11/21/2024
Hey Panga Lovers - Folks call trying to get their head around the narrow build and hand laid fiberglass advantages of the Eduardonos. I thought the posts below might be of help.
Over the years, 3 retired Naval/USCG guys have bought 25's. One called and said, "Jim when we would confiscate Eduardonos and other makes of boats, many times we would have to sink them. The Eduardonos were always the hardest to sink. We'd shoot'em with 50calibers, blow them up and use pickaxes. Those things are tough as nails."
Another retired customer from a special marine group to counteract maritime piracy wrote a testimonial about his experience. Sorry for the length but its a good read.
“Jim, I wanted to send out this letter of thanks and appreciation. My 25’ Eduardono Corvina Panga arrived safely and she is beautiful. From the initial phone call and first introduction to final paperwork your customer service has been exceptional. I have been looking for an Eduardono Panga since 2012, and finally own one thanks to you and your efforts to import in my opinion the best built brand of all pangas, Eduardono.
My experience with Eduardono Pangas began in November 2012, while in the Navy as a Special Warfare Combatant Crewman. (SWCC) assigned to Naval Special Warfare Development Group. The goal was to develop counter piracy training after the kidnapping of Captain Phillips off the merchant ship Maersk Alabama in 2009. The Navy requested a similar vessel used by the Somali pirates,so the chosen boat was a 32-foot panga with twin 250HP two stroke Yamaha outboard motors.
At this time, I had never heard of a panga. When the training boat arrived, it was extremely damaged including fiberglass repairs from bullet holes from the U.S. Customs or USCG. It was a bare hull with fiberglass ribs and a makeshift console from previous owners. The hull had an Eduardono sticker.
Training began just south of Chesapeake Bay in winds predicted to blow 25-30 knots with 8-10 ft seas. However, the weather was worse and having a crew of three, we were in awe of the panga’s agility. We tackled 10-12 feet high from trough to crest waves. I was astonished at the nimbleness and seaworthiness of the panga design. The rest of the afternoon and next few evenings of training were a pleasure even with the large seas.
The bare bones basic hull at first glance was underwhelming, but after that few moments of warfare with the sea, the steed became much more beautiful to me.
Please note I would not do this today with my personal boat but when you’re young and duty calls, a few will answer. Uncle Sam owned it, so we drove it like we stole it.”
Best Regards,
Shawn - Mississippi
