Sembilan — 38m Phinisi Schooner (2018, refit 2024)
Cv. Lambo 2018 with completed 2024 refit. Mid-size charter operator workhorse — best entry-point pricing.
Vessel Overview
Sembilan is a 38-metre phinisi schooner built by Cv. Lambo in 2018 with comprehensive 2024 refit programme completed. Mid-size 5-cabin layout (1 master + 4 doubles, all en suite) makes it operationally efficient for charter — smaller crew requirement, lower fuel consumption, easier port handling than larger 45m+ vessels. Sembilan has operated continuously since launch in independent charter operation, accumulating approximately 290 charter weeks across 7 seasons. The 2024 refit refreshed all systems to like-new condition.
Specifications Summary
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length overall (LOA) | 38 metres (125 ft) |
| Year built | 2018 |
| Builder / yard | Cv. Lambo |
| Cabins | 5 |
| Guest capacity | 10 |
| Crew positions | 8 |
| Hull material | Ironwood + teak (traditional construction) |
| Current location | Labuan Bajo, Indonesia |
| Asking price | USD 1,320,000 |
| Status | Available — buyer-vetted |
Notable Features
Sembilan was originally built to working-yacht spec by Cv. Lambo in 2018, then upgraded to charter-spec via 2024 refit (USD 240K refit budget). Post-refit specification: Furuno integrated electronics, KVH satellite TV, refit-new Yanmar engines (1,200 hours since refit), refit-new watermaker (120 L/hour), refit-refreshed interior throughout, new sail wardrobe (full main + mizzen + 2 jibs, all 2024), updated dive equipment, new generator (Northern Lights 30kW), new tender (5m RIB). Pre-refit hull condition was good — refit focused on systems modernisation rather than structural work.
Build Provenance + History
Built by Cv. Lambo 2018 to working-spec. Initial owner operated as small-fleet charter operator 2018-2023. Vessel underwent comprehensive refit November 2023 – March 2024 elevating spec to current charter-grade level. 2024 charter season operated under independent management at moderate rates (lower than Komodo Luxury managed fleet rates). Current owner offering for sale to fund acquisition of larger 50m+ vessel. Excellent entry-point opportunity for first-time phinisi buyer or charter operator expanding fleet at moderate budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Vessel
What survey would you recommend before commitment?
For an operating phinisi like this, we recommend a comprehensive marine survey covering hull (caulking, plank condition, ironwood keel inspection), rigging (mast, standing/running rigging, sail wardrobe), mechanicals (engines, generators, plumbing, watermaker, electrical), electronics (navigation, communication, safety), and interior. Plus sea trial 3-4 hours under sail and engine. Surveyor cost USD 8-18K depending on size and depth. We share preferred surveyors — Bali-based with phinisi-specific expertise.
What is the realistic charter income potential?
Charter potential varies by positioning, condition, and operating structure. For this vessel placed in Komodo Luxury managed fleet (Structure A: full management), we project annual gross revenue ranging USD 1.4M to 2.4M depending on charter weeks (typically 22-28 weeks/year mature). Net to owner after operating costs and management fee typically 35-50% of gross. We model charter projections in detail during deal memo phase.
Can the buyer specify or modify the interior layout pre-closing?
For an operating yacht, layout modifications are part of refit programme post-closing, not pre-closing changes. We can scope a focused interior refit (USD 80-280K typically) as part of the acquisition deal memo. For new builds and refit candidates, layout modification is fully customisable at design phase.
What flag and registration arrangements does the seller have?
The vessel currently operates under Indonesian flag with PMA-compatible ownership structure. Foreign buyers typically continue Indonesian flag operations through new PMA structure (Juara Holding handles registration). Alternatively, buyer can re-flag to Marshall Islands, Cayman, or Cook Islands for foreign-flag operations with charter routed through external operator. Both paths are workable; we model implications in deal memo.
How is the existing crew transitioned at closing?
Operating yachts come with crew. Standard options at closing: (a) full crew transition where existing crew transfer to new owner with continuity of employment, (b) partial transition retaining key officers (typically captain and chief engineer) with fresh hires for stewards/deckhands, (c) full crew change with new hires through Komodo Luxury network. Most buyers retain at least the captain and chief engineer for 12-month minimum to preserve operational continuity and charter book. We facilitate crew transition negotiations.
What is the realistic timeline from inquiry to closing?
Typical timeline: 60-120 days from initial inspection trip to closing. Stage breakdown: inspection trip (4-7 days), independent surveyor + sea trial (10-15 days), structured offer + negotiation (15-30 days), deal memo finalisation (15-21 days), escrow + closing (30-60 days). Faster paths possible for motivated parties (cash buyer, no financing); slower paths happen when survey findings require negotiation rounds.
What is the broker fee structure for this acquisition?
Buy Phinisi charges flat retainer USD 12,000-18,000 covering inspection trip arrangement, surveyor coordination, deal memo drafting, and negotiation. Plus success fee 1.0-1.8% of closing price upon successful transaction. Total fee economics typically lower than traditional dual-side brokerage because we negotiate closing price down by amount that exceeds our success fee. No fees from seller side — we work buyer-side only.
Why Buy Through Buy Phinisi
Most yacht-broker engagements globally are pure intermediary relationships — broker shows yachts, broker collects commission on closing, broker moves on. Our model is structurally different in three ways that materially affect buyer outcome:
We operate phinisi ourselves through Komodo Luxury. Our sister company runs a managed phinisi fleet generating real annual charter revenue. We know which yachts perform operationally because we operate yachts of similar specification. We know which builders deliver because we have commissioned vessels at multiple yards. We know which surveyors are credible because we use them ourselves. This depth of knowledge is structurally unavailable to brokers who only sell.
We integrate buyers into the post-acquisition value chain. Buyers placing yachts in our managed fleet integrate immediately into our operating infrastructure (booking platform, marketing reach, crew network, service partnerships). For independent operations, we still introduce all the partner relationships needed (surveyor, lawyer, accountant, refit yard, crew sources) through our network. Either way, the broker engagement transitions smoothly into operating phase.
Our economics align with buyer success. Brokerage commission is one transaction. Charter management fees compound over 5-10 years if you place vessel in our fleet. We earn substantially more if your acquired yacht performs operationally than from the closing commission. Our incentive is to recommend yachts that will perform — not to close highest-commission transactions quickly.
This is why our buyer pool comes through repeat referrals from charter clients of Komodo Luxury, owners of phinisi we previously brokered, and partner referrals from the Juara Holding Group network rather than digital advertising or cold outreach.
Inquire About Sembilan — 38m Phinisi Schooner (2018, refit 2024)
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