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| Issue No. 29, Q1-Q2 2010 |
Compiled & edited by Linda Radon
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President's Message
Summer 2010 
I love this time of year – when fishing, boating, diving, camping, surfing and cook outs are all in full force.
I hope this is a great summer for everyone!
Don Radon
Featured Boat
The Grey Ghost – Cliff Leach’s 1973, 24’ Radon restoration
We are very happy to showcase Cliff Leach’s 1973, 24’ Radon as one of our featured boats this month.
Above – our crew on the way to the Channel Islands on the Grey Ghost
Although the Grey Ghost is not a new boat, Cliff had us completely restore it from the hull up, so it is like new. This was a labor of love for all involved, starting with Cliff. He wanted his 1973 24’ Radon to be preserved and re-built as close to its original state as possible.
Cliff’s boat before we started working on it.
We basically started by stripping it down to a bare hull. Then the re-building process began.
We raised the bow and extended the boat 3’
Here is the new cabin under construction…
The gelcoating is completed
The rigging has begun!
Jeremy cuts the outdrive opening
The teak swim step, teak door track and custom teak transom rails are on
Cliff and Don alongside their finished project
Launching day!
Cliff inspects the engine while Jeremy starts it up and Matthew grabs the line
Splash!
After his boat was completed, Cliff was generous enough to take our whole crew on a fishing trip to the Channel Islands. We brought Bill Parson’s boat along to accompany Cliff’s boat.
David holds up a sand dab he caught
Matthew is always happy when he is fishing!
Chepe enjoys the ride
Manolito has a quiet fishing moment
Jeremy, Frank and Jose on Cliff’s boat.
A mess ‘o rock fish
The Grey Ghost in front of Painted Cave on Santa Cruz Island
Back at the launching ramp – Cliff’s dad Al and Jeremy
Cliff and his brother Adam are all smiles
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Cliff for his amazing ability to envision the Grey Ghost in it’s restored state, as well as his patience.
Our working relationship with Cliff was very mellow and we worked on his boat when he wanted us to, at his pace. It was totally a great deal for all of us.
Our crew did an amazing job on Cliff’s boat, and also learned a lot about what awesome things could be done with someone’s beloved 1973’ Radon hull.
Happy fishing & boating, Cliff and family!
Don goes to the CBSOA symposium!
The California Boating Safety Officer’s Association held their annual symposium in Santa Barbara this year, and invited us to put up a display. Jeremy came too! The second day of the symposium was the “in the water” day for the vendors. We didn’t have a boat to demo, but the Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol has two of our boats.
Right in the middle of the boat demos, the Harbor Patrol got a distress call from a man who capsized about two miles offshore. They took the 20’ Radon patrol boat and rescued him. Talk about good timing for both the victim and for showcasing our boats!
Engine care, part seven:
Closed marine cooling systems, a.k.a fresh water cooling
Marine fresh water cooling systems are similar to the cooling system in an automobile, but instead of a radiator to remove the heat generated by the engine, a heat exchanger is used. The heat exchanger uses the ocean water to cool it. This keeps the ocean water from running through the block.
Running coolant through the block rather than saltwater helps reduce corrosion. This system also allows the engine to run at a slightly higher temperature which also makes it easier to regulate emissions.
Closed cooling is not without its down side – there is the added cost, maintenance and a more complicated system which can lead to problems.
Closed cooling may or may not be the best solution for your boat depending on where you do your boating, how many hours you use it, and if you are able to flush the salt water out of the engine after use.
Make sure to do your homework before you decide to add fresh water cooling to your engine.
Jose turns 30!!!!!!!
Our long-time employee, Jose Lopez, turned the big 3-0 in April! Happy Birthday, Jose! Jose has worked for us since he was 20 years old!
Our Granddaughter turns 1 year old!
PJ and her birthday cake!
Yum!
Photos from customers and friends
The above photos are courtesy of Jason Schmitt, who lives in an area where abalone diving is still allowed. The photos were taken by Jason’s buddy Adrian Zamora; the ab Jason is collecting measured 9 1/4 inches. They were diving a spot called Dark Gulch north of Albion River.
Tony Hotchkiss’ 22’ Radon accompanying paddlers during the 2009 Catalina Classic Paddleboard race, Catalina island to Manhattan Beach pier, 32 miles.
The photo above was taken by Matt Moore, surfboard maker extraordinaire, while he was vacationing on the Island of Oahu. It shows the Honolulu Fire boat we built it 2000.
Mark Dexter with his daughter, Audrey Marie, on the his newly purchased, used 24’ Radon, the Audrey Marie II.
Here is the Audrey Marie II after Marc re-painted it.
Great job Marc!
Sam, Chloe and Oaklon Kendall vacationing in Hana, Hawaii
 Photo archives
Don shakes hands with Ernie Brooks of Brook’s Institute of Photography, aboard Brook’s new 26’ Radon on launching day – mid ‘80’s. Stern’s Wharf is in the background
Early ‘80’s – a brand new 26’ x 8’ during sea trails
Loren Bracci’s 27’ x 9’ – built in the mid ‘80’s
This is a 25’ we built for Dan Nieman in 1990. We trailered it all the way to British Columbia for the delivery! We had Josh, Kate and our dog Foxie along! It was a great trip! Josh’s favorite part – salmon fishing with Dan
Early ‘70’s – a wooden 36’ Radon under construction at the Santa Barbara Street boat yard
Radon Team is finished for now! See you next time!
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