Old Yamaha Fishing Boats

Hi to all,

long time reader first time poster. Recently, I stumbled upon a picture of one of these older Yamaha fishing boats from Japan. At first glance, it looked to me to be a panga. However, after more research and pictures it seems that it has some degree of dead rise at the transom. To my understanding pangas have none. Has anyone had any real time experience with these on the water and how they handle seas? What would be the advantages of this hull design over traditional pangas? Any information would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

I suggest you seek out the books by Kotaru Horiuchi that describe his career in boat design as most of the boats covered were designed while he was working as an in house designer for Yamaha.Look for "Locus of a Boat Designer" volumes 1 and 2,but be warned that volume 1 is only published in Japanese.Short of a Japanese member of this forum coming along with an explanation,it is hard to think of another source of information.

 

That is indeed what in this day is deemed to be a Panga hull. Flared high bow, modified vee and protruding keel pad are major identifiers.
Panga as it originated was pretty much any skiff below the border, so you’ll find many configurations of hull wearing the name.
Japanese versions reflect some Sampan heritage, which is another badge loosely worn in todays world.

 

Volume 2 of Locus of a Boat Designer is available on Amazon in the USA -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0971264643/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_vote_lft

Read the reviews as well - one review by Ray Vellinga notes that of the 308 pages in the book, about 40% is devoted to hydrofoils, and 20% to powerboats (which I presume will include the generic panga types).

There was a thread on here 9 years ago about Kotaru's books -
Kotaro Horiuchi book on boat design https://www.boatdesign.net/threads/kotaro-horiuchi-book-on-boat-design.51154/

@John Selva are you interested in buying a boat similar to the boat shown in the photos that you have posted?

Google found this panga for sale in Florida -
https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2018-panga-23-8634588/

My former boss in a previous life 25 years ago used to have a Panga that was built locally here, about 26', with an inboard diesel on a shaft drive - I went out with him on a day fishing trip once, and I was impressed by her relative comfortable and seaworthiness.