Emek Marin

I can confirm the comments made about Emek Marin posted previously. As the agent of our brand of the boat (Catana), we used them for cleaning and small repair jobs in 2016-17. Do not pay for any part or any repair until after you have received goods or service. They did not carry out half the work we paid for. Can not recommend the use of Emek Marine

Riza Cagdas can be a charming individual. However, the supposed competence of 3 generations of yacht yard operators should not have evolved to a company which has no competence, no work ethics, and fraudulent work practices. In our case, the refit was to take 3-4 months MAX, instead, we left after 13 months and had repair costs totaling €50K + to repair the incredibly poor work done by them.

Do not be swayed by the smooth words below. In a high-quality industry, EMEK Marin has no place. Just one example: My genset was removed from the boat in order to change the drip tray which had reached terminal rust. When they reinstalled it, they drilled so many holes that the drip tray holds no drips. Furthermore, the raw water pump was removed and reinstalled with a new impeller.

As they lacked the proper O rings etc, they applied a heavy coating of Sikaflex to seal it against the block. I had to hammer off the pump at the next service… only to find out that they had not covered the pump base before spraying the engine. Result? I have white paint on the raw water pump bearings located inside the engine block!!! One cannot make up these things… stay away from EMEK.

Here at Emek Marin, we take all comments seriously because we do our best to constantly improve. I don’t propose to go into any specifics here, I don’t think that would be helpful. But I, for one, believe that sites such as nooonsite.com do a good job in keeping all companies like ours on our toes.

Emek Marin has been in business for over three generations. During that time we have dealt with a great many problems. Some examples include:

● One year three yachts came for servicing and repairs. They left the same night without attempting to pay for their equipment and installations. This is why today we are cautious about releasing boats when bills are outstanding.

● Almost every year a yachts-person brings in a boat with damaged equipment and asks that we complete a ‘make do’ repair. Whilst we could do so, safety is an over-riding concern. We value people’s lives over aesthetics or other concerns. We always attempt to do whatever we can make good repairs at fair prices.

● A customer’s boat requires a specialised piece of equipment that we cannot find in our chandlery. We then phone other yards to see if they have the part in stock, but none is available. A special overseas order is then made. But customs in our part of the world isn’t straightforward. There are delays even though we employ a specialist who is devotes at least 50% of his time to import issues.

We are not perfect. Last month there was a small fire when some batteries fused together before being fitted. My foreman and I were not happy because the correct procedures had not been followed.

On the other hand, these kinds of accidents happen in even the very best of companies. We know this, and have taken steps not only to systematise work at Emek Marin, but also to sponsor an association to improve standards or work throughout Turkish boat-building yards. One of our companies is building a computer system capable of creating a national database of spare parts. This should help all boatyards to be able to locate spares and, sometimes, avoid problems with lengthy customs delays.

The association is already looking at standards of craftsmanship. This isn’t easy, and not simply because our boat builders are no good. Yacht manufacturers vary in the amount of documentation they offer. Some specs for repairs aren’t available at all. Some are in different languages. Although English is most common, other languages are also used. Works aren’t translated into Turkish unless we make the translations ourselves.

Emek Marin are compiling lots of worksheets. Some of these diligently follow maker’s specifications. Others, however, are augmented by our own experience. This is because whilst boat manufacturers may create work-plans at the times yachts were designed, time elapses before practical repairs need to be made. During that time innovations may occur within the industry, or when we have attempted to follow manufacturer’s specs to the letter problems have arisen.

Sometimes yachting folk have come with their own requirements. We do our best to follow what they ask, but not blindly. Safety is our watchword and we want to know that what they propose will work. I love the smaller boats and do my best for their owners. These tend to fun loving characters who regard their yachts more as pets than possessions. I know that people develop emotional attachments to their boats, the more so as the yachts carry family memories of sailing fun in the Mediterranean . . . but this cocktail can result in quibbles and customer dissatisfaction.

On our website EmekMarin.com you will find many testimonials from satisfied customers. It’s not in our interest to do shoddy work and we strive to do the best job we can every time.

Despite difficulties, the yachting industry is continuing to raise its standards in Turkey. Emek Marin is in the vanguard of this movement, and hopes to continue to be so well into the future.

Best wishes,

Riza Cagdas Cakir
Chief Operations Officer
Emek Marin

For more comments about Emek Marine see this link to the Amel Yacht Owners facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/amelyachtowners/permalink/708563415912449/

Posted on behalf of SY Baringo:

Emek Marine, Gocek, Turkey
We would like to warn all cruisers not to use this company for any advice repairs or engineering work on any boat. They overcharge hugely, their standards are low and they are completely unreliable and are quite happy to send your boat away unsafe assuming you will not be returning. We were a few miles out when our steering cables came apart after Emek had changed them. Luckily for us we could make it back and the weather was fine and the auto helm worked. There are many other problems which they caused that we are still trying to sort out 1.5 years on. So beware and do not be seduced with fine words and promises.