When planning a yacht charter in Bodrum, one of the first decisions is the type of yacht. Should you choose a traditional Bodrum gulet, a larger motorsailer, a sleek modern motor yacht or a comfortable trawler? Each offers a very different experience, and the right choice depends on your group, your budget and how you like to spend your days at sea. In this article we compare them honestly, based on our experience of matching hundreds of British guests with the right yacht.
There is no single best option. A family of twelve who want long, lazy days at anchor will usually be happiest on a spacious gulet, while a group who want to cover more distance quickly, perhaps hopping to the Greek islands, may prefer a motor yacht. What matters is understanding the trade-offs between space, speed, running costs and atmosphere.
Gulets and motorsailers in Bodrum
Traditional Gulets: Space, Character and Value
Gulets are hand-built wooden yachts with broad hulls, which gives them a remarkable amount of space for their length. A 35-metre gulet typically has five or six en-suite cabins, a huge shaded dining deck and a large sun deck, plus a crew of four or five. They cruise at a relaxed pace of around 8–9 knots, which suits the short distances of the Gulf of Gökova and the Bodrum peninsula perfectly. Crucially, on most gulets the weekly price includes fuel for a normal itinerary, which makes budgeting simple. For families and groups who value space, atmosphere and value, a gulet is usually the best choice.
Motorsailers: The Best of Both Worlds
Motorsailers are larger, more powerful gulets, often 40 to 50 metres long, with modern interiors, bigger engines and more efficient sailing rigs. They offer superyacht-level comfort and service, master suites, larger crews and extensive water toys, while keeping the warmth of wood. They can also cover longer distances comfortably. If you want luxury and space without giving up the character of a traditional yacht, a motorsailer is ideal.
Motor Yachts: Speed and Modern Style
Motor yachts are sleek, modern and fast, cruising at 15–25 knots or more. They are ideal if you want to explore further – for example, combining Bodrum with Kos, Kalymnos or the Datça peninsula in a single week – or if you prefer contemporary design. However, they offer less deck space per guest than a gulet of similar length, and fuel is not included: most motor yacht charters require an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) of around 30% of the charter fee to cover fuel, food, drinks and harbour fees. Fast cruising burns a lot of fuel, so running costs can be significant.
Trawlers: Comfort and Efficiency
Trawlers are a comfortable middle ground: wide, stable motor yachts that cruise more slowly and economically than planing motor yachts. They often have spacious interiors and decks, and on many trawlers fuel is included or very reasonable. They are a good choice for families who want a modern motor yacht feel without high fuel bills. Browse our trawler fleet.
| Gulet | Motorsailer | Motor yacht | Trawler | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deck space | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Very good |
| Speed | 8–9 kn | 9–11 kn | 15–25+ kn | 9–12 kn |
| Fuel | Usually included | Usually included | Extra (APA ~30%) | Often included |
| Atmosphere | Traditional | Luxury traditional | Modern | Relaxed modern |
| Best for | Families, groups | Luxury groups | Island-hoppers | Families |
Our Recommendation
For most British families and groups chartering in Bodrum, we recommend a gulet or motorsailer: the space, atmosphere and inclusive fuel make them outstanding value, and the short distances of the Bodrum coast suit their relaxed pace perfectly. If speed and range are a priority, we will happily suggest the best motor yachts. Read our Bodrum gulets fleet guide and what is included in a gulet charter.
Bodrum gulets – on board
Planning for summer 2027? The finest gulets and yachts for July and August are reserved first – read our early booking for summer 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a gulet cheaper than a motor yacht?
Usually yes, especially because fuel is included on most gulets.
Are gulets slow?
They cruise at a relaxed 8–9 knots, which suits the short distances around Bodrum.
What is APA?
An advance payment, typically 30% of the charter fee, for fuel, food and fees on motor yachts.
Planning your own week at sea? Discover our yacht charter in Turkey – private gulets, motor yachts and superyachts from Bodrum, Göcek, Marmaris and Fethiye, arranged by our team since 2001.