Tourist Boat Customisation: Matching a Catamaran to Your Destination's Identity

Visitors may forget the name of the lake they visited, but a photo of a tosca-roofed boat gliding between the trees can keep circulating on social media. Tourist boats are often the face of a destination. That is why tourist boat customisation is not just a matter of taste; it is part of how a destination presents itself.

This article discusses options for customising a tourist catamaran to match a destination's identity, from roof and panel colours, seating layout and branding panels to equipment and lighting, while staying within the capacity limits of each type.

Why Tourist Boat Customisation Matters for Destinations

Tourist destinations usually already have their own logo, colours and visual character. A boat that matches this identity makes the visitor experience feel complete, from the ticket counter to the water. For operators, an easily recognisable boat also helps with promotion and documentation. A well-customised boat also makes it easier for visitors to tell the destination's official service apart from other boats on the same water.

Even so, tourist boat customisation needs to be designed together with the technical team. Every addition affects weight and balance, and all changes must keep passengers safe.

What Stays Fixed: Tourist Catamaran Types and Capacity

Customisation starts with the catamaran type that suits your needs. According to Bajau Indo's official specifications, three types are available:

• Kelimutu: 4.6 × 3 m, for 7–10 people.
• Sentani: 5.6 × 4 m, for 10–15 people.
• Toba: 7 × 5 m, for 15–20 people.

All three use LLDPE pontoons with polyurethane insulation, a marine-grade aluminium frame, synthetic rattan seats with water-resistant cushions, and a roof. A full comparison can be found in the article on choosing the Kelimutu, Sentani or Toba catamaran, while details of the largest type are on the Toba Catamaran page. Each type's capacity is a limit that customisation does not change.

Catamaran Roof Colour, Panels, and Destination Identity

The roof is the element most visible from a distance. Bajau Indo's concept renders show catamarans with three different roof colours, tosca, blue and green, to illustrate how one boat form can take on different characters.

Concept render of a blue-roofed tourist catamaran with passengers, moored at a dock. Source: Bajau Indo 3D concept visualisation — not a built project

In general, colours can be chosen to harmonise with the landscape or the destination's identity, for example green tones for parks or forests and blue tones for lakes or coastlines. As an example of pontoon colour choices, the Bajau Indo Platform Pontoon Configurator offers Blue, Cream, Brown and Green options. You can try it in the Platform Pontoon Configurator. The final colour choice for a catamaran is discussed with the team.

A branding panel can carry the destination's logo, the boat's name or a unit number. It should be placed so that it does not block passengers' views, the boarding route or safety signs.

Boat Seating Layout and the Passenger Experience

The seating layout determines how passengers enjoy the trip. Some commonly considered patterns:

• Lengthwise along the sides, facing outwards: suits scenic tours because every passenger gets an open view.
• Facing the centre: encourages interaction, for example on educational tours with a guide.
• With tables: suits relaxed packages such as tea or light snacks on the water.

Whichever pattern is chosen, the number of passengers still follows the type's capacity. A layout with tables, for example, may reduce the number of seats available. The guide's position and the walkway inside the boat also need to be considered so that passengers can board, disembark and move around safely.

Concept render of a green-roofed tourist catamaran with passengers on a park river. Source: Bajau Indo 3D concept visualisation — not a built project

Safety Equipment and Lighting

Customisation also covers equipment that supports operations. In general, a tourist boat needs life jackets for the maximum number of passengers, a lifebuoy, equipment storage, and clear capacity signs. If the boat operates into dusk, onboard lighting and navigation lights help with safety while also creating atmosphere. Equipment should be stored where the crew can reach it easily and checked before daily operations begin. Make sure all equipment meets the regulations that apply on local waters.

Steps to Plan Tourist Boat Customisation

To keep tourist boat customisation on track, operators can follow these simple steps:

1. Define the route, trip length and number of passengers per trip to choose the catamaran type.
2. Gather the destination's identity guidelines, such as the logo, colour palette and sample promotional materials.
3. Choose a seating pattern that suits the type of tour package to be offered.
4. List the safety equipment and lighting needed for the operating hours.
5. Discuss all options with the technical team to make sure weight and balance remain appropriate.

Following this sequence, design decisions are based on operational needs, not just looks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can capacity be increased by changing the seating layout?

No. Capacity follows the catamaran type, not the number of seats that fit. If a destination needs more passengers per trip, the right choice is a larger type or additional units.

Are the roof colours in the renders guaranteed to be available?

The tosca, blue and green renders are concept visualisations that illustrate possible looks, not photos of units already built. The final colour choice is discussed with the Bajau Indo team according to the project's needs.

Can the destination's logo be fitted on the boat?

Branding panels are among the tourist boat customisation options that can be discussed. Their size, material and position are set so that they do not compromise passenger safety and comfort.

Ready to give your tourist boat a character that suits your destination? Send your logo, colour palette and estimated number of passengers per trip to the Bajau Indo team via WhatsApp 0878-5931-4314 or marketing@bajauindo.com.