Turkish gulets are among the most distinctive yachts in the world. Hand-built from wood in the boatyards of Bodrum and Bozburun, they combine broad, sturdy hulls with generous decks, comfortable cabins and a warm, characterful atmosphere that modern fibreglass yachts rarely match. Yet “gulet” covers a wide range of yachts – from simple, traditional boats to 50-metre motorsailers with superyacht interiors. Understanding the main categories makes it much easier to choose the right gulet for your weekly charter and to compare prices fairly.
In this guide we explain the main types of Turkish gulet, the hull styles you will see, how they are built and what you can expect on board in each category, using examples from our own fleet in Bodrum, Marmaris, Bozburun, Göcek and Fethiye.
Turkish gulets of every category
How Turkish Gulets Are Built
Traditional gulets are built largely by hand, often over one to three years, by master shipwrights who learned their craft through generations. Frames are typically made from hardwoods such as iroko or mahogany, with planking and decks of teak, pine or other timbers. Modern yards combine these traditional methods with epoxy laminating, powerful engines, stabilisers, generators and air-conditioning systems. Bodrum and Bozburun are the two great centres of gulet building; Bozburun in particular is famous for the quality of its craftsmanship.
Hull Styles: Tirhandil and Aynakıç
You may hear two traditional hull shapes mentioned. The tirhandil has a pointed stern, similar to the bow, and is the older fishing-boat design. The aynakıç (also called “transom stern”) has a wide, flat stern, which creates the large aft deck that most charter guests love for dining and relaxing. Most modern charter gulets use the aynakıç style, as it maximises deck and cabin space.
The Main Categories
| Category | Typical size | Cabins | What to expect | Weekly price guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic / Standard | 20–30 m | 4–8 | Simple, comfortable, authentic | €6,000–€15,000 |
| Deluxe | 28–36 m | 5–8 | More space, A/C, better finishes | €15,000–€35,000 |
| Luxury | 35–46 m | 5–6 | Boutique-hotel interiors, larger crew | €40,000–€90,000 |
| Motorsailer | 39–51 m | 5–7 | Superyacht comfort, stronger performance | €70,000–€180,000 |
Classic gulets offer an authentic Blue Cruise at excellent value, ideal for families and groups. Deluxe gulets add more space, air-conditioning in every cabin and nicer finishes. Luxury gulets such as That’s Amore or Cobra Infinity feature stylish interiors, larger crews and more water toys. Motorsailers like Oğuz Khan or King of the Sea are the largest and most luxurious, with superyacht-level comfort.
Choosing the Right Gulet for Your Week
For a first weekly charter with family or friends, a deluxe gulet often offers the best balance of comfort and value. If service and space are your priority, a luxury gulet or motorsailer is worth the extra. Read our weekly gulet charter guide, best gulets for 2027 and what is a gulet charter.
Inside Turkish gulets
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Turkish gulets built?
Mainly in Bodrum and Bozburun.
What wood are gulets made of?
Typically hardwoods such as iroko and mahogany, with teak or pine decks.
Which gulet type is best for families?
Deluxe gulets with 5–6 cabins are a popular choice.