Dghajsa owners are calling on the government to ensure the boat's survival.
The owners, who provide a ferry service across Grand Harbour, are concerned at the lack of space in the harbour and about the fact that boats are now being made of fibreglass.
Walter Ahar, secretary of the boatmen's co-operative, Koperattiva tal-Barklori, said there were about 30 dghajjes tal-pass left but a lack of adequate berthing space at Grand Harbour was making matters difficult for them.
"We have a mere three-metre space at the quay by the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa, which is far too small for the boats to load and unload passengers.
"Last Sunday, we had 50 people booked but it was practically impossible for the 11 boats to leave the quay from that spot. This is a regular day-to-day occurrence," he said.
"Another problem is that we are not allowed to land people on the pontoons, so if I have clients booked for the Casinò di Venezia, they would have to get off the boat a considerable distance from the casino," he said.
The boatmen are facing the same problems at the Valletta Waterfront, according to Mr Ahar.
"The only adequate berthing space we have is in Senglea and at the baggage room near the Customs House in Valletta.
"The only thing we need near the Customs House are some signs so that tourists would know where to catch the boats from," he said.
Regarding boats being made of fibreglass, Mr Ahar said: "We are not against progress, but one has to preserve tradition.
"Dghajjes tal-pass are made of ash, pine and green heart. The technique of boat building is part of our heritage and we should do our utmost to preserve it," Mr Ahar said.
"Were it not for the Regatta Committee which is training young people in rowing, barklori would be extinct.
"While most boats now have an outboard motor, one still needs to be able to row and learn how to make use of the wind and of swells because, if an outboard stalls, you would need to get ashore, anyway."
The 68-year-old said he wished to pass on his knowledge about boats to anyone who wanted to take it up.
"Our harbour is ideal for these boats. There is a lot to see and tourists feel really proud they are witnessing history while taking a boat that forms part of the history of these islands.
"One of my boats is 125 years old. It was refurbished and I keep it prim and proper, as I keep the other two.
"The other boat is 50 years old. The oldest, which was made 150 years ago, is found in Senglea," he said.