Guide 01 · Seasonal
Winter on the Bosphorus
A yacht kept afloat in Istanbul over winter is not resting. Strong northerly and southerly winds, sudden swell and long weeks without use are what cause most spring surprises. A good winter is planned in October, not discovered in March.
Before the cold arrives
- Carry out the end of season engine service while the yacht is still in use: oil, filters, impellers and belts.
- Top up and stabilise the fuel to limit condensation in the tanks.
- Drain or protect the fresh water system, water heater and any exposed pipework against frost.
- Fit covers properly and keep ventilation open to avoid damp and mould inside.
At the berth
- Double the mooring lines, add chafe protection and extra fenders before the first storm.
- Keep batteries charged and shore power checked. Bilge pumps must have power all winter.
- Check the yacht after every storm, not only on the weekly visit.
Use the quiet months
Winter is the right time to agree the spring yard list, collect quotes and order parts before the yards get busy. Owners who plan in December launch on time in April.
Guide 02 · Formalities
The transit log, in plain words
A foreign-flagged yacht sailing in Turkish waters needs a transit log, officially the yacht registration form. It is the permit that allows the yacht to enter Turkish ports and cruise in Turkish waters.
The essentials
- It is completed at the first Turkish port of entry, through a marina office or a yacht agent.
- It records the yacht, the owner, the captain, crew and guests, the intended route and an inventory.
- It is generally valid for one year and covers private use of the yacht.
When a new one is needed
The transit log is cancelled and a new one is needed in certain situations, for example when the yacht leaves for a foreign port, when the owner changes, when the person who completed it is replaced, or when the yacht is left in a marina for winter lay-up.
Private use only
A transit log covers private use. Carrying passengers against payment on a foreign-flagged yacht in Turkish waters falls under cabotage rules, which is a different matter altogether.
Rules and their application change, and details depend on the yacht and the owner. We handle these formalities through licensed yacht agents and confirm the current requirements for each yacht before acting. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Guide 03 · Budget
What it takes to run a 10 metre yacht
Owners are often surprised not by the size of the yearly cost, but by how many different places it comes from. Our working budget for a 10 metre yacht in Türkiye has 22 main cost groups and more than 400 individual items. Here are the groups, so you can see the full picture.
- 01Registration and official formalities
- 02Insurance and risk
- 03Marina and berthing
- 04Fuel, cruising and operation
- 05Main engines, drives and controls
- 06Generator and electrical systems
- 07Mechanical, water and sanitation
- 08Navigation, communication and electronics
- 09Hull, antifouling and yard
- 10Deck, mooring and exterior equipment
- 11Safety, fire and first aid
- 12Interior and living spaces
- 13Cleaning and daily consumables
- 14Provisions, guests and daily use
- 15Captain, crew and outside services
- 16Winter lay-up and season preparation
- 17Tender and water sports
- 18Spare parts, tools and technical stock
- 19Subscriptions and communication
- 20Logistics, shipping and customs
- 21Upgrades and improvements
- 22Unexpected and extraordinary costs
Why this matters
A yacht whose costs are tracked by group can be planned. One whose costs arrive as a pile of receipts cannot. We record every expense against these groups, which is how your monthly summary and your budget for next season are built.
