Radon Original Logo

Radon Team Logo

Issue No. 20 Spring 2006

Editor: Linda Radon

 

President's Message

 

40 years and still going strong!

 

     2006 marks the 40th anniversary of Radon boats. 40 years ago I came home from junior high school to find my dad and a stack of plywood in our garage. My dad asked me if I wanted to help him build a boat and I said yes. He built the first one to use for abalone diving. After the boat was completed and we used it for a year, he decided to build another boat using the best qualities of the first boat. We built and sold our yearly boat and built a new, improved boat for several seasons. One year, approximately 5 years after building our first dive boat my dad sold his boat to another abalone diver at the end of season. This created a problem because yet another abalone diver wanted my dad’s boat also. So we built two boats, side by side, one for him and one for the second diver. Thus, the Radon boat story began.

     This year, in honor of my dad, we have built a new 26’ mold. It has the same basic bottom design of the classic 24’ Radons, but with a raised bow. I am very excited about this new model, which also has an 8’6” beam. Needless to say, I appreciate and am in awe of the foresight it took for my dad to see a need for our type of boat over 40 years ago.

Here’s to you, Dad.

D.R.

Ron Radon Sr.
Ron Radon Sr. with first Radon in 1966

New 26 x 8.6
Here is the first hull out of the new26’ x 8’6”  mold

26 x 8.5
Preliminary drawing of new 26’x8’6”

 

 

Featured Boat

Mimi

     This issue’s featured boat was built for Drew Aiello and his family. His boat is named after his wife, Mimi. When we started Drew’s boat he was Mr. Aiello, but he finished medical school while his boat was being built, so now he is Dr. Aiello!

 

Mimi
Drew’s 29’ Radon is powered with twin Yanmar 315 HP diesel engines.

Other features include an in-deck live well, built-in sea water head, jump seat with ice chest storage built under it, and outdoor shower.

 

Sea water head
Built in sea water head

 

Back of Cabin
Back of cabin with a shower on lower left side and EPIRB on right side

 

Privacy cubby
Privacy curtain in entry to cubby

Instrumentation
Full instrumentation

 

Twin Yanmars
Twin Yanmar 315 HP diesels

 

Seat with ice chest storage
Seat behind helm with ice chest storage underneath

 

Drawers under aft dinette seat
Drawers under aft dinette seat

Dinette table with chart of Channel Islands
Dinette table with chart of Channel Islands

 

At the Santa Barbara launching ramp on the first day out
At the Santa Barbara launching ramp on the first day out

 

Don & Drew on final delivery day
Don & Drew on final delivery day

 

Drew and his family have already taken a trip to Catalina…

 

Mimi in Avalon

These photos were taken in front of the “Tuna Club” in Avalon

Mimi in Avalon

 

Drew with a 30 pound white sea bass that he speared off of Santa Cruz Island
Drew with a 30 pound white sea bass that he speared off of Santa Cruz Island

 

 

Engine care, part one

Engine Care

     This is the first part in a series we are going to share with our readers to help their boat engine(s) have a longer, healthier life.

     It has been my experience over the past 40 years that the engines which were well taken care of  lasted the longest. Salt water, in any marine environment, can be damaging to your engine even if it does not come into direct with it.

Part 1 - Keeping your engine clean

1.       Thoroughly clean your engine after every use. A greasy engine can be a fire hazard.

2.       Rust can destroy the engine eventually, in addition to making it difficult to remove bolts and accessories without damaging the engine. To prevent rust, always rinse any salt water off of your engine with fresh water, being careful not to get water on any non-sealed electrical connects.

3.       Then, spray the engine with WD-40 or a good rust preventative and wipe it clean. Any chipped paint should be touched up.

4.       Always, always, always, clean out any water, liquids or unnecessary objects (like tools or rags) in your bilge.

 

Shop TipShop Tip

Around our shop, we often get miniscule splinters in our fingers which we cannot seem to get out easily. When this happens, there is a potentially easy way to fix it. You can take a piece of duct tape, apply it to the affected area and push it down. Remove the tape and voila, most of the time the splinter comes out with it. Of course, you should check with your doctor if it doesn’t come out and/or becomes red and sore.

 

Photos from our customers

Maui tuna hunters!

Chris Egan
Chris Egan...

 

Johnny
Johnny…

 

Mike
and Mike

 

Bull Mahi!
And a bull mahi!


 

These photos were sent to us from Tyler and Lance, who own a 18’ Radoncraft. 
Here is what they said about their boat:

“Hi,

Just bought this boat and we can’t get off the thing. Our wives are starting to get jealous. It is an ‘88 with a 150 Honda 4 stroke out board. Runs like a dream. Looking forward to many good trips. Thanks for building such great boats. Radon's are the only boat I would trust to get me back to my family safely.”

Tyler

18’ Radoncraft

18’ Radoncraft

 

Pillar Point harbor 32’ Radon Patrol boat

 Both of these following e-mails were sent to us by Mike Bushnell, Deputy Harbormaster, Pillar Point Harbor

”Good Morning. I just wanted to send a picture of our Radon Patrol Boat at the 2005-06 Mavericks Surf Contest. This Radon has been in service since the late 70's and is worth its weight in gold. Great work platform that has saved numerous lives and millions of dollars in property. Thanks!”

Pillar Point harbor 32' Radon Patrol Boat

 

“Good Morning. The following are a couple of pictures that were sent to us of our patrol vessel towing a sinking concrete fishing vessel. The f/v slammed against our jetty rocks in 60 knot winds and broke a large section of its hull apart. Once again the Radon worked like a champ. You can post these to
your website if you like .
Thank you.”

Towing 1

Towing 2

Towing 3

 

Tom Kendrick

Diver Tom Kendrick and son Donovan in 1987 – check out his vintage Radon t-shirt.
Donovan is in college now!
Tom is writing a book about the urchin diving business called Bluewater Gold Rush.
His web site is www.bluewatergoldrush.com

 

 

Photo archive

Photo Archive

 

Radon Sport 21’

Radon Sport 21’

The left photo is of Don testing the first Radon Sport 21’, which was the first boat we took to the 1986 Los Angeles Boat show. At right, Tony Abbott and Doug Meek take movies and still photos of the action.

Radon Team is finished for now! See you next time!

 Last Updated 5/19/13