In This Section
- Summer 2015
- Summer/Fall 2014
- Summer 2012
- Summer 2011
- Winter/Spring 2011
- Winter/Spring 2010
- Fall 2009
- Spring 2009
- Spring/Summer 2008
- Winter 2008
- Summer 2007
- Spring 2007
- Winter 2007
- Fall 2006
- Spring 2006
- Winter 2006
- Spring 2005
- Winter 2004
- Fall 2004
- Summer 2004
- Spring 2004
- Winter 2004
- Fall 2003
- Summer 2003
- Spring 2003-3
- Spring 2003-2
- Spring 2003-1
- Winter 2003
- Winter 2002
- Fall 2002-2
- Fall 2002-1
- Summer 2002
- Spring 2002-2
- Spring 2002-1
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.
Featured Boat 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!
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.
Drew and his family have already taken a trip to Catalina…
These photos were taken in front of the “Tuna Club” in Avalon
Engine care, part one 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 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!
These photos were sent to us from Tyler and Lance, who own a 18’ Radoncraft. “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
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!”
“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
Diver Tom Kendrick and son Donovan in 1987 – check out his vintage Radon t-shirt.
Photo archive
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! |