Gulet or Motor Yacht? Choosing the Right Boat

The gulet and the motor yacht are the two most popular boat types on the Turkish coast — and they offer very different experiences.

Who is a gulet for?

A gulet means broad decks, many cabins and relaxed cruising. Icons of the Bodrum and Marmaris yards, these wooden vessels are ideal for large family groups and week-long Blue Voyage itineraries. They suit buyers who value space and comfort over speed. Wooden hulls need regular upkeep; in return, purchase prices are usually more accessible than a motor yacht of the same length.

Who is a motor yacht for?

A motor yacht offers speed and independence: if you want to run from Göcek to Datça and back in a weekend, this is the right choice. Modern equipment, air conditioning and small (or no) crew requirements make it practical. Fuel and marina fees are the main running costs.

Quick comparison

• Speed: gulet 8–10 knots · motor yacht 20–30+ knots
• Cabins/space: at equal length, the gulet offers more living space
• Maintenance: wooden hulls need regular caulking/varnish; on motor yachts engine hours matter most
• Crew: usually essential on a gulet; optional on smaller motor yachts
• Character: tradition and slow travel vs speed and practicality

How to decide

How many days a year — and how — you will use the boat decides everything. Weekly routes and large groups point to a gulet; frequent short hops point to a motor yacht. Either way, a pre-purchase survey is essential — on a wooden boat especially, hull condition is the main driver of price.