The Build Process & Heritage

Where are the yachts built?

The soul of each yacht is forged on the shores of Tanah Beru and Bira, South Sulawesi, where Konjo craftsmen build the hull using traditional, ritual-infused methods over 8 to 12 months. This is the authentic heart of phinisi construction. For the complex technical outfitting and systems integration, the completed hull is moved approximately 450 nautical miles across the Flores Sea to our partner facilities in Bali. This journey, typically a 7-day tow, brings the vessel to a hub of specialist technicians, ensuring every system—from propulsion to navigation—meets the highest international quality and safety standards for global operation.

What makes a Phinisi Shipyard vessel unique?

Our uniqueness lies in the authentic synthesis of heritage and modernity. We commission genuine Konjo-built hulls, using Ulin (Eusideroxylon zwageri ironwood) for the keel and Bitti (Vitex cofassus) for frames, and pair them with sophisticated naval architecture. Over 60% of the project budget is then dedicated to modern systems and bespoke luxury interiors. This includes world-class components like Caterpillar or Yanmar marine engines, Victron energy management systems, and Dometic climate control. This dual-location phinisi shipyard approach ensures each vessel is a masterpiece of cultural integrity and technical excellence for discerning global owners.

How long does it take to build a custom phinisi?

The typical timeline for a custom luxury phinisi is between 18 and 24 months. This duration depends on the vessel’s size and the complexity of its interior and technical systems. We can break this down into key phases: Months 1-2 involve timber selection and the keel-laying ceremony. Months 3-10 are dedicated to the meticulous framing and planking of the hull in Sulawesi. Months 11-12 see the hull decked and the superstructure framed. The final 6 to 12 months in Bali are an intensive period of engineering, interior outfitting, fairing, painting, and extensive sea trials.

Customisation & Collaboration

Can I fully customise the yacht’s design and layout?

Yes, customisation is fundamental. We build bespoke vessels, not series models. From the general arrangement, typically featuring 5 to 8 guest cabins, to the selection of a 500hp propulsion system or a specific Bauer dive compressor, every element is tailored. We work with you to create a phinisi that perfectly matches your intended operational purpose, whether for private use or for charter operations accommodating up to 16 guests, while adhering to Indonesian maritime regulations for commercial vessels, such as the requirements for obtaining a `Pas Besar` (Tonnage Certificate).

Can we work with our own naval architect or interior designer?

We welcome and encourage collaboration with your preferred professionals. Our team has successfully completed over a dozen projects alongside international architects and design studios from Europe, Australia, and the US. Using industry-standard software like Rhino 3D, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks, we provide the essential phinisi shipyard expertise to ensure their designs are executed faithfully. This includes advising on the unique structural characteristics of a wooden vessel, such as the 3-5% timber expansion rate of ironwood when submerged, a critical stability parameter.

How are clients involved during the construction?

We operate with complete transparency. Clients receive detailed monthly progress reports, each containing over 50 high-resolution photographs, video walkthroughs, and a budget update against projections. We also facilitate and encourage site visits to both the Bira hull construction site and the final outfitting facility in Bali. We typically schedule 3 to 5 key on-site milestone meetings for you or your representative to review progress and make decisions at critical stages: 1) Keel laying, 2) Hull inspection before launch, 3) Machinery and systems layout approval, 4) Interior mock-up review, and 5) Final sea trials.

Investment & Inclusions

What is the typical investment for a custom phinisi?

As each phinisi is a bespoke creation, costs vary. A high-specification luxury phinisi, suitable for premier charter or private use, generally starts from USD 1.5 million. The final investment is contingent on factors such as size (LOA), gross tonnage, choice of machinery, classification requirements, and the level of interior luxury. For example, a 35-meter, 6-cabin vessel might fall in the $1.8M – $2.2M range, whereas a 45-meter, 8-cabin vessel built to Bureau Veritas (BV) classification with extensive water toys could exceed $4M.

What is included in the shipbuilding contract?

Our contracts provide a comprehensive, turn-key price, typically ranging from $1.8M to $4M USD depending on size and specifications. This includes all naval architecture, the finished vessel, main engines, generators, and all SOLAS-compliant safety equipment (e.g., life rafts, EPIRB, SART). The price also covers launching, stability testing, and a minimum of 40 hours of extensive sea trials to commission all systems. Exclusions typically include delivery to a foreign port, flagging/registration costs, tenders and water toys, and specific owner-supplied items like artwork or fine china.

What are the typical operational costs after handover?

Understanding ongoing operational expenditure is key for any owner. For a 35-40 meter charter phinisi, annual costs can range from $250,000 to $400,000 USD. This budget covers crew salaries for a team of 10-14, fuel (a 500hp engine consumes approx. 50-70 liters/hour at a 9-knot cruising speed), insurance, provisions, and routine maintenance. A significant recurring cost is the annual dry-docking for hull maintenance and system servicing, which is mandated by Indonesian maritime law and typically costs 3-5% of the vessel’s insured value.

Technical, Safety & Sustainability

How do you ensure modern safety and classification standards?

Safety is paramount. While the hull is traditional, all other aspects meet rigorous international marine standards, including ISO 12217 stability criteria. We engage certified naval architects to ensure structural integrity and compliance. All 220V electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression systems are installed by qualified engineers to a standard that can be certified by an international classification society like Bureau Veritas (BV) or RINA, if required by the client. We also ensure full compliance with the standards set by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation (`Ditjen Hubla`) for commercial vessel safety.

What is your approach to sustainable shipbuilding?

We are custodians of this tradition and its environment. We exclusively use timber sourced from government-managed forests in Kalimantan and Sulawesi with verifiable SVLK (Sistem Verifikasi Legalitas Kayu) certification, ensuring legality and responsible forestry. We also integrate modern, fuel-efficient engines compliant with IMO Tier II or III emission standards and advanced wastewater treatment systems from brands like Tecnicomar to eliminate discharge and protect pristine marine environments like Raja Ampat and Komodo National Park.

Logistics & Handover

What is the initial process for commissioning a yacht?

It begins with a detailed consultation to understand your vision and operational needs. Following this, we develop a preliminary concept and budget proposal. Once the general direction is agreed upon, we proceed to a Naval Architecture and Design Agreement. This initial 8 to 12-week phase produces the final construction plans, 3D renderings, and a comprehensive technical specification. Only after your full approval of these binding documents do we proceed to the main Shipbuilding Contract, secure the first stage payment, and schedule the traditional keel-laying ceremony in Sulawesi.

What support do you offer post-handover?

Our partnership extends beyond the final sea trial. We offer a comprehensive 12-month warranty on all shipyard workmanship and installed systems. We also provide extensive support in the crucial first year of operation, including assistance with flagging the vessel under the Indonesian flag (a requirement for commercial chartering in the archipelago), sourcing qualified local crew from our network of experienced captains and engineers, and navigating the application process for the annual cruising permits (`CAIT`) required for operating in Indonesian waters.