Gulet 17.5-meter Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing performance of a 17.5-meter Gulet is characterized by its identity as a motor-sailer rather than a dedicated sailing yacht. These vessels feature a heavy-displacement hull with a long keel and a broad, rounded stern (or "Ketch" style) or a flat "Ayna Kic" (mirror stern) design. According to technical studies on Gulet hull optimization, the massive beam-to-length ratio provides exceptional initial stability, making them comfortable platforms in the steep, short chop of the Mediterranean.

Under sail, the 17.5-meter variant typically carries a ketch or schooner rig. However, due to the high freeboard and significant windage of the doghouse and rigging, upwind performance is generally poor; they are most effective on a reach or downwind in 15–20 knots of breeze. Most owners and charter captains treat the sails as auxiliary power, relying on a single diesel engine (often 150–300 HP) to maintain a cruising speed of 8 to 9 knots. Tracking is excellent due to the long keel, but the turning radius is large, requiring careful planning during harbor maneuvers.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The hallmark of the 17.5-meter Gulet is an interior volume that far exceeds that of a similarly sized fiberglass monohull. At this length, the standard configuration typically includes 3 to 4 guest cabins, each with its own en-suite head and shower—a layout rarely found on 57-foot production sailboats. The "Master" cabin is frequently located in the stern, utilizing the full beam of the vessel to provide a walk-around queen bed and significant hanging storage.

Variations in the interior often depend on the stern type:

• Rounded Stern (Gulet): Focuses on a large, cushioned "aft deck" lounge, which is the primary social center of the boat.
• Flat Stern (Ayna Kic): Allows for an even larger master suite or an additional cabin below the aft deck, though it sacrifices some of the traditional "rounded" aesthetic.

Interior finishes are almost exclusively wood, with mahogany and teak being the preferred materials for high-end builds. The salon is typically elevated (a "deck salon" style), providing 360-degree visibility and a high degree of natural light, which mitigates the "basement" feel often associated with traditional wooden hulls.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Gulet is the centerpiece of the "Blue Cruise" (Mavi Yolculuk), a cultural and maritime phenomenon popularized by Turkish author Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı (the "Fisherman of Halicarnassus"). While 17.5-meter models are occasionally seen in private ownership, their most significant media presence is as the "boutique" option in Mediterranean luxury travel documentaries. Larger gulets often appear in films (notably in the James Bond film Skyfall), but the 17.5-meter class remains the iconic representative of the original, more intimate coast-hugging voyages of the mid-20th century.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a used 17.5-meter Gulet must navigate the complexities of wooden construction, which varies wildly in quality between shipyards.

• Hull Material Integrity: Older gulets built of pine are highly susceptible to rot if not maintained meticulously. Buyers should prioritize mahogany or wood-epoxy cold-molded hulls, which offer significantly better resistance to the "worm" and rot issues common in the Aegean.
• Fastener Corrosion: In traditional planked gulets, the galvanized nails or bolts used to secure the hull can corrode over 10–15 years, leading to "nail sickness." A survey should include a "fastener pull" to check for structural integrity.
• Engine and Systems Aging: Many gulets in this size class were built with marinized truck engines or older industrial diesels. Compliance with modern EU emissions and safety regulations (RINA or Lloyd’s standards) is essential for those looking to operate commercially.
• Deck Leaks: Teak decks are typically laid over marine plywood or directly onto the frames. Check for "spongy" spots around the mast step and chainplates, as fresh-water ingress is the primary enemy of these wooden structures.

The Verdict

The 17.5-meter Gulet is a "lifestyle" vessel best suited for those who value space, stability, and traditional aesthetics over technical sailing performance.

Pros:

• Exceptional living space and en-suite cabin layouts for its length.
• High stability and heavy-weather comfort due to mass and beam.
• Handcrafted wooden aesthetic that provides a unique "soul" compared to fiberglass.
• Massive deck areas ideal for lounging and outdoor dining.

Cons:

• High maintenance requirements associated with wooden hulls and brightwork.
• Poor upwind sailing capability; functions primarily as a motor-sailer.
• Large displacement makes it less responsive and harder to handle in tight marinas.
• Potential for hidden structural rot in older, traditionally built pine examples.