Ironwood keels, bitti planking, teak decks. Built by eye and joined with wooden dowel-pegs — no mass-production line, no borrowed blueprints. Reckon your build below and reserve a berth on the yard.
Length overall, the role she’ll serve, and the timber grade. The yard returns an indicative build band drawn from our published class specs — never a live or binding quote.
Build-Berth Card
Indicative build band, as of 2026 — confirmed against your drawings after a yard visit.
Reserve this berthOne honest property per species — no exaggerated claims. Material list as of 2026.
Cabins, crew, build-months and rig per class. These figures feed the Keel Reckoner, so the calculator and the table can never disagree. Standard-grade bands, as of 2026.
| LOA bracket | Best-fit role | Cabins | Crew | Build months | Deck & rig |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20–25 m | Liveaboard / day-charter | 3–4 | 5 | 10–14 | 2-masted gaff ketch, sun-deck |
| 26–30 m | Liveaboard / private yacht | 4–6 | 7 | 12–18 | Staysail schooner, teak cockpit |
| 31–35 m | Liveaboard / expedition | 5–8 | 9 | 16–22 | 2-masted motor-sailer, dive platform |
| 36–42 m | Flagship liveaboard / cargo | 7–12 | 12 | 22–30 | Reinforced hold + derrick, owner’s deck |
Indicative bands, as of 2026 — confirmed against your drawings after a yard visit.
2–4 months
Ulin, bitti and teak chosen log by log and left to season — the quiet months that decide a hull’s lifespan.
2–3 weeks
The keel is laid with the traditional launching rite before the first plank is ever fitted.
3–8 months
Bitti planks bent and joined with wooden dowel-pegs — planked first, framed after, the Bira way.
2–5 months
Ironwood ribs shaped and set from within the shell, matched to the planking by eye.
3–7 months
Teak decks, cabins and rig raised; the vessel takes on the shape of her intended role.
2–4 months
Seams caulked, systems fitted, sea-trials run — then she is walked down the slipway and launched.
Our craft carries the Ara, Lemo-Lemo and Tanjung Bira boatbuilding lineage: hulls shaped from experience rather than drawings, planks joined with wooden dowel-pegs, ribs fitted from the inside out. It is the method that makes a phinisi a phinisi.
We build to order. Where a specific request sits outside our own yard, we will say so plainly and broker it honestly.
For regional owners, we deliver under sail and motor to a Bali, Komodo or Raja Ampat handover — a working shakedown passage in the process.
For owners abroad, a completed hull can be cradled and deck-shipped, with re-rigging and sea-trials at the destination.
Komodo, Raja Ampat, the Banda Sea and beyond — these hulls are drawn for Indonesian cruising grounds and the passages between them.
Welcome to Bulukumba Traditional Boat Builders, a place where the rich heritage of Indonesian maritime craftsmanship converges with modern innovation. Located in Bulukumba, South Sulawesi, this region has long been celebrated for its exceptional boat-building traditions, particularly the construction of the renowned Phinisi schooners. Our business is dedicated to preserving this age-old craft while integrating sustainable practices and contemporary techniques to meet the demands of the modern maritime industry.
The artisans at Bulukumba Traditional Boat Builders have refined their skills over generations, ensuring that each vessel is not only functional but also a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. are looking for a custom-built wooden Phinisi or require restoration services for an existing boat, our team is committed to delivering exceptional quality and service. We take pride in being custodians of a timeless tradition, adapting our expertise to cater to the needs of today’s discerning clients.
Our team has an intimate understanding of Phinisi design and construction, a skill set passed down through generations.
We use sustainably sourced materials and environmentally responsible methods in our construction processes.
We offer bespoke design services that reflect your unique vision, ensuring your vessel is tailored to your specific requirements.
Our craftsmen possess generations of experience, ensuring that each boat is crafted with precision and care.
From minor repairs to complete overhauls, we ensure your vessel remains in prime condition.
We provide ongoing support throughout your project, ensuring a smooth and satisfying experience.
At Bulukumba Traditional Boat Builders, we offer a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our primary focus is the construction of custom wooden Phinisi boats. Each vessel is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using the finest materials and traditional techniques. This ensures that every boat we build is a reflection of the enduring legacy of Indonesian maritime culture.
Our new builds are tailored to meet specific client requirements, from design to finish, incorporating features that enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The construction process can take anywhere from nine months to over a year, depending on the complexity and size of the vessel. Our clients are involved throughout the process, with regular updates and opportunities to visit the shipyard.
In addition to new builds, we provide comprehensive restoration services for existing wooden boats. Our team of skilled craftsmen works meticulously to restore vessels to their former glory, ensuring they remain seaworthy and visually stunning. Restoration projects vary in scope, from minor repairs that can be completed in a few weeks to extensive overhauls that may take several months. Each project is approached with the same dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
Bulukumba and its surrounding areas are a treasure for those seeking exploration and adventure. Our expertly crafted Phinisi boats serve as the perfect platform to discover the beauty and diversity of Indonesia’s coastal regions. opt for a private charter or a guided tour, you will experience the majesty of the sea and the richness of Indonesian culture.
Choosing Bulukumba Traditional Boat Builders means embarking on a journey from the initial consultation to the final completion of your project. Our process begins with a detailed discussion of your needs and preferences, ensuring that your vision is fully realised. We provide expert guidance and advice, drawing on our extensive knowledge of traditional boat building and modern techniques.
Throughout the construction or restoration process, we maintain open communication with our clients, keeping you informed of progress and any developments. Our commitment to quality and craftsmanship is unwavering, and we strive to exceed your expectations at every stage. Upon completion, you will receive a unique vessel that embodies the spirit of Indonesian maritime tradition, ready for your adventures on the open sea.
The timeframe for building a custom Phinisi varies depending on the complexity and size of the project. Typically, it can take anywhere from nine months to over a year to complete a new build. This includes the design phase, construction, and the finishing touches that make each vessel unique.
Yes, we arrange international shipping for completed boats. Our team works closely with logistics providers to ensure that all necessary documentation and shipping arrangements are handled efficiently, making the process as smooth as possible for our clients.
Absolutely. We encourage clients to visit our shipyard to see firsthand the progress of their project. This provides an opportunity to witness the craftsmanship involved and discuss any details with our team, ensuring that your vision is being realised to your satisfaction.
We use high-quality, sustainably sourced wood and materials for all our projects. Our commitment to sustainable practices ensures that our boats are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible, aligning with global efforts to preserve natural resources.
Yes, we offer comprehensive maintenance services to keep your vessel in top condition. Regular maintenance is crucial for preserving the integrity and performance of your boat, and our team is here to assist with all your needs, from routine checks to more extensive servicing.
The full build service, keel to launch, in Bulukumba.
Open the yardIndicative cost bands by LOA — read before you reckon.
See the guideLiveaboard hulls sized and rigged for charter operators.
For operatorsThe step-by-step from first drawing to launch day.
How it worksReviving and re-fitting existing hulls at the yard.
Refit & restoreWho we are and where the yard sits on the shore.
Meet the yardWe build from ulin, bitti and teak sourced through legal channels and can walk you through the sourcing on a yard visit. Where documentation matters for export, we address it up front — as of 2026.
A hand-built hull runs from roughly 10 months for a smaller standard vessel to 30+ months for a large ironwood-framed flagship. The Keel Reckoner above gives an indicative band for your size, role and grade.
Yes. Every hull is caulked, rigged and sailed on her own keel for shakedown before we hand her over — nothing leaves the slipway untested.
Regional owners take delivery under sail to Bali, Komodo or Raja Ampat. Overseas owners can have the hull deck-shipped and re-rigged at destination.
No. Every figure on this page is an indicative build band, as of 2026, drawn from our published class specs. A firm quote follows a yard visit and your drawings.
Talk to the trade desk directly — the fastest way to reach the yard is WhatsApp or email. Prefer to write it down? Use the enquiry form and we will come back to you.
Trade & commission desk · also reachable via the enquiry form below.
Tell us the hull length, the role she will serve and roughly when you want her in the water. The more you can say now, the closer our first reply gets to a real answer.
No data leaves this page until you submit. We reply from the trade desk.
Planning more of your trip? Explore Komodo phinisi and speedboat charters to round out your plans.
