Traditional Filipino fishing boats – known as Outrigger bangkas or Pump boats – have no keel and are constructed with minimal draft so they can drift over shallow seas and coral reefs. To make up for this lack of stability they are fitted with two bamboo or wooden outriggers that offer them some support on the rough seas. They started out as fishing boats but these Outrigger bangkas or jeepneys of the sea have long ago moved out to serve plenty of different roles – from transporting goods over to remote islands to serving as tourist taxis to diving expedition boats and also as small ferries. No matter their size – and they do come from tiny to vast ones – they present a nice blend of traditional and modern design and inspire you into wanting to ride them on and on and on.
Leave a Reply