The Bosphorus Boat Show welcomed 1,200 brands and over 500 yachts, expecting to host more than 65,000 visitors. As Türkiye's largest indoor boat show, the event spans 75,000 m², showcasing the latest innovations in the maritime industry to enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The exhibition took place under the shadow of questions about the future of the Turkish yacht sector. The industry's profitability heavily relies on labor costs, and a stronger Turkish Lira makes labor more expensive, reducing profit margins and impacting export competitiveness. During the event, DECK TV met with industry leaders and decision-makers from newborn companies to discuss the strength of the Turkish yacht industry.
New Yacht Name from Turkish Craftmanship: Aiata
Selen Güçlü, Brand Manager at Aiata under Anadolu Motor, highlighted her 17-year experience in the maritime industry. Starting as a warranty engineer at a leading Turkish distributor, she later became Customer Safety Manager and After-Sales Manager before joining Anadolu Motor when the company ventured into yacht manufacturing.
Focused on series production, Aiata aims to export primarily to the U.S and Europe. The company's 20,000 m² facility in Şekerpınar integrates advanced robotic technology, including two major robots for gelcoat application and trimming, setting a new standard in yacht manufacturing.
Aiata’s 38-foot walkaround boats come in two versions: Cabin and Suntop, with modular options for cabin ventilation, sunbathing, and seating configurations. The company also plans to launch a 48-foot model at the 2025 Düsseldorf Boat Show.
Despite rising costs due to currency fluctuations, Güçlü emphasized that Turkish yachts remain competitive due to high-quality craftsmanship and strict quality control standards, making them a preferred choice globally.
Yacht Factory: A Full-Service Superyacht Hub
Hüseyin Doğar, Chief Operating Officer of Yacht Factory, introduced the NOA Series at the exhibition, highlighting that refit services have become a major focus for Yacht Factory, driven by Turkey’s strategic position at the heart of the Mediterranean yacht charter market. He emphasized that Turkey’s growing marina infrastructure and the increasing lifting capacities—now reaching 800 tons—have made the country a key destination for superyacht refits. Additionally, geopolitical factors have increased demand for Türkiye shipyards, leading to significant investments in refit facilities.
Yacht Factory operates one of the largest and most advanced shipyards in the industry, located on a 200,000 m² area, with an 800-ton lifting capacity travel lift and cutting-edge equipment capable of servicing superyachts and megayachts. Our facility, has the ability to operate with 2500 tonnes lifting capacity floating dock, meets the needs of yachts of all sizes and capacities, providing the highest level of service and infrastructure.
New building projects developped as series combine aesthetics and functionality seamlessly in the custom design office and furniture workshop, working meticulously to bring the dream of every yacht owner to life. Additionally, the NOA Series produced at Yacht Factory includes 38m, 48m, and 68m models. Rather than producing yachts solely on demand, Yacht Factory invests in its own designs, showcasing them at prestigious international exhibitions such as Monaco and Cannes to strengthen its global presence.
Doğar emphasized that this approach not only strengthens Turkey’s position in the yacht industry but also contributes to the national economy by increasing high-value exports and attracting foreign investment in yacht maintenance and new builds.
Tersan Marine Brings Its Experience in Yacht
Alparslan Üke, Sales and Marketing Executive at Tersan Marine, and İhsan Şahin, Yacht Maintenance and Repair Executive, discussed Tersan’s expansion into the yacht sector.
Tersan, a well-established name in shipbuilding for over 25 years, aims to replicate its success in the yacht industry. The company’s new facility, located in Ören, Muğla, features 32 hangars, 220 and 820-ton lifts, and offers haul-out and dry dock services.
Şahin, who transitioned from ship repair to yachts, highlighted the experience transfer from Tersan’s shipbuilding expertise. While new yacht construction is not yet in progress, the company is expanding step by step, starting with haul-out services, followed by maintenance, repair, and refit projects.
Refit has gained global traction due to rising material costs in new builds, with owners opting for extensive refurbishments to modernize existing yachts at a fraction of the cost. Sustainability trends have also increased interest in yacht refurbishment.
Tersan’s yacht service facility is now in its second season, having handled 300 yachts in its first year and expecting to reach 400 this year. With growing demand for dry dock and marina space, the company plans to expand into refit and new yacht construction gradually, ensuring a structured and sustainable approach to market entry.
Reviva Refit Stands Out With Mengi’s Name Behind
Ramazan Mengi, newly appointed Executive at Reviva Refit, shared insights on the evolving refit market. He noted that the increasing involvement of major yacht manufacturers signals a shift in industry dynamics. With longer delivery times and rising costs for new yacht builds, refit projects have become a more attractive option for owners. Manufacturers are also integrating refit services into their sustainability strategies, strengthening customer retention, and leveraging their engineering expertise to offer customized solutions.
While this trend has heightened competition, it has also raised industry standards. Reviva Refit differentiates itself by adopting a boutique, flexible, and customer-focused approach. With tailored solutions and agile decision-making, the company aims to provide a personalized experience that sets it apart in the refit sector.
Ramazan Mengi, Shipyard Refit Representative at Reviva Refit, stated:
“At Reviva Refit, we bring Mengi Yay Yachts' expertise and quality to refit projects, managing the maintenance, repair, and refurbishment of superyachts and large motor yachts across Turkey and the Mediterranean. Our key services include hull painting, interior renovations, technical system upgrades, deck coatings, and mechanical maintenance, always prioritizing quality and customer satisfaction.”