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The 36 Meter Luxury Charter Phinisi
'KLM' Dunia Baru
Aft Perspective Low | Aft Perspective Above | Side Perspective | Perspective Above Aft
Larger Exterior Profile | Interior Profile | Bridge Deck Layout | Main Deck Layout | Lower Deck LayoutCopyright 2006 - 2012 Michael Kasten
Our work with these craft has resulted in having created some of the most successful designs among the Indonesian charter fleet, winning accolades from SEA Yachting Magazine as well as having been listed among the top 10 super-yachts in Asia-Pacific Boating magazine's annual roundup of "Asia's Top 30 Superyachts" during both 2004 and 2005. The first 36m Phinisi of our design was featured in the May 2006 Superyachts Magazine, and achieved a cameo appearance and blurb in Vogue magazine plus several boating magazines in the EU.
Our work on the 36m Dunia Baru has extended that legacy. The owner's stated mission is that this vessel will be 'the ultimate' Indonesian phinisi. It is a tall order indeed but there no doubt that in terms of build quality the owner's mission will be fully realized.
The 36m Dunia Baru has been modeled after the traditional Indonesian Kapal Layar Mesin - literally translated as "boat-sail-machine." In the West, we usually refer to this combination as a "Motor Sailor." In Indonesia they are just called "KLM."
The vessel shown above is a larger version of the 30 Meter KLM that we developed during a visit to Indonesia in 2004. This 36m KLM was originally developed in 2006, however the image shown above is an updated view, showing a more capable sailing rig using steel spars throughout. Among the images linked above, we can see that 36 meters on deck is a large enough vessel size to more gracefully carry the double deck. Subsequent to our work on the 36m Dunia Baru shown here, we have developed a much larger concept design, a 50m KLM..!
Much of the information below is virtually identical to that provided for the smaller 30m KLM, since both vessels share the same purpose and the same styling inspiration: i.e. the working KLM types of Indonesia. For a complete introduction to the history of the traditional Indonesian Phinisi types as well as the relatively newer KLM types, please see our Phinisi History web page.
The Traditional Kapal Layar Mesin...
These craft are very common throughout Indonesian waters, and are used as cargo vessels. They are built nearly everywhere in Indonesia in one form or another, and in sizes ranging from 25 meters to over 50 meters. The KLM are in fact the "semi-trucks" of the Indonesian archipelago, just as the sailing Phinisi had been before them.
The KLM are heavily based on the older sailing types of Phinisi (also spelled Pinisi) - so much so that the KLM are often called Phinisi. The KLM bow is identical to the older sailing vessels - complete with the sailing Phinisi foremast, standing-gaff sail, gaff tops'l, jib sails and bowsprit. From amidships aft though, the KLM differ from the sailing Phinisi altogether.
Aft, a Sailing Phinisi would traditionally have had a pointed stern and overhanging aft deck like that on our 38m Sailing Phinisi. By contrast, the KLM hull has a motor vessel stern. In other words the KLM stern is wide and the "run" is straight and relatively flat. We would refer to this as having a "counter-stern" with a transom at the end.
The KLM "transom" is very much like that of a US west coast fishing seiner, the stern being rounded in plan view. The stern on this Western fishing vessel type and the stern of the KLM are both built up of wooden "lifts" rather than being planked with "staves" as would be more common on a yacht. This kind of construction is extremely robust...!
In any case, the KLM always have a broad stern. As with the sailing Phinisi the KLM have an overhanging aft deck, however in this case the overhang is quite a lot wider than on a traditional sailing Phinisi. Aft of amidships the working KLM often have a two story superstructure, ordinarily beginning perhaps two thirds of the deck length from the bow, thus considerably less long than on the design you see above.
On cargo craft, the lower story is at deck level and is used for the galley and crew, while the upper story contains the bridge and captain's quarters. Naturally there are many local variations...!
A few photos of traditional KLM types can be found on our Indonesia Pictures web page.
The KLM as a Yacht...?
In order to create a luxury yacht using the traditionally built KLM has mainly been a matter of sizing and arranging the cabins for their new purpose and to refine the hull shape for use as a yacht, rather than as a much more burdensome cargo vessel.
As a bonus, the more refined yacht hull shape is much more comfortable in the sea than the much more boxy cargo hull types, which have a reputation for having a rather harsh and unkind motion when not deeply laden with cargo. After all, a yacht need only carry a load of fuel, food, passengers, and their water toys.
Additional goals have been to provide greater strength and longevity of structure than is found among local craft. Our aim in so doing has been to reduce maintenance, to provide a high degree of comfort, improve the performance under power, and to increase the long term safety of the ship.
Power is provided by an 830 hp Yanmar diesel, sufficient power for around 10 knots, depending on conditions. Of course a larger engine could be provided, however above around 10 knots the power requirements and the consequent fuel use, as well as the machinery cost become excessive. The local phinisi are given much less power yet. For example, an equivalently sized cargo KLM would rarely have more than around 350 hp...!
Still further requirements have been to blend the excellent Konjo / Bugis boat building traditions with a few of the specific requirements of the West, primarily in terms of comfort, structure, safety, and stability.
A number of structural improvements over the typical cargo vessel construction have been specified. These were not dramatic changes in terms of the construction methods, but definitely they were a big change in terms of finesse and quality, so cumulatively the changes have been very important to the structure.
For more information about how we have accomplished such goals with these vessels, please see our Phinisi Building web page.
The Intent...
For the interior, the request was that the interior layout enable the vessel to be used in either of two modes:
- As a personal world-traveling yacht for a private owner and guests, or
- For use as a charter yacht with "managed ownership."
By "managed ownership" we mean that the yacht is privately owned, but is managed by a charter company who is able to charter the vessel when it is not being used by the owner. In exchange for its use, the charter company takes care of the vessel's maintenance and repairs, and provides the owner with an income stream.
Done correctly, this is a rather ideal way to own a boat - no maintenance, it pays its own way, and the owner can step aboard a well maintained vessel nearly any time and simply enjoy their time aboard rather than having to manage the vessel's upkeep.
Comfort and privacy have been primary goals. Given the overall size, the interior layout is not at all crowded. Given that the vessel will be sailing in the tropics, excellent ventilation has been given the highest priority. Each cabin has a private head and shower and all accommodation spaces are air conditioned.
The Layout...
The requirement in this case was to achieve generous guest cabins below, and to provide an owner's private "grand suite" on the upper deck. Briefly, the layout is described as follows:
Bridge Deck: As on the smaller 30 Meter KLM, the owner's suite has excellent access to the bridge, the galley, and the saloon, essentially as an extended part of the owner's personal space. This allows the owner to occupy the vessel as a home on the water with each essential region accessible without having to impose on or pass through any guest areas, yet also allows guests to share those spaces without compromising the privacy of the owner. As a safety matter, the owner can readily get to the bridge and the promenade deck forward of the bridge, and on this larger KLM a captain's cabin has been provided on the upper deck as well.
Main Deck: On the main deck, we reserved the fore deck for entertaining outside - where most of one's tropical living will be done anyway. On the main deck aft, we put a generous lounge within the forward end of the house for the best view, and filled the rest with a large galley, walk in refrigerator, and computer / communications / media room.
On the aft main deck is a covered "veranda" arranged to serve dual use as a dive shop and as a covered exterior buffet / lounge, open to the air. Quite a good place for open air sleeping too...!
Below: Below decks forward are four large guest suites and accommodations forward for two stewards and a laundry room. The stewards' bunk room (forward to port) is also viewed as being an ideal cabin for teenage guests who may be aboard with their parents - allowing them privacy yet good access to the other guest cabins. Below decks amidships is the engine room, located right below the lounge. Below and aft are cabins for the crew.
In total, there is sufficient accommodation space for a ship's complement of two owners, plus ten guests, a cook, cook's assistant, captain, mate, engineer, second engineer, dive master, dive assistant, two deck hands, and two stewards. This amounts to around 12 crew - the preferred arrangement for chartering in Indonesia. We generally observe on a yacht of this size that each crew member must be well versed in several talents...!
For private use there may not need to be such a large crew, although if you wish to be thoroughly pampered... you can be!
Can One Build a New Wooden Yacht Economically...?
Yes, and of course that is the ultimate goal...! Unfortunately, due to the extraordinarily low cost of building these vessels, there will always be a steady supply of misguided Westerners who approach the local boat builders with the idea of turning one of their locally built craft into a yacht or charter boat at the lowest possible cost. Most often the result is extremely poor - mainly due to very inadequate planning and non-existent project management.
In other words, these half hearted attempts to create a yacht will inevitably result in an ill-conceived and poorly executed vessel, i.e. one that has not been 'designed' nor built to any standard, nor even effectively 'managed' during construction.
Although the local builders are very capable of producing excellent results with their own local vessel types, when those indigenous vessels get arbitrarily modified by various 'owner requests' during construction, the final product can be shockingly bad - even to the point of being unsafe.
Consequently there is a very large difference between those vessels and the likes of what we have outlined here...!
For complete information about the process we recommend, please visit our Phinisi Building web page.
How to Do It Right...?
Planning...!
When one of these vessels is planned well, and is subsequently finished according to the plans and specifications, the result can be a world class yacht. Whether used as a private yacht or in charter mode, this kind of vessel will offer a generous measure of luxury to anyone who steps onboard.
The KLM design described here is now under construction in Kalimantan (2007). To kick off the construction of the Dunia Baru, Lena and I traveled to Indonesia during 2006 in order to meet with the owner at his home in Java. We then traveled together to the building site in Sangkulirang, Kalimantan Timur in order to guide the builders through the lofting process, and to oversee construction of the mould frames.
This vessel will be launched in the spring of 2008, then transported to Banjarmasin or Surabaya for engine installation, and then onward to Bali for completion of the systems and interior finish.
Lena and I have greatly enjoyed our journey through the design and building process with the owner and his building team, all of whom have been working hard to make the 36 meter phinisi Dunia Baru a stunningly fine new private charter yacht.
The mission statement for this vessel has that when finished, it will be the ultimate example of what is possible with these craft. According to those who are close to the project, this is precisely the outcome. It is the natural result of proper design, good planning, top quality indigenous boat building skills, first rate timber, hard work, a good business plan, and an owner dedicated to making this the finest Indonesian phinisi in existence. Based on what I know of these craft, I'm certain the owner's mission will be accomplished.
Summary
The best introduction to this design is to have a look at the KLM layout drawings linked at the top of this page. Please also check out the 'Perspective' image links above which provide a three dimension look at the shape of this design. If the KLM / luxury yacht / managed charter yacht concept is of interest, we offer our local knowledge and a thorough set of building plans that take full advantage of traditional methods and up to date world class structure.
For the most complete review of the KLM there are Study Plans and Estimating Plans available. When complete Building Plans are purchased we will be pleased to make local introductions to a proven team for building the vessel and an extended team for managing the construction. Please see our Plans List page for plans cost and ordering information.
For complete information about a traditional Indonesian Phinisi of our design that is now sailing, please see the links below, or if you'd like to know more, please inquire.
More Information...
If this or a similar phinisi / luxury sailing yacht is of interest, we offer a thorough design service. Our preference is to take advantage of traditional methods to the maximum extent possible, but to bring the construction standard up to a classification society compliant structure. We offer our custom design services by which we can modify these types of vessels to suit a variety of requests to change the size or to modify the layout as needed, and then follow that up with our local knowledge in order to facilitate construction.
For complete information about the design and building process that we recommend please see the following links, or for more information please inquire.
Our articles about building an Indonesian Phinisi or KLM:
Phinisi History | Phinisi Building | The Ultimate Charter Phinisi
Sailing vs. KLM Types | A Cargo Phinisi as a Yacht...?
Phinisi and KLM designs that we have created or have planned:
30m Sailing Phinisi | 36m Phinisi, Silolona | 38m Sailing Phinisi | 50m Sailing Phinisi
30m Charter KLM | 33m Charter KLM | 36m KLM, Dunia Baru | 40m Charter KLM | 50m Charter KLM
Descriptions of our adventures with these boats:
Silolona "Homecoming" | Indonesia Boatbuilding Images
A Tern Schooner and An Arabian Dhow With Similar Wooden Structure
22m Arabian Baghala | 36m Tern Schooner
Two junk rigged KLM types for construction in steel:
25m Lady Destiny | 55m Lady Destiny
Please see our AVAILABLE BOAT PLANS web page.
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