Gulet vs Motor Yacht Turkey
Which yacht charter is right for your Turkish Riviera holiday?
Key Difference in One Sentence
Gulets are traditional wooden sailing vessels perfect for relaxed, leisurely cruising with spacious decks and authentic Turkish hospitality. Motor yachts are modern, fast boats ideal for covering more distance quickly and enjoying water sports with advanced amenities.
What is a Gulet?
A gulet is a traditional wooden sailing vessel originating from the southwestern coast of Turkey. These handcrafted boats typically range from 15 to 35 meters in length and feature 4-8 spacious cabins.
Gulets are characterized by their wide beam, large deck space, and classic design with two or three masts. While they have sails, most modern gulets primarily use engines for reliability and comfort.
What is a Motor Yacht?
A motor yacht is a modern fiberglass or composite vessel powered by one or more engines, designed for speed and performance. These yachts typically range from 15 to 40+ meters in length.
Motor yachts feature contemporary design, advanced navigation systems, air conditioning throughout, and often include water toys like jet skis, paddleboards, and diving equipment.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare key features to make the right choice
| Feature | Gulet | Motor Yacht |
|---|---|---|
| Hull Material | Traditional wood (teak, mahogany) | Fiberglass or composite |
| Length Range | 15-35 meters | 15-40+ meters |
| Cruising Speed | 6-8 knots (slow & relaxed) | 15-25 knots (fast) |
| Guest Capacity | 8-16 guests (larger groups) | 6-12 guests (smaller groups) |
| Crew Size | 3-5 crew (captain, cook, sailors) | 2-4 crew (captain, engineer, steward) |
| Cuisine Style | Traditional Turkish home cooking | International gourmet cuisine |
| Deck Space | Very spacious (wide beam design) | Moderate (sleeker design) |
| Weekly Charter Price | €5,000 - €15,000 | €8,000 - €25,000+ |
| Fuel Consumption | €400-800/week (low) | €1,500-3,000/week (high) |
| Best Use | Relaxed cruising, swimming, sunbathing | Active travel, water sports, longer routes |
Which Should You Choose?
Find the perfect yacht type for your travel style
Choose a Gulet if you:
- Want an authentic Turkish experience with traditional hospitality
- Prefer relaxed, leisurely cruising over speed
- Travel with a larger group or family (8-16 people)
- Value spacious deck areas for sunbathing and dining
- Want better value for money with lower fuel costs
- Enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine prepared onboard
- Prefer stability and comfort (wider beam = less rolling)
Choose a Motor Yacht if you:
- Want to cover more distance and visit more destinations
- Prefer modern luxury with contemporary design
- Travel with a smaller group (6-12 people)
- Love water sports and active adventures
- Value speed and efficiency over leisurely pace
- Want advanced amenities like jet skis and diving gear
- Prefer air conditioning throughout the yacht
Price Comparison 2026
Average weekly charter costs in Turkey
Gulet Charter
4-6 cabins, 8-12 guests
€625-1,000 per person/week
6-8 cabins, 12-16 guests
€833-1,250 per person/week
Additional Costs:
Fuel: €400-800/week
Food & drinks: €150-250/person
Motor Yacht Charter
3-4 cabins, 6-8 guests
€1,333-2,000 per person/week
4-6 cabins, 8-12 guests
€1,875-3,125+ per person/week
Additional Costs:
Fuel: €1,500-3,000/week
Food & drinks: €200-350/person
Cost Verdict:
Gulets offer 30-40% better value when comparing per-person costs, especially for larger groups. Motor yachts cost more upfront and have significantly higher fuel expenses, but provide faster travel and modern amenities.
Popular Routes for Each Type
Best sailing routes matched to yacht type
Best Gulet Routes
Marmaris - Fethiye
7 days, 80 nautical miles
Perfect for gulets: short distances between stunning bays, calm waters, plenty of swimming stops
Marmaris - Bozburun
7 days, 60 nautical miles
Ideal for relaxed cruising: secluded bays, traditional villages, authentic Turkish experience
Bodrum - Gökova Gulf
7 days, 70 nautical miles
Classic gulet route: protected waters, beautiful anchorages, family-friendly
Best Motor Yacht Routes
Marmaris - Bodrum - Greek Islands
7 days, 150+ nautical miles
Perfect for motor yachts: longer distances, multiple destinations, international waters
Fethiye - Kaş - Kekova
7 days, 120 nautical miles
Ideal for speed: ancient ruins, diving sites, covering more ground quickly
Bodrum - Datça - Marmaris
7 days, 100 nautical miles
Great for active travelers: water sports, beach clubs, vibrant nightlife
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about gulets vs motor yachts
What is the main difference between a gulet and a motor yacht?
Gulets are traditional wooden sailing vessels with spacious decks and a relaxed pace (6-8 knots), ideal for leisurely cruising. Motor yachts are modern fiberglass boats with powerful engines (15-25 knots), designed for speed and covering more distance quickly.
Which is more expensive to charter in Turkey?
Motor yachts are generally 30-50% more expensive than gulets due to higher fuel consumption, advanced technology, and faster speeds. A standard gulet costs €5,000-8,000/week, while a comparable motor yacht costs €8,000-15,000/week.
Can gulets sail or do they use engines?
Most modern gulets have both sails and engines. While they can sail, they primarily use engines for reliability and comfort. Sails are often raised for ambiance and photo opportunities during calm weather.
Which is better for families with children?
Gulets are generally better for families due to their stability, spacious decks, slower pace, and safer swimming platforms. Motor yachts can be suitable for older children who enjoy water sports and faster travel.
How much more fuel does a motor yacht consume?
Motor yachts consume 3-5 times more fuel than gulets. A motor yacht may use €1,500-3,000 in fuel per week, while a gulet typically uses €400-800. This significantly impacts the total charter cost.
Ready to Charter Your Perfect Yacht?
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