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Boat sales FAQ

Komodo Boat Sales FAQ

Buying, building, owning, chartering and selling a boat in Komodo, answered honestly. Figures are indicative and confirmed on enquiry.

In short

One desk for buying, building, chartering and selling boats in Labuan Bajo and Komodo. Straight answers on phinisi prices, new builds from South Sulawesi, foreign ownership and charter income — all figures indicative, confirmed on enquiry.

Buy, build, charter

Komodo boat sales, answered

01Do you publish a list of boats and prices?

No fixed list. We cover traditional phinisi, luxury new builds, speedboats and charter liveaboards, and share current availability with indicative price ranges on enquiry, by WhatsApp or at [email protected].

02How do I buy a phinisi in Komodo?

Enquire for current listings and indicative pricing, then commission a pre-purchase survey of the vessel's condition before you commit. Foreign buyers need a PT PMA to own and flag the boat in Indonesia.

03What is a pre-purchase survey, and do I need one?

An inspection by a qualified marine surveyor of a vessel's condition and value. It is highly recommended: it surfaces problems before you commit to a purchase.

04Can a foreigner own a boat in Indonesia?

Yes, through a PT PMA (a foreign-owned limited company). The vessel must be Indonesian-flagged to operate legally in domestic waters, including Komodo National Park.

05How much does a phinisi cost?

Indicatively USD 250k–450k for a small or used traditional phinisi, and USD 1.2M–3.5M for a luxury new build. Size, materials, timber quality and interior finish set the price; figures are confirmed on enquiry.

06How much is a speedboat for Komodo?

Indicatively USD 80k–180k, depending on specification and features. Speedboats suit day trips around the archipelago.

07What does a Komodo boat cost to own?

Maintenance such as sealing and anti-fouling, upkeep of engines and HVAC, and day-to-day operating costs. Keep a contingency buffer for the unexpected; charter-management income can offset part of the bill.

08Can I commission a brand-new phinisi?

Yes. We work with shipyards in South Sulawesi on custom builds made with traditional methods.

09How long does a phinisi new build take?

About 12–24 months from the start of construction, depending on size and specification. Drying the timber adds roughly a year before building begins.

10Which shipyards build phinisi in South Sulawesi?

Phinisi are traditionally built at Tana Beru, Bira and Lemo-Lemo in South Sulawesi, by skilled craftsmen using traditional methods.

11How are traditional phinisi built?

By hand, under a master builder working from oral tradition, as a communal effort marked by keel-laying and mast-raising rituals. Ironwood and teak are used, with bitti wood for the hull.

12Can my boat earn charter income in Komodo?

Yes. Results depend on vessel quality, seasonality and market positioning; a charter-management partner can improve bookings and revenue.

13How does charter-management work, and what does it cost?

A manager handles bookings, crew, maintenance and marketing, typically for 20–30% of revenue. Income depends on season, occupancy and vessel quality.

14Is buying a phinisi a good investment?

It can be, combining charter income with personal use. But returns move with tourism trends and weather, and maintenance and operating costs are significant.

15Can you help me sell my Komodo boat?

Yes. We broker the sale, market the vessel and put it in front of serious buyers and investors. Start the conversation on WhatsApp or at [email protected].

16Who operates Komodo Boat For Sale?

The fleet and brokerage arm of Komodo Luxury, a specialist maritime brand under Juara Holding Group, covering phinisi brokerage, new builds and charter-management in Labuan Bajo and Komodo.

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