Over the last few years, more and more of our guests have been asking the same question: should we charter a trawler or a motor yacht? Both offer a private, crewed holiday on the turquoise waters of the Turkish Riviera, but they work very differently – especially when it comes to fuel, space and the final price you pay. Drawing on our own experience organising charters along the Aegean and Mediterranean coast, here is our honest guide to trawler vs motor yacht charter in Turkey.
Alfa Luxury TrawlerWhat Is a Trawler Yacht?
A trawler is a motor yacht built on a steady, displacement-style hull inspired by traditional working boats. Instead of chasing speed, trawlers are designed for comfort, stability and space. In Turkey, modern charter trawlers typically measure 21 to 30 metres, with four to six en-suite cabins, large flybridges and full-beam saloons – a relaxed, home-like alternative to both classic gulets and fast motor yachts. You can browse our full selection of trawler yachts for charter.
The Biggest Difference: Fuel Is Included
If there is one thing we want every guest to know, it is this: on a trawler charter in Turkey, fuel is usually included in the price. The offers we prepare for trawlers are almost always presented fuel-inclusive, so the amount you agree to is the amount you pay for your cruise.
On a motor yacht, the system is different. Most motor yacht charters work with an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) – an extra deposit, typically 25–35% of the charter fee, paid on top of the charter price to cover fuel, marina fees and other running costs. Because motor yachts burn far more fuel at higher speeds, the final bill can vary considerably depending on how far and how fast you cruise.
With a trawler, an APA is generally not preferred. There is no guesswork, no surprise fuel bill at the end of the week and no need to watch the clock when the captain suggests one more bay. For many families and groups, that budget certainty alone is reason enough to choose a trawler.
| Trawler Yacht | Motor Yacht | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Usually included in the price | Paid separately (via APA) |
| APA (advance provisioning) | Generally not required | Typically 25–35% of the charter fee |
| Living space | Wider, more volume on board | Sleeker, less interior volume |
| Cruising speed | Slower, relaxed pace (around 10–15 knots) | Faster, 20+ knots |
| Stability at anchor | Very steady displacement hull | Varies by model |
| Crew | 3–5 professionals | 3–5 on similar sizes |
| Budget predictability | High – one clear price | Lower – final cost depends on fuel used |
More Space on Board
Trawlers are noticeably wider than motor yachts of a similar length. That extra beam translates into bigger cabins, wider decks, generous saloons and large flybridges where the whole group can sunbathe, dine and relax together. Yachts such as Trawler Lila and Albatros Explorer can host up to 12 guests, while Trawler Neo offers 30 metres of teak decks and an open-air cinema.
Trawler Neo – a 30 m explorer trawler based in GöcekA Slower, More Relaxed Pace
The trade-off is speed. Trawlers cruise more slowly than motor yachts – usually at a calm pace of around 10 to 15 knots – while many motor yachts comfortably exceed 20 knots. On the Turkish coast, however, this rarely matters: the most beautiful bays are often only a short hop apart, and a gentler pace means a smoother, quieter ride and more time swimming, paddling and enjoying lunch at anchor. A trawler is made for slow travel at sea.
If your group wants to cover longer distances quickly, faster trawler-style yachts such as Trawler Calm Down offer a top speed of 24 knots while keeping the spacious trawler layout.
Crew and Service
In terms of service, there is very little difference. Most trawlers – just like motor yachts of a similar size – carry a professional crew of 3 to 5, usually including a captain, a chef and deckhands or a hostess. They plan the route, cook fresh meals on board and keep the yacht spotless, so all you need to do is enjoy your holiday.
Flexible Departures: Bodrum, Göcek, Marmaris & Fethiye
Depending on availability, trawler charters can start from the four main cruising bases on the Turkish Riviera: Bodrum, Göcek, Marmaris and Fethiye. If you let us know your preferred port and dates in advance, we will organise the embarkation and route for you. Popular weekly routes include the Bodrum – Gökova Gulf blue voyage and the Bodrum – Hisarönü Gulf route, as well as the Twelve Islands from Fethiye and Göcek.
Trawler Lycian DreamWhy Trawlers Are Booming in Turkey
In the last two to three years, trawlers have grown rapidly in popularity on the Turkish coast. Our international guests in particular have started to prefer them for two simple reasons: fuel is included, and the living spaces are wider. Combined with modern interiors, stabilizers and generous water-toy packages on many of the newest yachts, trawlers now offer one of the best value-for-money options for a private yacht charter in Turkey.
Trawler or Motor Yacht: Which Should You Choose?
- Choose a trawler if you want a clear, fuel-inclusive price, plenty of space, a stable ride and a relaxed blue cruise between nearby bays.
- Choose a motor yacht if speed is your priority, you plan to cover long distances or island-hop quickly, and you are comfortable with an APA-based budget.
For most families and groups of friends exploring the Aegean and Mediterranean coast of Turkey, a trawler offers the best balance of comfort, space and value. Explore our trawler fleet, from the family-friendly Junior Simay to the 12-guest Trawler Beluga.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fuel included in a trawler charter in Turkey?
In most cases, yes. Trawler charters on the Turkish coast are usually quoted with fuel included, so the price you agree is the price you pay for cruising. Always confirm the exact inclusions in your quote.
Do I need to pay an APA on a trawler?
Generally not. Unlike most motor yacht charters, trawler offers in Turkey rarely require an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance), because fuel is already included in the price.
How fast does a trawler yacht cruise?
Trawlers are slower than motor yachts and typically cruise at a relaxed pace of around 10 to 15 knots – ideal for short hops between bays on a blue cruise.
Where can a trawler charter start in Turkey?
Depending on availability, trawler charters can start from Bodrum, Göcek, Marmaris or Fethiye. Tell us your preferred port in advance and we will organise the dates and embarkation for you.
How many crew are on a trawler yacht?
Most trawlers carry a professional crew of 3 to 5, usually including a captain, a chef and deckhands or a hostess.
Plan Your Trawler Charter with Aren Yachting
Planning a trawler charter in the Aegean? Contact us and we will share detailed information, availability and a fuel-inclusive quote tailored to your group. We wish you a wonderful holiday at sea!
Plan your charter with Aren Yachting
Gulets, motor yachts, motorsailers and trawlers across Bodrum, Göcek, Fethiye and Marmaris. Send us your dates and group size for a personal quote.
- Fuel included: trawler charters in Turkey are usually quoted fuel-inclusive.
- No APA: unlike motor yachts, an extra 25–35% APA is generally not required.
- More space: wider hulls mean bigger cabins, decks and flybridges.
- Relaxed pace: slower cruising (around 10–15 knots), smoother and quieter at sea.
- Flexible ports: start from Bodrum, Göcek, Marmaris or Fethiye, subject to availability.