History

Malabar Boatworks founder Chris Bowman began his boatbuilding career in 1975 on the island of Bequia in the West Indies. In 14 years in the Caribbean he built several vessels, culminating in the 68 foot schooner Water Pearl of Bequia (pictured left) which was launched in 1979.

In 1990 he started Malabar Boatworks in Fremantle. Western Australia. The company, named after the legendary John Alden designed Malabar schooner series, is dedicated to building top quality wood composite yachts of classical design. In 2006 the company began buiding boats on the south coast of Sri Lanka.

In 17 years of operation in Australia, Malabar Boatworks built several new yachts, including a 22 ft gaff rigged centreboard sloop; two traditional 26ft Australian Couta Boats; a L. Francis Herreshoff 36ft 'Neria' designed ketch; a custom light displacement 42ft motor launch; as well as doing countless restorations and repairs. For these projects various wooden boat construction techniques were used, from caravel planking copper riveted onto steam bent frames, to cold moulding using modern epoxy laminating systems.

After three years of developing a skilled workforce in Sri Lanka, Malabar Boatworks is now offering to build custom, classically designed yachts for the world market at a very competitive price. Look at what we have to offer. Please contact us and we can discuss any project that you might have in mind.