Before the Spaniards arrived in Pampanga, the Kapampangans were experts in constructing sailboats. These were made using hardwood, such as apitong and baticuling, for dwelling, fishing and trading. Moreover, the caracoa, owned by the chieftains, were war boats which predominantly carried warriors. These boats were light and crescent-shaped. Due to these features, boats were known to be swift and easy , especially on the cunning waves of the old Pampanga River.

Bayu lapa dinatang reng Kastila king Pampanga, areng Kapampangan metung la kareng eksperto king pamangawang barko. Gamit la king matibe a dutung, anti mo ing apitong at baticuling, para king pamag-turung, pamag-huli, at pamag-pamasahe. Aliwa pa, ing caracoa, a atin karapatan ning mga datu, metung yang barko pang-giyera a karaniwang magdala kareng mandirigma. Malutong la at buwan ning porma. Dakal a panggamit ning dagul a tamung almanac na ning pilan ning lumang Ilog Pampanga.