How a Gulet is Built?

Crafted by hand. Made to last.

Building a gulet is a traditional craft passed down through generations in coastal Turkey. Each yacht is handmade, using time-honored techniques and natural materials.

The process begins with the keel (the backbone of the yacht) before the wooden frame gradually takes shape. A 25-metre gulet typically requires around 50 to 70 tonnes of carefully selected timber, depending on the design and interior. Strong hardwoods such as iroko, teak, mahogany, and oak are chosen for their durability, flexibility, and resistance to the sea.

One of the most fascinating stages is shaping the hull. Wooden planks are prepared, bonded with marine-grade epoxy, compressed under pressure, and carefully bent over custom molds to create the yacht’s curved skeleton, known by Turkish craftsmen as the “iskaleta”. This requires great precision and experience.

Once the frame is ready, hundreds of planks are fitted by hand to form the hull. Each piece is shaped for its exact position, bonded, fastened, and aligned to create a strong, watertight structure.

Inside, the craftsmanship continues. Flooring, cabinetry, staircases, and furniture are often custom-made in the shipyard. Modern engines, navigation systems, air conditioning, and luxury details are then integrated without losing the yacht’s authentic wooden character.

Unlike mass-produced fiberglass yachts, every gulet has its own personality. You can smell the timber, hear the gentle creak of the wood as the yacht moves with the sea, and feel the warmth of handcrafted materials beneath your feet.

Building a gulet is not simply manufacturing a yacht. It is preserving a maritime tradition—one designed to last for generations.