Planning a Yacht Refit: Scope, Sequencing and Timing at a Turkish Yard

Turkey has quietly become one of the Mediterranean's main refit destinations. Labour rates are a fraction of France, Italy or Spain, yards in Istanbul (Tuzla), Bodrum, Marmaris, Göcek and Fethiye work year-round, and an EU-flagged yacht can stay for winter work without complex paperwork. This guide explains how to plan a refit here and what to expect from a Turkish yard.

A refit is the planned, combined renewal of several items on a yacht (paint, teak, interior, hull). Compared with piecemeal work it is both more economical and more consistent; the boat is hauled once and all work is coordinated.

When is a yacht refit needed?

It's usually considered on yachts 10+ years old, after a used purchase, or after a long period of use. A survey report clarifies which items are priority.

What's included in a refit?

Common items: topside paint and colour change, teak deck renewal, interior upholstery/joinery, gelcoat restoration. Engine and mechanical work are outside our scope.

Sequencing and planning

Order matters in a refit; structural and paint work come before upholstery. We plan item by item with project management, giving the duration and cost of each step transparently.

We run yacht refits under yacht & motoryacht care. Let's start with a free survey.