More than most other means of transportaiton, boats need extensive maintenance which varies somewhat with the method of construction. A hull covered with 1.4mm sheet metal loses about 1mm a year due to elctrolytic action in the salt water; therefore this metal skin must be renewed at least every two years; this work must be done in a dry dock. All-wood hulls are principally of two kinds: Planked (carvelled) and epoxy laminated. The latter method is more expensive than the other but in needs hauling or dry docking less often.
Maintenance and repairs above the waterline can be done afloat. Needless to say, when considering the purchase of a boat, one should inspect it very carefully as potential problems may be hidden and very costly to correct later on. Boats with planked hulls should be hauled once a year to ensure long life.
A properly maintained gulette can look like new even after 20 years and hold its value. On an average a wooden boat depreciates by 8-10% a year, much more so if not kept up. When hauled or dry-docked the fouled bottom should be thoroughly cleaned and colrroded metal parts exchanged with new ones, then two coats of antifouling should be applied. That done, all varnished and painted areas should be redone at least once a year. Also, the engine and all assciated machinery should be serviced and tested. Last but not least, ropes and sails should be cleaned, dried, and stowed.
One may see gulettes allover the world: in Italy, France, England, Malta, The Carribean, USA, Russia, The Maldives, The Adriatic, the Red Sea, Cyprus, but most are to be found in the Mediterranean region.
