The Core Difference
A catamaran is a sailing vessel. You (or a hired skipper) navigate it, manage the sails, anchor it, and decide where to go each day. A gulet is a crewed vessel. The captain navigates, the cook prepares meals, and the crew handle all vessel operations. You are guests, not crew.
That fundamental difference drives almost every other distinction: cost structure, experience, flexibility, and who each type suits.
Full Comparison
| Factor | Catamaran | Gulet |
|---|---|---|
| Crew provided? | Optional (bareboat or skippered) | Always (captain + cook minimum) |
| Sailing experience | Genuine sailing; heel-free | Motor-sailing; sails rarely used |
| Licence required? | Yes (bareboat) / No (skippered) | No |
| Hull stability | No heel underway | Good stability; slight roll in swell |
| Living space | Large cockpit + bridge deck | Large aft deck + saloon |
| Meals | Self-catered or add hostess | Cook on board; APA-funded |
| Budget structure | Weekly rate + food + fuel + ports | Weekly rate + APA (all-in) |
| Itinerary control | Total independence | Set daily with captain |
| Best anchorage access | Good; shallower draft | Limited in very tight bays |
| Best group size | 8–12 guests | 8–16+ guests |
| Weekly cost (10 guests) | €4,000–9,000 + extras | €8,000–15,000 all-in |
The True Cost Comparison
The headline catamaran rate is lower than a gulet. A 44ft catamaran in June costs approximately €3,500–5,000/week bareboat. A comparable 22-metre gulet costs €7,500–10,000/week including crew.
The comparison changes when you add all extras to the catamaran for 10 guests:
- Skipper (if needed): €150–200/day × 7 = €1,050–1,400
- Provisioning: €80/person × 10 = €800
- Fuel: €150–200
- Port/marina fees: €50–120/night × 7 = €350–840
- Total catamaran all-in: approximately €5,800–8,200
Against a gulet at €8,500–11,000 all-in for 10 guests, the gap is €500–3,000. Per person: €50–300 difference per week — which many groups consider reasonable given the additional service.
Bottom line: The all-in cost gap between a crewed catamaran and a mid-range gulet for 10 guests is typically smaller than most people expect. The decision should be based on what experience you want, not just the headline price.
When to Choose a Catamaran
- Your group includes licensed sailors who want to actually sail
- You value total independence — anchor where you want, move when you choose
- You want the lowest boat-only weekly cost
- Your group is active and wants to participate in boat handling
- You need access to tight anchorages where a wide-beam gulet cannot go
- Your group is 8–10 people
When to Choose a Gulet
- None of your group holds a sailing licence
- You want meals prepared for you every day
- Your group includes children, elderly guests, or anyone with mobility considerations
- You are celebrating a milestone event and want service, not logistics
- Your group is larger than 12
- You want a truly social experience built around the aft deck gathering space
Verdict by Group Type
| Group Type | Better Choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Experienced sailing friends (licensed) | Catamaran | Maximum independence, better sailing |
| Mixed group, some experience | Skippered catamaran | Sailing without licence pressure |
| Family with children | Catamaran or Gulet | Cat: active; Gulet: service and stability |
| Milestone birthday / anniversary | Gulet | Service, cook, effortless celebration |
| Corporate group 14–18 people | Large gulet | Only option at this guest count |
| First-time charter, no licences | Gulet or skippered cat | Both work; gulet is simpler |
| Budget-conscious group of 8 | Bareboat catamaran | Lowest per-person cost |
FAQ
Which has better deck space?
Both are generous but configured differently. A gulet has a large, shaded aft deck with cushioned seating and direct access to the swimming ladder. A catamaran has a wide cockpit plus a bridge deck platform at the bow. Different layouts, similar total outdoor space.
Which is more stable in rough conditions?
A gulet is heavier and more stable at anchor in a swell. A catamaran does not heel but can pitch in short head seas. In genuinely rough conditions, both should be in a sheltered anchorage.
Can you sail a gulet yourself?
No. All gulet charters are fully crewed. The charter model does not include bareboat gulet hire — the vessels are too large and complex for that format.