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Buying guide · Process

Buy a Phinisi in Komodo

Costs, timelines and the build-or-buy decision for a phinisi in Komodo. Indicative prices from USD 250k to 3.5M, confirmed on enquiry.

Phinisi deck view with a flag flying

The short answer

Buying a phinisi in Komodo starts with one decision: an existing boat you can use now, or a new build shaped to your brief over 12–24 months. Materials, labour, design and onboard systems then set the price, from about USD 250k to 3.5M, indicative.

Cost factors

What sets the price of a phinisi

Six choices drive the budget, whether you buy an existing boat or commission a new one.

  1. 1

    Hull timber

    Teak is durable and weather-resistant; ironwood is strong, heavy and long-lasting; mahogany is workable and readily available. Each changes longevity and maintenance cost.

  2. 2

    Craftsmanship

    Skilled South Sulawesi shipwrights build the hull by hand, with traditional rituals around timber selection.

    New-build phinisi
  3. 3

    Design

    The level of customisation in the layout and lines of the boat.

  4. 4

    Systems

    Navigation, safety, power and comfort systems. Premium systems lift the vessel, and the price.

  5. 5

    Interior finish

    From basic to luxurious: bespoke cabins, high-end finishes and premium furnishings.

  6. 6

    Optional features

    Cabin layouts, entertainment systems and deck features make the boat your own but add cost.

Indicative prices

What a boat costs in Komodo

Price follows size, level of luxury and customisation. These are the ranges buyers should expect to start from.

Phinisi price & cost guide
Traditional phinisi (small / used) Small or used boats
USD 250k–450k
Charter liveaboard Charter vessels
USD 400k–900k
Luxury new-build phinisi Customised, high-end
USD 1.2M–3.5M
Speedboat / day boat Day boats
USD 80k–180k

All figures indicative, confirmed on enquiry.

Build or buy

It depends on budget, timeline and how much of the boat you want to shape.

Buy an existing boat

  • Immediate use
  • From USD 250k–450k for a traditional boat
  • Layout and finish as found
  • Less creative input on design

Build a new phinisi

  • 12–24 months to complete
  • USD 1.2M–3.5M for a luxury build
  • Creative input on design and interiors
  • Timber and hull chosen with the builder

Figures indicative, confirmed on enquiry. Time a new build to the season you plan to operate.

Charter-ready & on budget

What a Komodo charter boat must carry, and how we keep a build or purchase on budget.

Charter-ready specification

  • Spacious cabins with en-suite facilities
  • Ample deck space for guests
  • Navigation and communication systems
  • Life rafts, fire extinguishers and first aid kits
  • Power management and waste disposal

Budget control

  • Clear specifications from the start
  • Regular reviews and updates
  • Contingency planning
  • Cost transparency

Financing a purchase

Good to know

Buying a phinisi in Komodo

How much does it cost to build a phinisi?

A luxury new build runs USD 1.2M–3.5M, indicative and confirmed on enquiry.

What are the main cost factors in phinisi construction?

Materials, labour, design and systems integration.

Is it better to build or buy an existing phinisi?

Building gives you customisation and creative input; buying gives you immediate use. Weigh your budget and timeline.

How long does it take to construct a phinisi?

Typically 12–24 months, depending on specifications and customisation.

All boat sales FAQ
Teak upper deck of a phinisi under sail

Ready to buy a phinisi?

Tell us whether you want to build or buy, your budget and target season. We reply with options and indicative figures.