In 2004, we set out to sink one of our Pangas, a Marquesas. We believed that it would be able to maintain positive flotation under the worst possible conditions.

We loaded the boat with 380 pounds of granite slab to simulate the weight of an outboard engine. Then we lowered the boat into the saltwater and pulled the plug. The water rose to a few inches above the deck and didn’t go any higher. Then we added 4 men weighing a total of about 750 pounds. The Marquesas maintained positive flotation.

Still not satisfied that we had put our Panga to the ultimate test we proceeded to force water into the boat with a commercial pump. Still loaded down with the granite and the men, the boat was filled with water over the transom and aft gunwales. The Marquesas 22 stayed afloat after being completely flooded. Nothing has changed since. Our boats are still unsinkable. The picture below left shows a portion of one of our foam filled hulls prior to the liner being installed.