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Guides

Booking a boat on SamBoat: payment, cancellation policies, deposit and cashback

· 2026-09-26

SamBoat (samboat.com) is a marketplace where private owners and professionals rent out boats, with or without a skipper. Nothing is shipped, so the points that matter are how you pay, which cancellation policy applies, how the security deposit works and how to get help. This guide pulls these from SamBoat's help centre.

How booking and payment work

Payment for the rental must be made on the site. SamBoat accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Bank transfer is possible only under certain temporary conditions, by contacting customer service, so that the money arrives before your booking starts. Cheques, holiday cheques and cash are not allowed as payment for the rental. For safety, never pay the owner directly. If an owner asks you to pay outside the platform before the rental day, contact customer service at [email protected].

The currency works like this: owners choose to be paid in pounds, dollars or euros, and that becomes the pay-in currency for the renter. You can pick a display currency on the site and the daily conversion rate applies.

What you need to rent

For a boat without a licence, a sailing boat or a boat with a captain, you need a valid credit card to pay for the charter and a means of payment for options on site, and you must not be medically unfit to sail. Owners of sailboats and catamarans may ask for nautical experience. To hire a motorboat without a captain, you must hold the appropriate boating licence for the destination.

Cancellation policies

The conditions depend on the policy the owner applies, shown on each boat ad:

  • Flexible: the rental amount is refunded, excluding SamBoat service charges, up to the day before departure.
  • Zen, the default: if you cancel 5 days or more before the start, the owner receives 30% of the rental amount, deducted from the SamBoat service fee. If you cancel less than 5 days before the start of the rental period, the owner receives the full 100% of the rental income.
  • Moderate: more than 2 weeks before the start, the owner receives 50% of the rental amount minus the service charge. If you cancel less than 2 weeks before the start of the rental period, the owner receives 100% of the rental income.
  • Strict: no refund, except for a weather warning covering the entire rental period.
  • Personalised: professional owners set their own conditions, and refunds do not include SamBoat fees.

A separate help article summarises it as 50% of the rental amount for a cancellation more than two weeks ahead and 100% for less than two weeks. Dates can be changed free of charge if the owner agrees. A weather report with hazardous conditions allows cancellation or postponement at no charge, if you notify SamBoat with the cancellation request button or report the change before the rental starts. Cancellation and deposit insurance can be added when you pay.

The security deposit

The owner sets the deposit, which covers damage to the boat, the excess on the owner's insurance or other loss. It can be managed by the owner or via SamBoat. About 48 hours before the rental you are asked to deposit it on the site, where a pre-authorisation is placed on your bank card. SamBoat does not take the money unless a claim is declared, and it releases the imprint within 48 hours after the boat is returned without damage. If the deposit is called in, SamBoat deducts 5% of the amount debited, with a minimum of €100, to cover its costs. A deposit buy-back option can lower the pre-authorisation, but you remain liable for the full deposit stated in the contract if there is damage. Never pay a deposit before you have seen the boat and the owner.

Where SamBoat operates

SamBoat runs local sites in several languages, among them samboat.co.uk, samboat.de, samboat.fr, samboat.es, samboat.it, samboat.nl, samboat.se, samboat.pl and samboat.cz. The site is operated by LACANI SAS in Bordeaux, France. For questions, use the contact page, the help centre or [email protected].

Cashback at SamBoat

Open the SamBoat page at daily cashback, where the current rate (2.5%) is shown beside the offers we check every day. Press the shop button, then book and pay on SamBoat as usual. In your free account the cashback appears as open and becomes confirmed after SamBoat has reported the booking. A cancelled booking reduces the cashback for it. Keep other cashback and coupon sites closed while you book, because a later click or a foreign code can cost you the cashback.

As of October 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does SamBoat charge shipping or delivery?
No. SamBoat is a boat rental marketplace, so nothing is shipped and there is no delivery fee.
How can I pay for a rental?
Pay on the site with Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Bank transfer is possible only under certain conditions by contacting customer service.
Can I pay the owner directly?
No. SamBoat says payment must be made on the site, and cheques, holiday cheques and cash are not allowed.
What does it cost to cancel?
It depends on the owner's policy: Flexible, Zen, Moderate, Strict or Personalised. Check the policy shown on the boat ad before you book.
Can I change the dates of my booking?
Yes, free of charge if the owner agrees. A weather warning with hazardous conditions also allows postponement at no charge.
How does the security deposit work?
About 48 hours before the rental a pre-authorisation is placed on your card. The money is only taken for damage or loss, and the imprint is released within 48 hours after return.
What fee does SamBoat deduct if the deposit is used?
SamBoat deducts 5% of the amount debited, with a minimum of €100, to cover its costs.
Do I need a licence?
For a motorboat without a captain, yes, the licence required for the destination. Sailing boats and boats with a captain need a valid credit card and being medically fit to sail.
In which currencies can I book?
Owners choose pounds, dollars or euros as the payment currency. You can view prices in another currency at the daily conversion rate.
How do I contact SamBoat?
Use the contact page or email [email protected].
Are there coupons or promo codes for SamBoat?
Current offers are on the SamBoat page at daily cashback, and we check them daily.
How does cashback work at SamBoat?
Click through from the shop page at daily cashback and book as usual. The cashback is open first and confirmed after SamBoat reports the booking. A cancellation reduces it, and a foreign code can cost you the cashback.