The nine stages of a Lombok boat build run from design and lofting, through keel and framing, hull and superstructure, machinery and systems, interior, finishing, harbour trials and final documentation. At each stage the owner should attend the yard, photograph key structural details, compare progress with the contract drawings, and only then authorise the next payment tranche.
Stage 1: Design freeze, lofting and contract documents
The proses pembuatan kapal Lombok starts with drawing approval and lofting. Lines, structure and systems are defined before any timber is cut or mould is prepared. This is where build time, power options, passenger capacity and survey notation are agreed and frozen into the contract specification and drawings.
What you should inspect and photograph
- General arrangement (GA), profile and deck plans with clear revision dates.
- Structural drawings showing keel, frames, stringers, deck beams and bulkheads.
- Tank plan, machinery layout and electrical single-line diagram where available.
- Lofting on the floor or full-size templates for frames, stem and transom.
Before releasing the first payment, ensure the contract, drawings and payment supervision framework align: staged milestones, survey requirements, allowed builder’s variations, and who signs off each step.
Stage 2: Keel, stem and primary framing
Once drawings are locked, the yard moves to backbone construction. For timber vessels this means keel, stem, sternpost and floors; for FRP vessels it usually means mould preparation and initial laminates. This stage sets the hull geometry. Straightness, symmetry and material selection here affect the vessel for its entire life.
Owner checks at this stage
- Keel timber species, dimensions and scarf joints, or thickness of first hull laminates.
- Position and spacing of floors and frame stations versus the drawings.
- Alignment of stem and sternpost, viewed from bow and stern.
- Condition of materials: no visible rot, checking, delamination or voids.
Photograph the keel from multiple angles, close-ups of joints and fastenings, and a tape measure against key scantlings. This is evidence if later alignment issues are suspected.
Stage 3: Hull shell, bulkheads and deck beams
With the backbone in place, the hull shell is planked or laminated and main bulkheads are stood. In timber work, planking patterns, fastening schedules and caulking details matter. In FRP, laminate schedule, resin mixing practice and cure conditions need attention. Structural bulkheads and deck beams tie the hull together.
Structural and safety items to verify
- Plank or laminate thickness compared to the structural schedule.
- Bulkhead locations, openings and stiffeners installed as drawn.
- Bonding between bulkheads and hull: continuous, well-wetted, no dry spots.
- Deck beam spacing and section size.
Walk inside the hull if safe, photograph every bulkhead seam, and ask the supervisor to point out tank boundaries, engine beds and watertight compartments. Hold back the next payment until the hull, bulkheads and deck support match the agreed drawings.
Stage 4: Superstructure, wheelhouse and exterior layout
Once the hull is structurally complete, the yard builds the superstructure: wheelhouse, passenger deck, flybridge or sun deck, and external stairs and rail supports. This stage fixes visibility, headroom, shelter and traffic flow on board, and also affects stability and windage.
Inspection focus for owners
- Door and window openings sized as per the drawings, with correct sill heights.
- Deck camber, drainage falls and positions of scuppers and freeing ports.
- Guardrail stanchion bases and hard points for bimini or mast structures.
- Wheelhouse ergonomics: helm position, sight lines, console footprint.
Take wide shots of the vessel profile and detailed images of stairways, doorway clear widths, and any raised coamings. Any change here after finishing is disproportionately costly, so ensure design intent is respected before approving the related milestone payment.
Stage 5: Machinery, systems and routing
After the main structure is established, machinery and systems are installed. This includes main engines, gearboxes, shafts, rudders, steering gear, gensets, fuel and water systems, bilge and fire pumps, and primary electrical cabling and switchboards.
Critical items to verify and document
- Engine bed construction, alignment preparations and shaft centreline height.
- Tank materials, baffles, inspection hatches and venting arrangements.
- Penetrations through bulkheads and decks: collars, glands and sealing.
- Cable trays, segregation of AC/DC, and basic panel layout.
Photograph all machinery spaces before they are closed in by joinery. Capture label plates on engines and gensets, hose routing, seacock types and sizes, and structural supports under heavy equipment. This record is invaluable in later maintenance and during any future survey.
Stage 6: Interior structure, joinery and fit-out
With systems roughed in, the yard proceeds to interior framing, cabins, seating, galley, heads and finishes. In Lombok builds this often combines local hardwood trim with marine plywood and composite panels. Weight, ventilation and service access must be controlled while achieving the agreed finish level.
Owner checks before panelling closes access
- Framing behind lining panels and furniture, especially around windows and doors.
- Access hatches to tanks, valves, bilges and cable junction areas.
- Headroom in cabins and passageways compared with specification.
- Fire-retardant materials where specified, especially near galley and machinery spaces.
Take photographs of every cabin and machinery access from multiple angles before final linings go on. If you intend commercial passenger service, confirm planned seat counts and escape routes match the capacity basis discussed with Kemenhub and the local Syahbandar.
Stage 7: Surface preparation, coatings and deck hardware
After structural and interior work, the hull and superstructure are faired, primed and painted. Antifouling is applied below the waterline. Decks receive non-skid finishes, and hardware such as cleats, fairleads, bollards, windlass, anchors, mooring bitts and fender eyes is installed.
What to review before sign-off
- Fairness of hull and superstructure in reflected light at low angle.
- Coating system components: primers, undercoats, topcoats and antifouling type.
- Number and spacing of mooring and towing points.
- Sealing and bedding of hardware to avoid leaks into structure or accommodation.
Photograph hull and topsides in daylight from bow, stern and beam, as well as close-ups of hardware mounting and sealant fillets. Once paint is complete, rectifying structural issues is difficult, so this is a key inspection before authorising the final pre-launch payment.
Stage 8: Launch, harbour trials and adjustments
With the vessel externally complete, the yard will launch at Bangsal, Teluk Nara, Senggigi or another suitable point. Harbour trials then verify propulsion, steering, bilge systems, gensets, electrical loads and basic navigation systems under controlled conditions before open-water trials.
Owner participation
- Observe draft and trim versus the design waterline mark.
- Check for leaks at all hull penetrations, shaft seals and sea chests.
- Witness starting, ahead and astern movements, steering response and crash stops.
- Test bilge pumps, fire pumps and emergency lighting.
Photograph the vessel in the water from several angles, and record engine hours, RPM at various speeds and any alarms triggered. Use this stage to list rectification items (punch list) to be completed before final sea trials and settlement.
Stage 9: Sea trials, documentation and handover
The final stage combines sea trials with documentation for registration and operational approval. Trials cover speed, fuel consumption indications, vibration, noise perception, manoeuvring and passenger comfort. In parallel, the yard helps gather documents such as Surat Ukur, Gross Akte, Pas Besar and any BKI or Kemenhub approvals required for your operation.
Checks before releasing the last payment
- Complete sea trial run sheet, including speeds, RPM and observations.
- Function checks on navigation lights, AIS if fitted, GPS, VHF, depth sounder and autopilot.
- Delivery of manuals, wiring diagrams and plumbing schematics where specified.
- Handover of original bills of sale and builder’s documentation for flagging and insurance.
Use a structured sea trial plan; for reference, see the sea trial checklist before final payment. Only when trial items and paperwork are fully complete should you authorise the final contract tranche and take formal delivery.
Indicative payment staging and supervision
Each owner may negotiate specific timing, but most Lombok builds use a staged payment structure aligned with key technical milestones. Independent supervision can be brought in at critical points to verify compliance with the drawings and contract specification before releasing funds.
| Stage | Typical progress checkpoint | Indicative cumulative payment band (% of contract sum) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Design & lofting | Contract signed, drawings approved, lofting complete | 10–15% |
| 2–3. Hull, bulkheads, deck beams | Backbone, framing and shell complete, bulkheads installed | 30–40% |
| 4–5. Superstructure & machinery | Superstructure erected, major machinery and tanks in place | 50–60% |
| 6. Interior fit-out | Cabins and main interior joinery substantially complete | 70–80% |
| 7–8. Coatings & harbour trials | Paint complete, vessel launched and harbour trials run | 85–95% |
| 9. Sea trials & handover | Sea trials successful, documentation delivered | Balance on final acceptance |
These bands are indicative only and depend on vessel size, material, complexity and owner risk appetite. For a more detailed sequence with time estimates, see the Lombok yard build process outline at this build process timeline.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I visit the Lombok yard during construction?
For a commercial or high-value private vessel, plan to visit at least at the nine stages described: design freeze, backbone, hull and bulkheads, superstructure, machinery, interior, coatings, launch and final sea trials. Many owners add intermediate visits during systems installation. Coordinate in advance with the build desk so key areas remain accessible for inspection and photography.
What kind of photo documentation is most useful for future surveys?
Focus on structure and systems before they are concealed. Photograph framing, bulkhead bonds, tank installations, shaft lines, through-hulls, cable runs and all valves, with a tape measure or tool in frame for scale. Store images with stage labels and dates. Surveyors and insurers can then see evidence of scantlings and workmanship even after interior linings and finishes are installed.
Can I appoint an external surveyor to supervise each payment stage?
Yes, many owners appoint a marine surveyor or technical representative to inspect the vessel at each milestone before authorising payments. The surveyor can compare actual construction against the contract specification and drawings, provide independent reports and highlight required corrections. This arrangement should be defined in your build contract so the yard can allow appropriate access and respond to formal findings.
How flexible are the staged payment percentages during the build?
Percentages are negotiable before contract signing and should reflect vessel complexity, material lead times and your risk tolerance. Higher early payments can accelerate procurement of engines and key equipment, while more weight on later stages shifts risk towards the builder. Once agreed, any changes should be documented in a contract addendum with clear links to technical milestones and inspection rights.
What happens if defects are found at a later stage that relate to earlier work?
If a later inspection or sea trial exposes issues linked to earlier stages, the yard will normally address them under the defect correction provisions of the contract, subject to agreed tolerances and classification or regulatory standards. Thorough earlier-stage photos and written comments help determine whether a problem is workmanship-related or due to later modifications, and support a clear, technical resolution.