HISTORY OF THE
AFRICA PANGA BOAT
A product of evolution rather than innovation.
The Panga boat is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a Banana boat or Skiff boat. The Panga boat resembles the silhouette of its steel namesake, the Panga knife, both intended as a humble tool and both retained the same shape and design over decades. However the multiple uses and application reached further than their creators ever envisioned.
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The Panga boat’s origin is highly debated, but it was constructed out of timber during the 1960’s and evolved to a fiberglass constructed hull in 1968 as envisioned by Mac Shroyer.
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Although originally intended and designed as a pure, reliable and budget friendly work boat, its ability to handle rough seas and shallow waters while executing any task that its owner committed it to, the Panga boat was recognized by people with devious intentions and quickly became appealing to criminal enterprises. In the early years Panga boats were extensively used by Mexican drug networks for maritime operations such as the smuggling of drugs, marijuana or humans and presented an unparalleled challenge to Californian Law Enforcement.
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For decades Panga boats have been seen as an effective income generating tool by not only the humble fisherman and criminal elements, but also big corporations such as The Yamaha Motor Company who implemented this tool to boost sales of their outboard marine motors during the 1970's, through a well-documented Panga boat building project, financed by The World Bank and built in Mexico.
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It’s popularity did not end there, the Panga boat’s earning potential has not escaped the interest of China, home to the most innovative nation on earth, who is currently marketing the Panga boat intensively on every electronic platform at a cheap price, but argumentatively built less durable and to questionable standards.
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There is no doubt that the Panga style boat has edged its name in our history books and while some might call it the boat that changed the world, we think it is best described as an everlasting maritime phenomenon spawned from humble beginnings while still remaining true to its heritage.
Long live the Panga!!!!
We, as a panga boat manufacturer, have taken notice of this Maritime Phenomenon and have developed an African version of this everlasting boat style and named it The Africa Panga Boat.
Our Africa Panga Boat as its name suggest is built with pride in the Southern Region of Africa as a tough durable work boat, intended as a tool, capable to handle the harsh African conditions.
Don’t underestimate our humble Africa Panga Boat. The basic bare boat is just a platform and it can easily be kitted out with the latest and greatest optional accessories to make it whatever you want it to be.
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