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We are about to buy an inflatable dinghy with an outboard and would like to know if it will be ok to use it on our visit to France (with or without the outboard). We are going to La Citadelle near Loches close to the River Indre. Would we need a licence?

We took an inflatable and outboard to France a few years ago and had a great time on the River Villaine South Britany. We were able to use slipways all along the river free of charge and even a marina slipway was free. Totally different to the UK

The position then, if memory serves, was that no licences or fees were required for boats under 5 meters, and this was the case for canals and rivers.

Quote: Originally posted by Nightrider on 23/6/2008

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I read somewhere, that unless you hold a Day Skippers licence Motors on boats in France is a no-no. I would have thought, (but don't know for definite) that an inflatable would be OK.

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I can remember soemthing about this as well: Loads of Brit yachts were had over by the French because no one had a certificate to operate a powerboat (as a tender)

Try asking the RYA Hope you don't have to do Powerrboat 2 because it aint cheap.

Quote: Originally posted by TethersEnd on 23/6/2008

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Please don't come to the Dordogne with an outboard

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Quote: Originally posted by debbie and brian on 23/6/2008

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Quote: Originally posted by TethersEnd on 23/6/2008

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Please don't come to the Dordogne with an outboard

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The outboard we are considering is electric and quiet, but we would not use it if there was any chance of disturbing anyone. We are more than happy to use the oars.

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We have an inflatable canoe which we use on various rivers in France, with no problem.   There are some rivers and canals where motorboats are used, and some where they aren't - because of depth restrictions, river flows, etc., I suppose.  Like Huw I'd rather not see motorboats  - except for the one this year, on the Ardeche, which was a fan-driven monster, (like those which cross the Everglades in America) driven by the Sapeurs Pompiers, which roared up and down the Gorge.  However, as last year we witnessed the recovery of a man who had drowned, at the same point on the river, by the same team, it was one instance where we were glad to see it. 

Stick to oars, wear life-jackets, and you'll have more fun.