Wooden yacht & seamanship
terminology.

At right angles to the centreline of the vessel — neither forward nor aft. "The island is abeam to starboard."

A removable ladder hung over the side of the vessel for boarding from a tender or dinghy. Often stainless steel or teak on a gulet.

Toward the rear (stern) of the vessel. The mizzen mast on a ketch is aft of the main mast.

Annual publication containing tidal data, celestial navigation tables, port information, and notices to mariners. The nautical bible for passage planning.

The middle section of the vessel, equidistant from bow and stern. Maximum beam is typically measured amidships.

A powered winch fitted in the bow to raise and lower the anchor chain. On larger gulets, hydraulic or electric windlasses are standard.

A biocidal coating applied to the underwater hull to prevent growth of marine organisms (barnacles, weed, slime). Must be reapplied annually in Turkish waters.

Turkish term for the transom-stern gulet — the modern flat-stern design that maximises below-deck cabin space. Most commercially operated gulets today are ayna kıç style.

A wire running from the masthead to the stern, supporting the mast against forward loads. On a ketch, backstays support both main mast and mizzen.

A thin strip of fibreglass or wood sewn into a pocket in the sail to support the roach (the area aft of a straight line between clew and head). Full-length battens are increasingly common.

The width of the vessel at its widest point. Turkish gulets are notable for their exceptionally wide beam — typically 30–35% of LOA — which creates the spacious deck and cabin proportions they are famous for.

The lowest interior space of the hull, where water collects. All wooden vessels take on some water through planking; a healthy bilge is dry but not bone dry. Regular bilge pump checks are essential.

A secondary keel fitted at the turn of the bilge on either side of the main keel. Provides directional stability without deep draft. Common on working boats; rare on gulets.

A fabric sun shade fitted over the cockpit or aft deck on a gulet, supported by a stainless steel frame. Provides essential shade in Mediterranean summers.

The Turkish term for gulet holidays along the Aegean and Mediterranean coast — a concept popularised by writer Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı ("Halikarnas Balıkçısı") in the 1960s. The Blue Cruise is culturally inseparable from the gulet.

The horizontal spar extending aft from the mast, to which the foot (bottom edge) of the mainsail is attached. The boom controls sail shape and allows reefing.

The narrow painted band at the waterline separating the topsides colour from the antifouling below. A well-maintained boot top is a sign of careful ownership.

The forward end of the vessel. The bow form of a wooden vessel significantly affects seakeeping — fine bows cut through waves, fuller bows lift over them.

A spar projecting forward from the bow, extending the base of the forestay. Allows a larger headsail or spinnaker. Found on traditional working vessels, classic yachts, and some gulets.

The preferred marine fastening material — silicon bronze (an alloy of copper, silicon, and tin) resists saltwater corrosion better than any other common fastening material. All fastenings in a quality wooden build should be silicon bronze, not stainless steel or galvanised iron.

The timber or stainless capping at the top of the hull, running along the sheer. Often teak on gulets, serving as the finishing edge of the hull and the base for stanchions.

A hull construction method where planks are laid edge-to-edge on frames, with seams caulked to prevent water ingress. The most common method in Turkish gulet construction. Requires periodic re-caulking.

Cotton or oakum fibres driven into the seams between carvel planks, then sealed with compound, to make the hull watertight. Quality of caulking is a critical indicator of build quality.

A metal fitting through-bolted to the hull or deck to which a shroud or stay is attached. Chainplates are one of the most highly loaded fittings on a sailing vessel. Must have adequate backing structure.

A horn-shaped fitting to which lines are secured. Deck cleats on a gulet must be through-bolted with a backing plate — inadequately backed cleats can be pulled out of the deck.

See Lapstrake — a hull construction method where each plank overlaps the one below. Creates a distinctive ridged hull profile. Common in traditional Scandinavian and British small craft.

A raised edge around the cockpit or hatches to prevent water from entering. Cockpit coamings on a gulet are typically teak and provide a comfortable backrest for guests.

A hull construction method using multiple thin veneers of wood laminated with epoxy, each layer at an angle to the previous. Creates an extremely strong, stiff, and watertight monocoque shell. Significantly reduces long-term maintenance compared to carvel planking. Commands a 15–25% price premium.

To order and oversee the construction of a new vessel to personal specification. "We commissioned a 22-metre gulet in Bodrum." The act of commission implies an ongoing supervisory relationship with the yard.

A comprehensive inspection of a vessel assessing its current physical condition. Includes hull, deck, rigging, machinery, electrical systems, and all installed equipment. Provides a written report with findings classified by severity.

A single-masted vessel with the mast set further aft than a sloop, carrying two headsails on separate forestays. The inner forestay carries a staysail; the outer carries a jib. Versatile in varying conditions.

Crane-like fittings on the stern of a yacht used to lift and stow a tender (dinghy or RIB). Most gulets above 18m have stern davits. Must be rated for the weight of the tender plus crew.

The solid timber filling between the keel and sternpost at the aft end of the hull, providing a surface for the rudder to be hung against. Critical structural member.

The top-down drawing of a vessel showing all deck features, equipment, and dimensions. The first drawing referenced when specifying gulet deck layout.

Electronic instrument measuring water depth by echo. Essential navigation instrument in Turkish coastal waters, where depths can change rapidly around headlands.

The weight of water displaced by the hull — equal to the total weight of the vessel. A 20m gulet typically displaces 50–80 tonnes. Displacement determines power requirements, fuel consumption, and sea behaviour.

The depth of the hull below the waterline. Turkish gulets have relatively shallow draft (typically 1.5–2.5m) to access the many shallow bays along the Aegean and Mediterranean coast.

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. A self-activating distress beacon that transmits position to search and rescue satellites when immersed in water. Required on all vessels operating offshore.

A two-part adhesive/coating resin used extensively in cold-moulded and composite wooden construction. West System and other marine epoxies provide structural bonding, waterproofing, and protection for wooden hulls.

The process of smoothing and shaping a hull surface to a smooth curve before painting. Good fairing results in a fast, attractive hull; poor fairing shows humps and hollows that affect performance and appearance.

A fitting through which a line passes to change its direction without friction. Lines to winches, cleats, and sails pass through fairleads.

A transverse structural member at the bottom of the hull connecting the frames across the centreline and providing attachment points for the keel bolts. Floors (not to be confused with the cabin floor/sole) are critical structural members.

Toward the front of the vessel. The foredeck is the area forward of the mast.

The wire or rod running from the masthead (or a point on the mast) to the bow or bowsprit, supporting the mast against aft loads and providing the luff on which the headsail is set.

The height of the hull above the waterline. High freeboard provides interior volume and keeps decks dry; low freeboard gives better access to the water. Gulets typically have moderate freeboard.

The plank immediately adjacent to the keel — the lowest plank on each side of the hull. The garboard is the most critically positioned plank and must be perfectly fitted against the keel rabbet with no gaps.

A large headsail that overlaps the mast. On a gulet, a furling genoa on the forestay is standard.

An electronic navigation system combining GPS position with digital charts. The primary navigation tool on all modern vessels. A survey should verify the chartplotter is current and properly interfaced with the AIS and VHF.

The iconic traditional Turkish wooden yacht — a broad-beamed, two-masted (ketch-rigged) motor-sailer originating from the Bodrum and Marmaris coast. Typical LOA 15–35m, accommodating 4–12 cabins. The dominant vessel type in Turkish charter and private ownership. Available new-build (commission) or pre-owned (second-hand).

The upper edge of the side of the hull, where the deck meets the hull sides. The gunwale is often reinforced and finished in teak or stainless steel. Also called "gunnel".

An opening in the deck for ventilation, access, or escape. Hatches must be watertight when closed. All hatches should be bedded in marine sealant — dry-fitted hatches leak.

The toilet facilities on a vessel — includes the marine toilet (WC), handbasin, and shower. On a gulet, each cabin typically has an en-suite heads.

The leaning of a sailing vessel to one side under the pressure of wind in the sails. Gulets, with their wide beam and heavy displacement, heel very little — part of their appeal for charter guests.

The steering mechanism — tiller or wheel. "At the helm" means operating the steering. The helmsman's position on a gulet is typically a raised platform aft, with excellent visibility.

A tank for containing sewage from the marine toilets. Required by law in many jurisdictions. Must be plumbed from each heads compartment and have a deck pump-out fitting.

A rubber vane in the seawater cooling pump of a marine diesel engine. Must be inspected and typically replaced annually as part of engine service. A failed impeller is the most common cause of engine overheating.

The primary timber species used in Turkish gulet construction. Milicia excelsa — sometimes called African teak for its comparable durability and oil content. Forms the hull planking and structural members of most Bodrum and Marmaris-built gulets. Durable, rot-resistant, and significantly less expensive than teak.

A headsail set on the forestay. Smaller than a genoa, it does not overlap the mast. Common on cruising vessels where tacking ease is prioritised over maximum sail area.

A traditional Turkish working boat with a high, flaring bow and wide beam. Historically used for fishing and Bosphorus cargo transport. Now built as charming private day vessels. Often brightly painted with decorative motifs.

The lowest longitudinal structural member of the hull, running from bow to stern. The backbone to which all other structural members are attached. In a sailing gulet, the keel provides directional stability and houses the ballast.

The large bolts that secure the ballast keel to the wooden structure. Must be bronze or quality stainless — never galvanised. Keel bolt corrosion is a critical survey finding.

A two-masted sailing vessel where the mizzen (aft) mast is forward of the rudder post. The traditional rig for bluewater sailing yachts and Turkish gulets. Divides sail area into manageable sections for short-handed sailing.

Turkish for "classic stern" — the rounded, traditional stern form of the original Bodrum gulet, as opposed to the modern ayna kıç (transom stern). Considered more elegant but provides less below-deck volume.

Also called clinker — a hull construction method where each plank overlaps the one below it. Creates a stiff shell with distinctive ridged profile. Traditional in Northern European small craft; rare in Turkish yards.

A day of rest at anchor or in port during a passage or charter. Turkish gulet itineraries typically include several lay days at anchor in remote bays.

Length Overall — the total length of the vessel from the most forward point to the most aft point, including any bowsprit or swim platform. The primary dimension for sizing, pricing, and marina fees.

Length on the Waterline — the length of the vessel at the surface of the water. Shorter than LOA due to overhangs at bow and stern. Waterline length is the primary determinant of hull speed.

A family of tropical hardwoods including Swietenia (Honduras mahogany) and Khaya (African mahogany). The classic boatbuilding timber for topsides, interior joinery, and furniture. Straight grain, excellent finishing characteristics, and good durability.

The vertical spar rising from the deck that supports the sails and rigging. On a gulet ketch, the main mast (forward) is taller than the mizzen mast (aft). Wood masts are traditional; aluminium and carbon fibre are lighter alternatives.

The shorter aft mast on a ketch or yawl, and its associated sail. On a gulet, the mizzen sail is rarely used for propulsion but contributes to balance when motorsailing.

An electronic instrument used by surveyors to detect elevated moisture levels in hull planking and deck structures. Essential tool for wooden vessel surveys. Readings above 20% in structural timber indicate active moisture ingress.

A unit of distance at sea equal to 1,852 metres (approximately 1.15 statute miles). Equivalent to one arc-minute of latitude. All maritime navigation uses nautical miles.

A deterioration process in fibreglass (GRP) hulls where water migrates through the gelcoat and forms blisters. Not directly applicable to wooden hulls, but the term is sometimes used loosely to describe moisture damage in wooden vessels. A wooden hull survey specifically checks for moisture ingress, rot, and fastening corrosion rather than osmosis.

A construction method where wide planks are laid on their edges (vertically) to form the hull. Creates a strong, lightweight structure. Not common in Turkish yards but seen in some traditional designs.

The left side of the vessel when facing forward. Traditionally indicated by a red navigation light. Opposite of starboard.

A comprehensive condition survey carried out before a buyer completes the purchase of a vessel. The survey protects the buyer's interest and provides an independent assessment of the vessel's condition, value, and suitability for its intended purpose. Every wooden vessel purchase should be subject to a pre-purchase survey by a qualified independent surveyor.

The documented history of a vessel — where it was built, by whom, how it has been maintained, and any significant incidents. A vessel with a complete provenance file (including original build records, survey reports, and maintenance logs) commands significantly higher resale value than one without documentation.

The groove cut along the keel into which the garboard strake (lowest plank) fits. The rabbet must be cleanly cut and the garboard must seat firmly against it without gaps.

A comprehensive programme of maintenance, repair, and upgrade to bring a vessel to an improved condition. A full refit on a 20m gulet typically costs €35,000–€90,000 and adds significantly to resale value.

The system of wires, rods, and lines that support the mast (standing rigging) and control the sails (running rigging). Standing rigging should be inspected by a qualified rigger at least every 5 years.

The underwater appendage used to steer the vessel. On traditional gulets, the rudder is hung on the sternpost in the classic manner. Modern versions use a balanced spade rudder for lighter helm.

The specified dimensions of structural members — plank thickness, frame depth and width, keel dimensions, and so on. Scantlings are derived from classification rules or naval architect calculations and verified by surveyors at each build stage.

A method of joining two pieces of timber end-to-end at an angle (typically 8:1 or longer ratio) to provide a strong, inconspicuous joint. Used in keel, stem, and plank construction.

A two or more-masted vessel where the foremast is shorter than the main mast. Excellent downwind performance and large sail area. Associated with New England fishing and clipper-era voyaging.

A valve fitted to every through-hull below the waterline, allowing the hull penetration to be closed in an emergency. Every seacock must be operable from a standing position and exercised (opened and closed) at least annually. An inaccessible seacock is a critical survey finding.

The curve of the deck as seen from the side — typically rising toward bow and stern and curving down amidships. A fair, graceful sheer is a mark of a well-designed vessel.

A wire or rod running from the masthead to the chainplates on each side of the vessel, supporting the mast laterally. Lower shrouds, intermediate shrouds, and upper shrouds each support different sections of the mast.

The most common modern sailing rig — a single mast with mainsail and one headsail. Simple, efficient, easy to sail short-handed. Dominant in production sailing yachts under 15m.

The floor of the cabin — equivalent to the floor in a house. On a gulet, the cabin sole is typically laid in teak and holly (alternating strips), solid teak, or teak-faced plywood.

A vertical post supporting the lifelines around the deck perimeter. Must be through-bolted with an adequate backing plate. A stanchion that pulls out of the deck is a safety hazard; this is checked in every survey.

The right side of the vessel when facing forward. Traditionally indicated by a green navigation light.

A wire or rod supporting the mast in a fore-and-aft direction. Forestay (forward), backstay (aft), babystay (inner forestay). Together with shrouds, stays form the standing rigging that supports the mast.

The foremost structural member of the hull — the timber to which the bow planks are fastened. The stem must be robust and well-fastened to the keel.

The after (aft) structural member to which the rudder is hung and the transom or counter is attached. With the keel and stem, it forms the backbone of the traditional wooden hull.

A construction method using narrow strips of wood (typically western red cedar) glued edge-to-edge over a mould, then sheathed with fibreglass and epoxy inside and out. Combines wood's aesthetic with modern composite strength.

A formal inspection of a vessel carried out by a qualified marine surveyor. Types include pre-purchase survey, insurance survey, condition survey, new-build survey, and tonnage survey. The resulting survey report is the primary independent document for a vessel transaction.

A qualified professional who conducts marine surveys. The most recognised qualifications internationally are ABYC Professional Member (USA), YDSA member (UK), and NAMS Certified Marine Surveyor (USA/Canada). An independent surveyor has no commercial relationship with the vessel's seller, broker, or builder.

Tectona grandis — the gold standard of boatbuilding and deck timber. Self-lubricating, rot-resistant, and dimensionally stable. Specified for decks, cockpits, and premium interiors. The most expensive structural timber in common marine use.

Any fitting that penetrates the hull below the waterline — including seacocks, depth sounder transducers, and log impellers. Every through-hull is a potential leak source and must be fitted with a seacock and maintained in working order.

The oldest traditional Turkish wooden boat type — a double-ended vessel with pointed bow and pointed stern (no transom). Excellent sailing performance, rare today. Found primarily in Aegean waters and highly sought by collectors.

A measure of a vessel's cargo capacity or internal volume. Gross tonnage (GT) is the measure used for registration and commercial licensing. In Turkey, a vessel's ton measurement determines which charter licences apply.

A document carried by foreign vessels cruising Turkish waters and Greek islands, tracking ports of entry and exit. Issued by Turkish customs and required for all foreign-flagged vessels entering Turkish territorial waters.

The flat (or curved) aft face of the hull. Most modern gulets have a transom stern (ayna kıç) rather than the traditional rounded (klasik kıç) stern. The transom swim platform — built out from the transom — is standard on charter gulets.

Turkish term for "flying" — used colloquially to describe a vessel that is sailing fast. Not a technical term but commonly heard in Turkish boatyards and marinas.

An opinion of a vessel's market value, based on comparable sales, condition, age, specification, and market demand. A formal written valuation is required by some insurers and banks, and is valuable in sale negotiations.

The flow of air through the hull interior. Adequate ventilation is essential in wooden vessels to prevent condensation, which leads to rot. Opening ports, hatches, and cowl ventilators should all be checked in a survey.

The line at which the hull meets the water surface. The designed waterline (DWL) is the intended line; the actual waterline varies with load. A vessel sitting below its designed waterline is overloaded.

A powered deck fitting for raising and lowering the anchor and chain. Typically electric or hydraulic on a gulet above 15m. A seized or inoperable windlass is a survey finding.

A two-masted sailing vessel where the mizzen mast is located aft of the rudder post — the defining distinction from a ketch. The mizzen is small and used primarily for balance. Traditionally popular in offshore racing.