Buying a used wooden phinisi rewards patience and punishes assumptions. Before you pay, confirm four things: clean ownership history and no liens, an independent survey by a surveyor you appointed, valid class and flag documentation, and honest timber condition. Skip any one and you inherit someone else’s problem.
The checklist
- Ownership history and any outstanding liens or debts against the vessel.
- An independent pre-purchase survey – referred, never done by the seller.
- Class, flag and registration documents that match the boat.
- Timber condition below the waterline, caulking state and maintenance history.
Why the survey must be independent
A survey commissioned by the seller protects the seller. This desk refers buyers to a dedicated Indonesian marine-survey channel precisely so the survey stays impartial – it will never survey a boat it is selling. That referral discipline is set out on the vessels-for-sale page.
Build or buy?
If a vetted used hull is not available in your size, weigh a new build – the trade-off is laid out in the new-build-or-refit piece.
Ask for the current used-vessel list or email sales@komodoluxury.com
Frequently asked questions
What should I check before buying a used phinisi?
Confirm clean ownership history and no liens, commission your own independent pre-purchase survey, verify class and flag documentation, and assess timber condition and maintenance history. Never rely on a survey arranged by the seller.