Yesterday I did my third trip of the season with Jerry’s boats, having enthused at length to my guests that it was the best boat trip available from Fethiye.
On arrival we were informed that we would be using Jerry’s second boat and that his son would be skipper. We set off, but almost from the outset the engine sounded rough. Our first stop was the rabbit island. We were told we were having a 30 min swimming stop. The skipper and his friend lifted the engine hatch and at about the same time the boat skippered by Jerry drew in to the bay and a lengthy conversation via mobile ensued between the two skippers.
Both boats remained in the bay for about an hour until a speed boat arrived bearing 2 men carrying a large tool box. At this point Jerry sailed out of the bay. Two new oil filters and five litres of oil later the engine was restarted. Our boat managed to proceed about two hundred metres to the next bay before we again stopped, the engine hatch was removed and engine work restarted. At this point the barbecue was lit and an extremely lengthy lunch ensued. The mechanics were fed and then left.
Our boat set off in to the bay and we then anchored about 300 metres off the resorts at Yaniklar and were told it was a fishing stop. I tried to get information from the crew but was given no response. We were then offered cake and the boat set off back towards the Letoonia resort, where the engine again stopped. By this time it was approximately 5.00pm and another short wait ensued until Jerry arrived with his passengers and we were then towed back to Fethiye.
All the passengers (11) were fairly disgruntled by this time and it was universally agreed that we should pay for our drinks, but seek a discount on the trip. This was put to the skipper but he advised that we should see Jerry. At this point all four groups of passengers paid for their drinks.
As soon as we moored, Jerry boarded the boat and explained that there had been a problem with an oil pipe and he had not realised how serious it was or he would have amalgamated the passengers on to one boat. I then suggested we should be offered a discount as our trip had been so disastrous .Jerry’s response was that we should just pay for the food.
This offer seemed very generous to everyone so I asked how much that would be . Jerry’s response was “39 lira”. At first I thought he was joking but quickly realised he was not. I then suggested 20lira, half the regular fare. At this point Jerry suddenly became aggressive and shouted that this was insulting to him and that we should pay him nothing but get off of his boat. Passengers tried to reason with him but he refused to take any money and continued to insist people get off his boat. Eventually all the passengers left.
When I was about 15 metres from the boat Jerry called my name and as I turned he shouted at me to F... off and never speak to him again
I am still totally perplexed by his behaviour.
All the passengers were very polite in their complaints and most were repeat customers. Several had seen their trip with Jerry as a highlight of their holiday and it is appalling that customers can be treated in this way
