The Origins
The history of the BWA brand has its roots in the late 1950s, a period that coincided with Italy’s economic growth and the development of the first inflatable boat companies.
The rigid keel is born
From the inflatable keel, the transition was quickly made to the first rigid keel models. The keel was a wooden backbone divided into two pieces, inserted between the bottom fabric and the flooring to form the hull of the inflatable boat.
The first RIBS
In the early 1980s, BWA began producing small inflatable boat models with a rigid fiberglass hull, precursors of modern RIBS (Rigid Inflatable Boats). This innovation marked the beginning of a new era for inflatable boats, which established themselves as a new type of boat, both in professional and recreational boating.
The origin of the BWA ranges
BWA launches a new series of commercial successes thanks to the development of specialized lines and innovative models that have set the course for the years to come.
The inflatable boat for the professional sectors
BWA, recognizing that the development of new RIBS would create new demands, decided to develop a range of professional inflatable boats. This was the first line specifically designed for heavy-duty and professional use, and since then, BWA inflatable boats have been supporting those who work at sea all over the world.
The 90s
In the 1990s, BWA introduced the pioneering and innovative "America" and "California" lines, inflatable boats specifically designed for vacations and family use, characterized by great habitability. For the first time, special attention was given to onboard comfort for all passengers.
Safe and high-performance hulls
The America and California lines were characterized by the same hulls used in the professional lines. and comfortable navigation, even in very challenging sea conditions. The BWA America and California lines have been the guide and reference for most of the recreational inflatable boats on the market today.
Style and personality
Today as yesterday, each BWA model is characterized by design elements that, combined with excellent technical specifications, achieve a perfectly balanced result.
Constant evolution
For more than 60 years, BWA's production has been characterized by constant evolution, always attentive to the needs of the market, boat owners, and sea enthusiasts.
Development over time
The new and current BWA GT, GTO, Premium, and Pro lines are the result of the experience, technique, and dedication of those who have participated with tenacity and passion in writing the history of the Italian inflatable boat.
Tradition and work are the company heritage.
Each BWA inflatable boat is the expression of Italian tradition and work. From the founder to the present day, BWA has distinguished itself through seriousness, hard work, and a love for the craft. The company culture, built on craftsmanship, experience, and passion, has allowed for the creation of boats that maintain their value over time.
Technique and listening
In its long history, BWA has always paid special attention to construction techniques and the specific needs of those who live and work with the sea, characteristics that, over time, have made each of its projects recognizable and unique.
The values of the sea as a guide
At BWA, the value of tradition and nautical culture has been combined with love and respect for the sea. These values have always guided every single strategic decision over the years.
Creativity
Over time, as the RIB market grew, BWA developed innovative projects and products, anticipating the needs of recreational boaters and professional operators. The creativity of the BWA team, combined with passion and dedication, led to the creation of unique inflatable boats and components.
The result is a work of art
BWA has developed innovative solutions that have influenced the entire industry, thanks to its creativity and passion. With over 60 years of history, the company is now an icon of style, tradition, and reliability, The fusion of design, craftsmanship, and excellence transforms every BWA inflatable boat into a work of art.
Project that follow the heart
Working with passion means following the heart, and BWA has always done so. Over the years, the company has been involved in numerous projects, such as the one related to rafting, developing in the 1980s and 1990s descent models with self-bailing floors and inflatable boats specifically designed for this extreme sport.
The emotion of the competition
BWA competed in global high-speed racing with the best professional pilots, thanks to RIBs specifically designed for high-speed racing, creating one of the most prestigious track records in the industry.
Versatility by vocation
BWA has tackled the most extreme challenges with skill and versatility, sharing the passions of world champions in various disciplines such as freediving, sailing, speed racing, spearfishing, and exploration. Thanks to innovation and a desire to stand out, the company has developed tailor-made inflatable boat lines for various sectors, including professional use, rescue, patrolling, and offshore boating, offering a unique range of inflatable boats.
Always has been… always will be.
Always has been… always will be is not just BWA's motto, but a way of thinking and acting for everyone who has been part of its history. This guiding spirit is reflected in every stage, from design to construction. Over 15,000 BWA inflatable boats sailing the seas maintain their prestige and value over time, even after decades, as they are guaranteed for assistance, spare parts, documents, and certifications.
