Buying guide · Prices
Phinisi Price & Cost
Indicative purchase prices for used, charter-ready and luxury new-build phinisi — and the yearly costs of keeping one at sea.

The short answer
A phinisi costs from about USD 250k for a small or used boat to USD 1.2M–3.5M for a luxury new build, indicative and confirmed on enquiry. Size, age, timber, interior level and onboard systems set the price; crew, fuel, docking and insurance set the running cost.
Indicative prices
Purchase price by type
Price varies with size, age and luxury features. Used boats are the entry point; condition and age move the figure within the range.
Buying process- Traditional phinisi (small / used) Also the range for a basic new build
- USD 250k–450k
- Charter-ready phinisi Ready to take guests
- USD 400k–900k
- Luxury new-build phinisi Custom, high-end finishes
- USD 1.2M–3.5M
- Speedboat / day boat For comparison
- USD 80k–180k
All figures indicative, confirmed on enquiry.
Cost of ownership
What a luxury build adds to the price, and the indicative yearly bill once the boat is yours.
In a luxury build
- High-end interior finishes
- Advanced navigation systems
- Customisable living spaces
- Charter-ready safety and comfort for guests
Running costs per year
- Crew: USD 50k–150k, by vessel size and skill level
- Fuel: USD 20k–60k, by sail and motor use
- Docking: USD 10k–30k, by location and size
- Insurance: USD 5k–25k, by vessel and cover
- Maintenance: ongoing, budget separately
Where the money goes
Five factors explain most of the gap between a USD 250k boat and a USD 3.5M one.
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1
Size and age
The first filter on any price. Used boats sit at the entry level, and their condition and age move the figure further.
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2
Hull and timber
Ironwood and teak, worked with traditional hull methods at South Sulawesi yards such as Tana Beru, Bira and Lemo-Lemo, drive both cost and durability.
New-build phinisi -
3
Interior level
Luxury finishes and bespoke design raise the price, but add to the boat's appeal and comfort.
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4
Systems and technology
Navigation and communication equipment, plus options such as solar panels, add cost but are essential for efficient operation.
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5
Customisation
Personalised layouts and bespoke interiors separate a luxury build from a basic one.
Used vs new build
Immediate use against long-term value: the right answer depends on your priorities.
Used phinisi
- Typically USD 250k–450k
- Immediate access to the vessel
- Condition and maintenance need assessing
- Quicker route to charter returns
Luxury new build
- USD 1.2M–3.5M
- 12–24 months to build
- Control over hull, interiors and technology
- A long-term investment in personalisation
All figures indicative, confirmed on enquiry.
Plan the full cost

Price the whole ownership, not just the boat
Add three numbers before you commit: the purchase, the yearly operating bill and the upkeep that keeps the timber sound and the boat charter-ready.
- Purchase USD 250k–450k for a traditional boat to USD 1.2M–3.5M for a luxury build, indicative.
- Operations Crew, fuel, docking and insurance, highest in the busy June–September and December–January seasons.
- Maintenance Regular upkeep of the hull, timber and systems to keep the boat operational.
Phinisi prices
How much does it cost to build a phinisi?
From about USD 250k for a basic boat to USD 1.2M–3.5M for a luxury new build, depending on size and specifications. Indicative, confirmed on enquiry.
What is the price range for a basic phinisi in Indonesia?
USD 250k–450k, indicative and confirmed on enquiry.
What does a charter-ready phinisi cost?
Typically USD 400k–900k, indicative and confirmed on enquiry.
What are the ongoing costs of owning a phinisi?
Crew salaries, fuel, docking fees, insurance and maintenance, which vary with usage and location.

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