A phinisi refit in Bulukumba typically runs from around $15,000–$40,000 for a light re-caulk and cosmetic refresh on a small day-charter boat up to $150,000–$400,000+ for a full structural restoration with new engine and interior on a 25–40 meter liveaboard, with exact pricing confirmed only after a hull survey. Bulukumba Boat Builders runs refit and restoration projects on-site in Tana Beru and Bira — the same shipyards where UNESCO-recognized phinisi construction has been practiced for generations — covering hull survey, re-caulking, engine and mechanical upgrades, interior rebuilds, and delivery to Bali or Labuan Bajo. This is a separate service line from new-build construction, built for owners of an aging phinisi who want a staged, documented upgrade rather than a boat built from a fresh keel.
What Does a Phinisi Refit & Restoration Project Include?
Every refit starts with an honest assessment of what the hull, engine, and systems actually need — not a fixed package sold regardless of condition. As of 2026, most projects fall into one or more of the following work categories, scoped individually per boat.
Hull & Structural Survey
A qualified surveyor or the yard’s own senior craftsmen inspect planking, ribs, keel, and fastenings for rot, worm damage, and structural fatigue. This produces a written condition report with photos that becomes the baseline for every cost estimate — we do not quote a refit without a survey.
Re-Caulking & Hull Restoration
Traditional ijuk (sugar-palm fiber) and modern caulking compounds are reapplied along seams that have opened up over years at sea. Where planking has degraded beyond caulking, sections are replaced with ironwood or teak to match the original hull, using the same joinery methods as new construction.
Engine & Mechanical Upgrades
Packages range from a service-and-overhaul of the existing engine to a full repower with a new marine diesel, shaft, and propeller, plus updated fuel, electrical, and bilge systems sized correctly for the boat’s actual displacement.
Interior & Guest Cabin Packages
For boats moving into charter service, scope usually covers cabin layout upgrades, en-suite bathroom additions, air-conditioning and generator capacity increases, and finish carpentry that meets current liveaboard expectations without stripping the boat’s original character.
Rigging, Deck & Safety Equipment
Standing and running rigging, deck hardware, navigation electronics, and safety equipment (life rafts, fire systems, bilge alarms) are reviewed against current use — a cargo phinisi converting to passenger charter needs a materially different safety spec than it started with.
How Do I Commission a Refit With Bulukumba Boat Builders?
The process is designed so an owner based in Bali, Labuan Bajo, or overseas can manage most of it remotely, with an on-site visit only where it genuinely adds value.
- Step 1 – Share the boat’s history. Send photos, video, build year, and any past survey or maintenance records over WhatsApp.
- Step 2 – Remote assessment. We give an initial read on likely scope and whether an in-person hull survey in Tana Beru or Bira is worth arranging before quoting.
- Step 3 – Survey and staged quote. Survey findings become an itemized estimate broken down by hull, engine, interior, and rigging, so you can trim or expand scope before committing.
- Step 4 – Contract and milestone deposits. Work proceeds against payment milestones tied to physical progress, not a single upfront lump sum.
- Step 5 – Build with progress documentation. Photos and short updates are shared at each stage so owners off-site can see what’s been done before the next milestone is due.
- Step 6 – Sea trial and handover. Engine, systems, and hull are tested at sea before final handover and sign-off.
- Step 7 – Delivery. If the boat needs to relocate, delivery to Bali or Labuan Bajo is arranged as a separate, quoted leg once the refit is complete.
How Much Does a Phinisi Refit Cost in Bulukumba?
The ranges below are indicative planning figures only — not a quote — and every project is priced individually once survey findings are in. Actual cost depends on hull size, existing condition, timber choice, engine specification, and how much of the interior is being rebuilt.
| Scope | Typical Hull Size | Indicative Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh & light re-caulking | 10–15 m day-charter phinisi | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Mid-scope refit (hull section repair, engine service, interior refresh) | 15–25 m liveaboard | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| Full restoration (structural hull rebuild, repower, full interior) | 25–40 m liveaboard | $150,000 – $400,000+ |
These figures exclude import duties, agent fees, insurance, and classification survey costs where applicable, and none of them substitute for a written quote against your specific boat. We do not promise a fixed multi-year exemption or duty schedule for foreign-owned vessels — Indonesian import and yacht regulations should be checked with a licensed agent for your specific flag and ownership structure at the time of the project.
For owners weighing a refit against a new-build, our custom phinisi construction service covers the same yard capacity if a new keel proves the better economics for your timeline.
Can You Show Before & After Work on Older Phinisi?
Rather than a curated portfolio of named vessels, we work project-by-project: every current refit gets its own photo log from survey through handover, and we’re glad to share recent, relevant progress photos during your consultation so you can judge craftsmanship on real work rather than marketing copy. If you’re relocating a refitted boat afterward, our sister marine services desk in Bali handles ongoing refit and repair once berthed, and advises on wooden yacht survey and registration for foreign-owned hulls.
How long does a phinisi refit take in Bulukumba?
A light re-caulk and cosmetic pass can run 3–6 weeks. A mid-scope refit with engine work typically takes 2–4 months, and a full structural restoration can run 6–12 months depending on how much of the hull needs rebuilding and how far ahead materials are ordered.
Can I get a survey done before I travel to Bulukumba?
Yes — we start with a photo and video review over WhatsApp to flag obvious issues, then recommend whether an in-person or third-party surveyor visit to Tana Beru or Bira is worth the trip before a full quote.
Do you handle delivery after the refit is finished?
Yes, delivery to Bali or Labuan Bajo can be arranged as a separate quoted leg once sea trials are complete, coordinated with our partners including the Bulukumba-to-Bali shipbuilding and marina network for owners planning to berth long-term afterward.
What’s the difference between a refit and a full restoration?
A refit generally means targeted repairs — re-caulking, an engine service, a partial interior refresh — on a hull that’s still fundamentally sound. A full restoration means rebuilding structural sections of the hull itself, usually alongside a repower and complete interior rebuild.
Bulukumba Boat Builders is part of Juara Holding Group, operating from Bali across Indonesia since 2015, and works directly with shipyard craftsmen in Tana Beru and Bira to scope, quote, and manage phinisi refit and restoration projects for owners anywhere in the world. Send photos of your boat and a short note on what’s not working today, and we’ll come back with an honest read on scope before any commitment is asked of you — message us on WhatsApp at +62 811-3823-875 to start.