Bodrum: Where the blue cruise begins
Bodrum, which is well-known all over the world as a Blue Cruise tour departing destination, produces approximately 30 gulets a year, half of which are imported.
Fuat Turan, Bodrum's representative for the Chamber of Ship Engineers, explains that there are 49 shipyards in Bodrum alone and that approximately 30 wooden gulets are manufactured annually, with the exception of periods of economic crisis.
Explaining that almost half of the gulets manufactured are exported, Turan states " We build our boats according to the width and length requirements requested by our customers. We manufacture boats ranging from 24 meters to 42 meters. For example, prices for a boat measuring 24 meters in length start at three million Euros."
''HALF OF PRODUCTION IS GEARED TOWARDS EXPORTING''
Noting that the gulets built at the İçmeler district shipyard in general take one year to be completed, Turan states that prior to building a boat, they first acquire the characteristics desired by the customer. Later, they acquire the approximately 250 materials needed to build from suppliers explains Turan. "We first begin by constructing the spine and completing all wood work. Then we complete the electrics, mechanics and paint work. We generally build two masts on our gulets, however sometimes we go up to three."
Emphasizing that finishing a boat in a short period of time is dependent on the work flow, obtaining the materials needed and the customer's financial situation, Turan goes on to state that the sector is extremely fruitful.
Mentioning that Bodrum is well known throughout the world as being the prime destination from where Blue Cruises depart, Turan explains that they also sell a number of gulets to foreigners.
''Europe no longer builds wooden gulets. Workers are extremely expensive. Our foreign customers tell us now, 'Please don't put an end to this work. You are the only ones still doing this in Europe.' Exporting has developed significantly. In 1995, we had a single import. With the development of Blue Cruises, people began to see the gulets that came to Bodrum and they would ask where they were made. In the years that passed our number of exports increased. Now, half of our manufactures are geared towards importing."
''Physically, it is heavy work"'
Yılmaz Dinç, a master ship-builder who has worked on ships in Bodrum for 38 years, explains that the wood used for building gulets originate from Africa and the suppliers are based in Istanbul.
Explaining that building Gulets is a difficult job, Dinç states, ''Physically, it is a demanding job. Wood is worked on. African wood is dusty; therefore we have to use masks and goggles. For protection we have to wear overalls and gloves and to ensure we do not fall off from the scaffolding, we have to wear special belts and helmets."
Meanwhile, it is also quite a joyful visual event to witness the gulets that are manufactured in the İçmeler shipyard being let to sea.
Explaining that almost half of the gulets manufactured are exported, Turan states " We build our boats according to the width and length requirements requested by our customers. We manufacture boats ranging from 24 meters to 42 meters. For example, prices for a boat measuring 24 meters in length start at three million Euros."
''HALF OF PRODUCTION IS GEARED TOWARDS EXPORTING''
Noting that the gulets built at the İçmeler district shipyard in general take one year to be completed, Turan states that prior to building a boat, they first acquire the characteristics desired by the customer. Later, they acquire the approximately 250 materials needed to build from suppliers explains Turan. "We first begin by constructing the spine and completing all wood work. Then we complete the electrics, mechanics and paint work. We generally build two masts on our gulets, however sometimes we go up to three."
Emphasizing that finishing a boat in a short period of time is dependent on the work flow, obtaining the materials needed and the customer's financial situation, Turan goes on to state that the sector is extremely fruitful.
Mentioning that Bodrum is well known throughout the world as being the prime destination from where Blue Cruises depart, Turan explains that they also sell a number of gulets to foreigners.
''Europe no longer builds wooden gulets. Workers are extremely expensive. Our foreign customers tell us now, 'Please don't put an end to this work. You are the only ones still doing this in Europe.' Exporting has developed significantly. In 1995, we had a single import. With the development of Blue Cruises, people began to see the gulets that came to Bodrum and they would ask where they were made. In the years that passed our number of exports increased. Now, half of our manufactures are geared towards importing."
''Physically, it is heavy work"'
Yılmaz Dinç, a master ship-builder who has worked on ships in Bodrum for 38 years, explains that the wood used for building gulets originate from Africa and the suppliers are based in Istanbul.
Explaining that building Gulets is a difficult job, Dinç states, ''Physically, it is a demanding job. Wood is worked on. African wood is dusty; therefore we have to use masks and goggles. For protection we have to wear overalls and gloves and to ensure we do not fall off from the scaffolding, we have to wear special belts and helmets."
Meanwhile, it is also quite a joyful visual event to witness the gulets that are manufactured in the İçmeler shipyard being let to sea.
Last Update: November 02, 2011 08:39