In the course of the industrial era the traditional skiff of Martinique, a typically local fishing boat, is changed into a spectacular sporting boat that ensures its historical continuity while redynamizing its use. A few hours away by boat the « sister-island », Guadeloupe, has difficulties in perpetuating the construction of its small boats. The authors of this anthropological study point out the divergent evolution of these two traditional changing activities. They describe the conversion of fishing boats into sporting boats as a « sportivization » process. This process confirms the preservation of tradition and contributes to patrimonialization.