Turkish Gulet

[atavist]

Just out of curiosity anyone here personally familiar with the Turkish Gulets? When I was boat shopping I noticed them but they are in Turkey for the most part. As I continue to fantasize about boats and hope to one day upgrade they continue to catch my eye... they are pretty much the biggest boats for the money I've seen and I really like the lines. Most all of them seem to be set up for charter work with lots of AC generator run system but if a person could get ahold of one without all the charter equipment (freezers, tv's, microwaves, etc) they would be a great bargain for a BIG live-aboard.... if they are soundly built....

any input?

thanks.

[Istioploos]

They look good, are very roomy etc. They do not sail very well as they are meant for show not actual sailing. I have been told by a Turkish friend that many do not last very long, about 10 years, because they have been constructed with fresh wood, not properly seasoned. So, I would advise caution and a thorough survey before any purchase.

[GoneTroppo]

Have never owned one but seen heaps of them. First came across Turkish gulets in Male in the Maldives, nice looking boats. Had a Turk friend who built a big one, it was really pretty and well built, so I was surprised when he told me he hoped to get seven to ten years out of it before he would have another built. They are mainly built with soft wood and require a lot of maintenance, great if you like doing that sort of stuff. Most do not sail at all, there are exceptions though. They have great big engines and I do mean BIG for a cruiser. Travelled in company of one for awhile, when we were taking on 100l of fuel he was taking 7 tonnes. They can be a bit rolly. If I bought one I would sheath it in glass, saw an old dow in Oman being sheathed, came up really well. I think an old dow would make a better big cruiser than a gulet as they sail well.

Happy boat hunting, I hope you find a boat that suits your needs.

Regards,

Stephen

[redbopeep]

Originally Posted by GoneTroppo

If I bought one I would sheath it in glass, saw an old dow in Oman being sheathed, came up really well.

I'd also heard they were made with fresh soft wood and didn't last. Unless such a vessel is sheathed when new before rot has a chance to start, all sheathing with fiberglass will do is hide the inevitable rot from examination and proper repair but do nothing to enhance the hull's structural integrity.

[atavist]

yup... when something looks too good to be true I suppose it is... I guess Gulet's are not the exception to the rule.

thanks much for the enlightenment.