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Komodo Boat Construction Komodo Boat Construction
Phinisi under full white sail

How to book a build

From first call
to handover.

Commissioning a custom phinisi, step by step — consultation, design, contract, milestone payments, sea trials and crew handover.

First consultation
60–90 min
Design phase
3–6 mo
Deposit at contract
25%
Sea trials
7–10 days

The process

Seven steps
from idea to sea.

Each step produces something you sign off before the next one starts.

  1. First contact

    Video call, 60–90 minutes

  2. Design brief

    Sketches, layout, key features

  3. Yard visit

    Optional, 3–4 days in Sulawesi

  4. Design phase

    3–6 months, up to three iterations

  5. Quote & contract

    Fixed price, schedule, warranty

  6. Build

    Milestone payments, monthly reports

  7. Trials & handover

    Sea trials, survey, crew training

Owner rep & supervision

Payment milestones

Paid against
visible progress.

Each payment follows a stage you can verify — in progress reports, photographs or on site.

Deposit

Contract signed

Secures yard capacity and starts long-lead procurement and detailed engineering.

Of contract value 25%

Stage 1

Keel & framing

Keel laid and hull framing complete.

Of contract value 20%

Stage 2

Planking & deck

Hull planking finished and main deck installed.

Of contract value 20%

Stage 3

Machinery

Main engines and major machinery installed.

Of contract value 15%

Stage 4

Fit-out

Interior fit-out and exterior finishing complete.

Of contract value 15%

Balance

Handover

Due after successful sea trials and your final inspection.

Of contract value 5%

An example schedule — the binding terms sit in your build contract. Payments are generally made in USD.

Teak-panelled cabin aboard a phinisi

Design & quotation

Design you can
walk through.

Naval architects and interior designers iterate with you before any timber is cut.

  1. 3D models

    See the hull lines and the cabins in 3D before you approve them.

  2. Materials palette

    Teak decks, hardwood interiors, navigation systems and furnishings chosen with you.

  3. Recorded revisions

    Up to three significant design iterations, each documented.

  4. Design fee

    Typically 5–8% of the estimated build cost, folded into the project budget.

Once the design is final, a fixed-price quotation lists hull, propulsion, fit-out, electronics and safety equipment — with the build contract alongside.

Custom new build program

When plans change

Clear terms
for hard moments.

Cancellation and dispute resolution are written into the contract from day one.

Cancel after signing What appliesThe 25% deposit is non-refundable: it covers design, first materials and the yard slot
Cancel after later milestones What appliesA sliding scale — part of the payments is kept for materials and labour already spent
A disagreement arises What appliesGood-faith negotiation between both parties first
No agreement reached What appliesAn independent, mutually agreed mediator (non-binding)
Still unresolved What appliesBinding arbitration, for example under SIAC rules

Have your own legal counsel review the build contract before signing.

Confirmation & handover

Handover is
a process, too.

The last months matter as much as the first.

Through the build you receive progress reports with photographs and video, typically monthly. About three months before completion the handover protocol starts: sea trials of 7–10 days test propulsion, navigation, electrical and plumbing under real conditions, and an independent surveyor can inspect the boat if you wish.

After trials comes crew training on your vessel — engine room, navigation, safety and tenders, typically 10–14 days — plus help with registration, flagging, insurance, provisioning and departure clearances.

The final 5% is paid only after sea trials and your own inspection.

Prepare your brief

Before the
first call.

A rough answer to each of these makes the first consultation far more useful.

  • Target size — an intimate 35 m retreat or a larger explorer
  • Number of cabins and guests you want to host
  • Cruising range and the waters you plan to sail
  • Must-have features: dive centre, gourmet galley, deck lounges
  • How you will use the boat, and your preferred destinations

The first consultation aligns your brief with what the yard can build — and what it will take.

Cost & pricing guide

FAQ

Booking
questions.

The binding terms are always the ones in your build contract.

How do I start?

Send an enquiry by form or email with your ideas on size, cabins, range and features. A first consultation follows, usually by video, and runs 60–90 minutes.

Can I visit the shipyard?

Yes. A yard visit in South Sulawesi typically spans 3–4 days of tours and meetings with the design and build teams. Travel and accommodation are at the client’s cost.

How long does the design phase take?

Typically 3–6 months depending on complexity, including up to three significant design iterations.

How are payments structured?

A 25% deposit at contract, then progress payments at keel and framing, planking and deck, machinery, and fit-out — with a final 5% at handover after sea trials.

What happens if I cancel?

The 25% deposit is non-refundable once the contract is signed. After later milestones a sliding scale applies, as set out in your contract.

What warranty comes with the boat?

A warranty on structural components and major systems, set in the contract, plus manufacturer warranties on engines and electronics, which transfer to you.

Do you help after delivery?

Yes — crew training on the new boat, typically 10–14 days, plus help with registration, flagging, insurance, provisioning and departure clearances.

Start a build

Send us
the first sketch.

Share the size, cabins, cruising area and features you have in mind. We set up the first consultation and outline the next steps.

WhatsApp +62 811-3941-4563 · bd@juaraholding.com

Operated by Komodo Luxury, part of Juara Holding Group — in Komodo marine tourism since 2015.