Work in Turkish boatyards

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All_at_Sea

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We are thinking about buying a boat in Bodrum, but would want quite a bit of work done before launching or move it somewhere better. Engine overhaul, teak deck sanding, varnishwork, instrument fitting and upgrades. Does anyone have any good suggestions for this part of the world, good workmanship and not too expensive? This is a 46ft sailing boat.
 
Engine, teak and varnishing shouldn't be a problem in Bodrum. However be aware that Bodrum Marina is one of the most expensive marinas in that part of Turkey. So it might be worthwhile to do a quick engine service and sail to Marmaris. That is the beating hart of sailing in Turkey with a whole street of chandleries, multiple marinas and yards, etc, etc.

You could also consider to buy and install your instruments in Greece (Leros, Kos, Rhodes are all nearby). That way you benefit from the EU consumer warranty rules on products and services.
 
I hold the opinion that few yards are worth thinking about. Spent loads of dosh in Gocek.. Emek marine. I refer to them as the "turkeys in Turkey"..

FWIW. (not pleased)
 
One A. said:
Had a bit of a run in with the Volvo 'agent' there not something I wish to repeat...
Click to expand...
Can't speak for Volvo as we have a Yanmar. Sea Star have a very competent engineer who does our standard annual servicing quite adequately. On the one occasion we had a major problem and the local agent was busy, we called in the Yanmar agent from Bodrum. It's only a thirty minute drive away.
 
Don't get me wrong, I love the Turks and Turkey and spent several seasons cruising and wintered there but as a friend used to put it "the work was typically NQR" - Not Quite Right. Stainless work, upholstery and teak decks are generally first class but if it's technical, electrics, electronics, paintwork, etc just make sure you are there and keep an eye on what's going on.
 
One thing to remember is that there is generally no concept of after-sales service or responsibility in Turkey. If it goes wrong later too bad, it'll never be their fault no matter what's happened and if it goes really bad there will probably be no insurance valid but your own which may not be happy paying out if someone else had sunk/burned/trashed your boat.
I effectively lost a boat in Turkey due to gross incompetence by the (expensive & well known) marina with no come-back attainable whatsoever. A total loss at my expense.
Be careful!
 
Old Bumbulum said:
One thing to remember is that there is generally no concept of after-sales service or responsibility in Turkey. If it goes wrong later too bad, it'll never be their fault no matter what's happened and if it goes really bad there will probably be no insurance valid but your own which may not be happy paying out if someone else had sunk/burned/trashed your boat.
I effectively lost a boat in Turkey due to gross incompetence by the (expensive & well known) marina with no come-back attainable whatsoever. A total loss at my expense.
Be careful!
Click to expand...

I have been warned!
 
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