What is a realistic timeline for building a custom phinisi?

A typical build for a luxury phinisi yacht between 30 and 40 metres takes approximately 18 to 24 months. This timeline allows for proper timber curing, meticulous traditional hull construction, and the detailed installation of modern systems and luxury interiors. The exact duration depends on the vessel’s size, complexity, and the level of interior customisation. We provide a detailed project schedule with key milestones at the outset of every commission.

How much does a bespoke luxury phinisi cost?

The cost is highly variable and depends on Length Overall (LOA), interior fit-out quality, machinery, and electronics specifications. As a general guide, a new-build luxury charter phinisi from a reputable phinisi shipyard starts from around USD 1.5 million and can exceed USD 5 million for larger, more complex vessels. We work with clients to establish a clear budget and provide transparent, stage-by-stage costings to avoid surprises.

Can I be involved in the design and building process?

Absolutely. We encourage client collaboration. Your involvement is crucial in shaping the vessel’s character. From the initial concept with our naval architect to selecting interior finishes and observing key construction milestones in Bira, we welcome your participation. We provide regular photographic and written updates for clients who cannot be on-site, ensuring you are connected to the journey of your yacht’s creation every step of the way.

What materials are used for the hull and superstructure?

We adhere to the proven traditions of the Konjo builders. The keel, frames, and hull planking are constructed from sustainably sourced Sulawesi ironwood (Ulin), prized for its immense strength and natural resistance to the marine environment. The superstructure, decks, and interior are typically crafted from high-grade, kiln-dried teak (Jati), which offers exceptional durability and a beautiful, timeless finish. All timber is legally sourced and certified.

Are the yachts built to international safety standards?

Yes. While the hull construction is traditional, the entire vessel is designed, engineered, and outfitted to meet international maritime safety standards. We can build to comply with various classification societies, such as the Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia (BKI) or RINA (Italy), ensuring the vessel meets stringent requirements for structural integrity, stability, safety equipment, and pollution prevention, making it suitable for international registration and commercial charter.

What is the process for registering (flagging) the vessel?

We provide full assistance with the vessel registration process. Most of our builds are flagged in Indonesia, which is a straightforward process for which we handle all local administration. We can also assist with the necessary documentation and surveys required for international flagging, such as in the Marshall Islands or Langkawi, depending on the client’s operational and tax preferences. Our team guides you through the legal requirements from start to finish.

Hand-built phinisi under full sail in Komodo National Park

UNESCO-Recognised Konjo Craft

Master Builders of Bespoke Phinisi

Hand-built 30–50 m phinisi yachts in ironwood and teak, from the shores of Bira, South Sulawesi.

Builds from USD 1.5M · Delivered in 18–24 months

Commission Your Phinisi

Length overall: 30–50 m
Months to build: 18–24
Class standards: BKI · RINA
Craftsmen per build: 50+

Explore

What we do

Everything your build needs, under one roof

Six disciplines, one accountable team — from the first drawing to the final sea trial.

Design & Naval Architecture

Hull lines, stability and layout drawn around how you will use the boat.

Ironwood & Teak Sourcing

Verified Ulin for the hull, certified Jati for decks and interiors.

Master Craftsmanship

Panrita Lopi shape the hull by hand, plank by plank, the Konjo way.

Systems Integration

400–600 hp engines, generators, watermakers and navigation, tested.

Class & Flag Compliance

Built to BKI or RINA class, registration handled from survey to flag.

Interior Outfitting

Teak joinery, cabins and galleys fitted to charter or private spec.

From keel to sea trials

The phinisi build process

Four stages, one transparent programme — with progress reports at every milestone.

Stage 01

Consultation & Design

Cabin plan, deck layout and budget are agreed before any timber is cut.

Concept · Layout · Budget 2–3 months

Stage 02

Pusar Posi — Keel Laying

The ironwood keel is laid and blessed on an auspicious day. The build begins.

Ceremony · Ironwood keel Day one

Stage 03

Hull & Appasili Launch

Planks over 5 cm thick are joined by hand, then the village launches the hull.

Hand tools · Wooden dowels 8–10 months

Stage 04

Outfitting & Sea Trials

Engines, systems and teak interiors go in, then full sea trials before handover.

8–10 knots cruising Handover

UNESCO 2017 Intangible cultural heritage

Heritage & materials

A legacy forged in ironwood

Phinisi boatbuilding was inscribed by UNESCO in 2017. In Tana Beru and Ara, the Konjo master builders — the Panrita Lopi — still build from memory. We pair that craft with modern engineering and international class standards.

Ulin · Sulawesi ironwood Keel, frames and hull planking — dense, rot-resistant, built to last generations.
Jati · Premium teak Superstructure, decks and interiors — stable, weatherproof and golden-hued.

Read our story

On the water

Built here, sailing everywhere

Trusted by owners

Owners who built with us

UNESCO heritage craft
BKI class
RINA class
Bureau Veritas

Komodo Luxury Charters Director · Charter operator

More than a boat — a piece of art

The craftsmanship is exceptional, and the project management from Bira was professional and transparent. Our charter guests are consistently in awe of her authenticity.

M.Y. Samudra Private owner

Strong, safe and soulful

I wanted a family heirloom that is also a capable bluewater cruiser. They respected the Konjo process while integrating every modern system I needed.

Built by the Panrita Lopi of Tana Beru & Ara — 50+ craftsmen on every build.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

A 30–40 m luxury phinisi typically takes 18–24 months, depending on size, complexity and interior specification. You receive a milestone schedule at the outset.

A new-build luxury charter phinisi starts from around USD 1.5 million and can exceed USD 5 million for larger vessels. Costings are transparent and stage-by-stage.

Absolutely — from concept with our naval architect to interior finishes and key milestones in Bira, with regular photo and written updates when you are not on site.

Sustainably sourced Sulawesi ironwood (Ulin) for the keel, frames and hull; kiln-dried teak (Jati) for the superstructure, decks and interiors. All timber is legally sourced.

Yes. The hull is traditional, but every vessel is engineered and outfitted to class — BKI or RINA — for international registration and commercial charter.

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+62 811-3941-4563 · bd@juaraholding.com