Baybars Turkish Gulet motorsailer 18m review

The Baybars Turkish Gulet motorsailer 18m follows the classic Turkish gulet formula: a wooden, broad-beamed cruiser with a motorsailer profile and a focus on leisurely coastal trips. The available public listing for a matching 2009 Baybars-built example shows 17.80 m length, 5.15 m beam, and a mahogany wood hull, which suggests a stable platform with plenty of visual character rather than a modern lightweight design.

On the water, this type of boat is generally comfortable at displacement-style cruising speeds and more dependent on its engine for reliable progress than on high sailing efficiency. The reported Volvo Penta 240 hp installation is consistent with a practical motorsailer setup, but buyers should expect measured rather than brisk performance, especially under sail alone. Handling should be predictable and steady, aided by the wide beam, though maneuvering a wooden gulet of this kind is typically more about confident low-speed control than agile response.

For livability, the reported 2-cabin layout points to an intimate charter or private-cruising format, and the presence of air conditioning and Wi‑Fi is a meaningful advantage for comfort. The tradeoff is limited guest count and less flexibility than larger gulets with more cabins and crew space. Value depends heavily on condition and maintenance history: a well-kept wooden gulet can be rewarding, but upkeep, survey quality, and refit standards matter more here than with many production yachts.