What is a realistic budget for a custom phinisi?

The budget for a custom phinisi varies significantly based on length, gross tonnage, interior fit-out complexity, and technical specifications. As a preliminary guide, high-quality new builds typically start from €100,000 per metre of length overall. A highly specified, luxury charter-standard vessel will command a higher investment. We provide a detailed preliminary estimate after our initial consultation, ensuring a transparent understanding of the projected costs based on your specific brief and requirements for your project with a boat builder in Indonesia.

What are the primary materials you use?

We build with the finest tropical hardwoods, honouring centuries of tradition. The keel and frames are constructed from ironwood (*kayu ulin*), a timber renowned for its incredible density and durability in a marine environment. For the hull and deck planking, we use high-grade teak (*kayu jati*), selected for its stability, weather resistance, and beautiful grain. All timber is sourced through legal, vetted channels, ensuring responsible forestry practices are followed for a sustainable and lasting legacy.

How involved can I be in the build process?

We encourage clients to be as involved as they wish. Your participation transforms the project from a simple purchase into a personal journey. We provide comprehensive monthly progress reports with detailed photography and written updates. Furthermore, we schedule site visits at critical milestones, such as the keel laying, the completion of the hull, and the installation of the main engines. Your dedicated project manager is always available to facilitate additional visits or provide specific updates upon request.

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Plan your custom phinisi with us

Q: How long does a typical build take?

A custom phinisi construction is a meticulous process, generally requiring 18 to 30 months from the signing of the contract to the vessel’s launch. The exact timeline depends on the vessel's size, the complexity of the engineering and interior systems, and the level of customisation. The curing time for the tropical hardwoods and the handcrafted nature of the build are key factors. We develop a detailed project timeline with key milestones, which is shared and updated throughout the construction period.

Q: Can I use my own naval architect and interior designer?

Absolutely. We operate on a collaborative model and welcome the opportunity to work with your chosen naval architect and interior design team. Our role is to facilitate this collaboration, providing our specialised knowledge of traditional Bugis construction methods and local materials to ensure their designs are executed faithfully and to the highest standard. We believe the best vessels are born from a synergy of international design expertise and authentic Indonesian craftsmanship, a core principle for our work as a boat builder in Indonesia.

Q: Are your vessels built to international standards?

Yes. While the construction methods are traditional, the engineering, safety, and stability standards are modern and internationally recognised. We build vessels in compliance with the rules of classification societies such as the Italian RINA (Registro Italiano Navale) or the Indonesian BKI (Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia). This ensures the vessel meets stringent requirements for structural integrity, safety equipment, and seaworthiness, making it suitable for commercial charter or private world cruising.

This is where the dialogue begins — translating your vision into a tangible brief for our naval architects and master craftsmen.

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How to reach our concierge

Your first point of contact

Our client concierge is not a sales desk, but a liaison that directs your brief to the right technical and design leads.

[email protected]

Send your initial enquiry, concept designs or specification sheets.

+62 811-3941-4563

Message us to schedule an introductory call.

Your brief

Share what you can

Length overall, guest and crew capacity, operational purpose and any existing concept designs make the first discussion more productive.

Languages

English first

English for contracts, specifications and reporting; Bahasa Indonesia and Bugis with the build teams in Sulawesi.

Office hours

Central Indonesia Time

Our teams in Bali and Makassar run on WITA (UTC+8); calls are arranged to suit your time zone.

Visiting Sulawesi

Getting to Bira and Bulukumba

Fly to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) in Makassar. From there, Bulukumba is a scenic four- to five-hour drive south through rice paddies and coastal villages.

We arrange a private car and driver, recommend a base near Tanjung Bira, and a senior project manager guides you through the yards of Bira, Tana Beru and Ara.

Response time and process

What happens after you write

A custom yacht build is a deliberate process, and our communication reflects it — measured, personal and never a template.

Instant acknowledgement
An automated reply confirms immediately that we have your details.
A personal follow-up
Our concierge replies within 24 to 48 business hours, based on the information you provided.
Senior review
Senior project management reviews every enquiry from the very first interaction.
A detailed answer
Typically within three to five business days: answers to your questions, or a proposed introductory video call.
Any stage welcome
Whether your vision is fully formed or still a nascent idea, we can help refine it.
One project manager
Your project manager stays your consistent point of contact, bridging the shipyard floor and your team.

FAQ

About the commissioning process

Quick answers before your first conversation.

How long does a typical build take?

Generally 18 to 30 months from contract signing to launch, depending on size, engineering, interior systems and customisation. We share a detailed timeline with key milestones and update it throughout.

Can I use my own naval architect and interior designer?

Absolutely. We welcome your chosen team and contribute our knowledge of traditional Bugis construction and local materials so their designs are executed faithfully.

What are the primary materials?

Ironwood (kayu ulin) for the keel and frames; high-grade teak (kayu jati) for hull and deck planking. All timber is sourced through legal, vetted channels.

Are your vessels built to international standards?

The methods are traditional, but engineering, safety and stability standards are modern — built in line with classification rules such as those of BKI.

How involved can I be in the build?

As involved as you wish. You receive monthly progress reports with photography, and we schedule site visits at milestones such as keel laying, hull completion and engine installation.

What is the payment structure?

A milestone-driven schedule: an initial deposit secures the project, with instalments at stages such as keel laying, hull completion, deck installation and final handover.

Do you manage the interior fit-out?

Yes, as a complete turnkey solution — with your interior designer or our own team, and skilled joiners, electricians and technicians for everything from cabinetry to navigation systems.

Where and how are the boats launched?

From the beaches of Bira, Tana Beru and Ara, straight into the sea in a traditional community ceremony. The boat then motors to a nearby port for final commissioning and sea trials.

The company