Phinisi Specifications Explained is the technical reference page of Phinisi Luxury. While our charter guide covers how to plan a voyage, this page documents the vessel class itself: how a phinisi is built in the Bulukumba shipyards of South Sulawesi, what the typical dimensions and materials are, how gross tonnage classes differ, and what cabin configurations you will encounter across the fleet.
Hull Form and Dimensions
A phinisi is a two-masted wooden sailing vessel developed by the Bugis and Konjo boatbuilders of South Sulawesi. The traditional rig carries up to seven sails on two masts, and the hull is characterised by a raked stem, a pronounced sheer line and a broad, buoyant stern. Modern charter conversions retain the hull form while adding engine rooms, generator bays and full guest decks.
| Specification | Typical range (modern charter phinisi) |
|---|---|
| Length overall (LOA) | 20 – 50+ metres |
| Beam | 5 – 10 metres (roughly one quarter of LOA) |
| Draft | 2 – 4 metres |
| Masts / sails | 2 masts, up to 7 sails (traditional rig) |
| Decks | 2 – 3 (lower cabins, main deck, sun deck) |
| Guest cabins | 1 – 7+, depending on class |
| Crew | 6 – 18 including captain, engineer, chef and dive team |
Materials: Ironwood Keel, Teak Everything Else
The backbone of a proper phinisi is ulin — Bornean ironwood — used for the keel and primary structural members because of its density and resistance to marine borers. Hull planking is traditionally ironwood or a hardwood mix, while decks, superstructure and interiors are finished in teak. Modern builds add marine-grade epoxy, stainless fastenings and full electrical, plumbing and air-conditioning systems threaded through the traditional structure. This craft tradition was inscribed by UNESCO in 2017 as Intangible Cultural Heritage under the art of boatbuilding in South Sulawesi.
The Bulukumba Build Process
Most of Indonesia’s charter phinisi are launched from the beaches of Bulukumba regency, South Sulawesi — particularly the villages of Ara, Lemo-Lemo and Tanjung Bira, where boatbuilding knowledge is passed down within families. A build follows a keel-first sequence: keel laying (traditionally marked with a ceremony), frame and planking by hand, deck and superstructure carpentry, engine and systems installation, then interior fit-out and launch. A 30–40 metre vessel typically takes 18 to 30 months from keel to sea trials, with dozens of carpenters working largely with hand tools.
For an example of a recent build from this tradition, see Natural Phinisi, a Bulukumba-built vessel launched in 2021 that now sails the Komodo National Park routes. To commission a new hull or follow a build in progress, the Komodo Luxury boat construction desk manages projects end-to-end at the shipyard.
Gross Tonnage (GT) Classes
Indonesian charter phinisi are commonly grouped by gross tonnage, which drives certification, crewing and where a vessel may operate:
- Under 100 GT — intimate vessels, usually 1–3 cabins, ideal for couples and small families; simpler certification and smaller crews.
- 100–200 GT — the core of the Komodo and Raja Ampat fleet; typically 4–6 cabins with dedicated dive and tender operations.
- 200–500 GT — superyacht-class phinisi with 5–7+ suites, multiple salons, spa or gym spaces and crews of 12–18.
Cabin Configurations and Layout
Layouts follow a consistent logic across the class: master or owner’s suites sit on the main deck or aft deck with panoramic windows, while guest doubles and convertible twins occupy the lower deck along the hull. Full-beam master suites, en-suite bathrooms and independent air-conditioning are standard on modern conversions. Sun decks carry lounges and dining areas; the foredeck typically stages tenders, kayaks and dive equipment.
Engines, Systems and Safety Equipment
Although rigged for sail, modern charter phinisi cruise primarily under a single marine diesel (commonly 300–800 hp depending on tonnage), with twin generators, watermakers, and navigation suites that include GPS, radar and AIS. Safety fit-outs on reputable vessels include life rafts rated for full passenger load, fire suppression in the engine room and crew trained to Indonesian flag-state requirements — points we expand on in our safety and build standards page.
How Specifications Shape Your Choice
Tonnage, cabin count and build year are the three variables that most change the on-board experience — and the charter budget, which we break down in the phinisi charter cost guide. If you are weighing a phinisi against a motor yacht or catamaran, our specification comparison covers stability, range and character differences. And when you are ready to match a specific vessel to your dates and route, for charters, see the luxury phinisi charter desk, which maintains the live availability of the fleet documented here.