What Is a Motorsailer?

A motorsailer is designed with both propulsion by engine and sailing gear as primary features: it is known for its full-length saloon, sheltered pilothouse, powerful engine, and a well-balanced but unshowy sail plan. Many gulets and tirhandils are motorsailers in spirit.

The honest equation is this: under sail it will not keep pace with a pure sailing yacht, and on engine it is not as nimble as a pure trawler, but in combining the two it is something rather unique. When there is wind, it will sail; when there is not, the engine keeps the programme on track. The enclosed wheelhouse stretches the season at both ends.

Two-world maintenance

• The unused-sail syndrome: Many motorsailer owners end up using the engine almost all the time, but sails that are never set still age in the UV; either use them properly or take sail covers seriously.

• Both schedules matter: rig checks and proper engine maintenance go hand in hand; expecting “cheap to run like a sailing yacht, comfortable like a motor yacht” is only half realistic.

The right owner values comfort and a reliable schedule, but still wants the pleasure of sailing on a windy day; for life from bay to bay along the Göcek/Fethiye coast, it is almost made to measure. When buying, the rule is a double survey: the engine assessment and the rig/sail inspection should be carried out with equal seriousness.