulated that the owner must also insure his ship himself during winter storage
- Procedure for disputes: Before a dispute ends up before a judge, it must first go to the Arbitration Commission for Water Recreation (Geschillencommissie Waterrecreatie). There, the commission decides on the matter. This is more favourable than going to court. If both sides accept the arbitration award, high court costs can be avoided.
