Turkey hosts one of the most diverse fleets of wooden charter vessels in the Mediterranean, with more than 2.000 registered boats operating across its coastline. These Turkish sailing vessels, shaped by long-standing craftsmanship, attract travelers who want steady movement, wide deck spaces, and well-trained crews during weekly coastal trips. Whether you’re already familiar with them or not, Turkish gulets are a significant part of this fleet.
Shipyards in Bodrum, Bozburun, Marmaris, and Fethiye continue building wooden boats that blend traditional woodworking with modern comfort expectations. Recent tourism figures show demand for wooden charter vessels grew by nearly 22% between 2019 and 2024, which strengthened Turkey’s position in the regional maritime market.
Turkish wooden boats feature broad beams, stable hulls, and comfortable cabins designed for smooth cruising between short coastal distances. These vessels use a mixed propulsion structure, combining engine power with supportive sails, which helps maintain steady progress even when the sea changes slightly.
Travelers prefer these handcrafted wooden ships because they offer predictable travel times, direct access to the sea, and spacious outdoor areas that support swimming, dining, and relaxing. If you need help comparing vessel types or picking the right route, Mirya Yachting can review options and guide you through each stage of your planning process. Turkey’s famed gulets are an integral part of these wooden ships.
Classic wooden boats offer simple layouts, cozy cabins, and balanced cruising performance suited for families and small groups. Most of them between 21 meters – 30 meters. Harbor data from Bodrum, Bozburun, Fethiye, Gocek and Marmaris shows more than 68% of weekly charters take place on these traditional boats or similar Turkish gulets.
Luxury wooden charter vessels feature spacious suites, refined lounges, and upgraded equipment that create boutique-style comfort at sea. Fresh produce purchased from local markets in Bodrum, Gocek, and Fethiye forms the base of most menus, and cooks prepare seafood, mezes, and light desserts suited for long summer evenings. The length sizes between 30 meters – 37 meters. Among the luxury options, Turkish gulets stand out for their premium experience.
Luxury motorsailer-style yachts, also known as VIP-class yachts, are built on steel or wooden hulls. These high-class yachts, typically over 40 meters, feature larger cabins, decks, and elegant design details. These yachts boast top-notch cruising speeds and luxurious amenities comparable to those found in five-star hotels.
Turkey’s coastline stretches more than eight thousand kilometers, creating a rich cruising geography for wooden vessels. Nearly forty percent of charter traffic occurs in the Marmaris–Fethiye–Göcek triangle, a region known for short distances, calm coves, and reliable summer weather.
Calm waters and numerous sheltered anchorages make it easy for boats. Guests often enjoy morning swims, slow coastal cruising hours, and scenic sunset anchorages before settling into relaxed evenings on deck. For an authentic experience, cruising on Turkish gulets offers unique opportunities along these routes.
Maintaining a wooden cruising vessel requires steady attention, and annual upkeep often reaches eight to twelve percent of the boat’s value. This range includes varnish work, hull checks, engine servicing, and safety updates that prepare each vessel for busy summer operations.
Shipyards across Bodrum, Bozburun, Marmaris, and Fethiye maintain a strong reputation for producing handcrafted wooden vessels recognized across the Mediterranean. Their blend of woodworking tradition and modern charter expectations, notably seen in Turkish gulets, keeps Turkey’s wooden fleet at the top of regional demand charts.
Turkish wooden boats combine craftsmanship, comfort, and warm service, which makes them one of the most preferred charter choices along the Mediterranean coast. Whether you choose a classic wooden motor-sailer or a superior wooden vessel with a full crew team, the Turkish coastline offers routes suited for every style and season.
For expert guidance, verified vessels, and full support from the first message to the last day onboard, Mirya Yachting is ready to help you select your vessel and plan a route that matches your pace across the Turkish Riviera. For those interested in a quintessential experience, Turkish gulets offer unmatched charm and style.
