President's Message My passion for our business comes from many places, but first and foremost is my love of the ocean. Ocean water flows through my veins whether I am fishing, diving, surfing, or just hanging out in a cove at the Channel Islands. During those times, life just feels right for me. I recently read a quote that struck a chord in me. This quote has been attributed to Mark Twain - “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover”. The time I have spent on the ocean over the past 30 years has rarely disappointed me. There have been times when the fishing was slow, the water was dirty and rough, or the surf was flat. However, just the process of getting ready for an ocean adventure makes me happy. I go into freedom mode – planning, packing, and then finally on my way. At that point, I really feel lucky to have the opportunity to spend time on the ocean. From 8-5 our lives are filled with things we have to do. Being on the ocean is something we want to do, and it cannot be replicated. Go out and enjoy your life! Don Radon
Featured Boat26' Maui Fire/Rescue boat *based in Molokai
The Maui Fire Department recently took delivery of a new 26’ Radon. Their boat is powered by twin, 220 HP Yanmar diesels. The boat will be used for fire, patrol and rescue on the island of Molokai. Molokai is noted for having very rough seas similar to the Santa Barbara Channel Islands. Radons were developed to navigate the rough water of the Channel Islands, which is why they are such an appropriate boat for Hawaiian waters.
Don in a training session with the Molokai Fire Dept.
Above and below – the 2008 Maui Fire Dept. 26’ Radon and the new Molokai 26’ Radon
On the beach on Molokai after the sea trials were complete. Molokai is a beautiful island and the people there were very friendly.
At the Molokai airport . Thanks to James Toby King for the travel bag
Maui Fire Dept Capt. Eddie Taomoto standing above Kalaupapa
Eddie helped us with the boat project as well as providing us with many of the photos taken in Molokai.
Also, we want to give a big thanks to Deputy Fire Chief Robert Shimada and the entire staff at the Maui and Molokai Fire Departments for their continued belief in and support of Radon Boats.
Don and Bill Parsons in front of Bill’s 24’ Radon in the Lanai harbor
After we delivered the boat to Molokai,we had a great visit with Bill Parsons on Maui.
Bill took us on a wonderful day trip to Lanai on his boat. He also hosted some great dinners at his newly opened restaurant, Duke’s Beach House on Maui.
Rada-maran!
Don and Mike Armstrong get the prototype “Radamaran” out for a sea trial. The design is based on the “catamaran” design, coupled with the “Radon” hull
Tom Chung’s 29’ Radon gets an extended overhead
Tom’s boat was hauled out in Long Beach at the Cabrillo Boat Shop. Lynn’s Towing trailered it to our shop in Goleta
Our fiberglass crew built a new overhead extension and did a really great job on it!
Jeremy with the new stainless supports built by Dan Shannon Stainless
Project complete! In a slip at the Santa Barbara Harbor!
Tom made a few stops on the way back home
Catalina Island
17’ Radon restoration project
Don doing a drawing for the new owner, Rick Lowe
The 17’ before we de-rigged
The windshield is off!
Jeremy starting the overhead… The overhead is attached
Thanks to Rick for this project – we really enjoyed it
Father’s Day Fishing/Diving/Surfing trip
Matthew and Jeremy are ready to head out to the Islands
Whale sighting!
Matthew getting ready to dive
Don was one happy daddy!
Don surfs while Matthew dives
Ling cod!
Mr. Squid
Matthew fishing the bow
Cassie loves boating too!
Required snacks for a fishing trip Photos from family, customers & friends
Jeremy with his 47 pound halibut!!!!!!!!
From left to right, Jay Moris, John Metaxas, Steve Radon and Frank Foley. They are shown with a Yellowfin tuna caught in Northeast canyons,Sept 2007
As far as we know, Steve is not related to us, but we appreciate his photo!
Matthew with two big sheepshead he caught
Garth Tarlow with two awesome WSB on his 24’ Radon
Jim Short with his cutthroat trout
Above -Mark Herrin’s 24’ Radon at San Miguel Island, many years ago…
Family!
Our family – Don, Linda, Jeremy, Kate, Sarah, Josh & PJ
PJ and Linda hanging out at West Marine
Josh & PJ – a favorite photo
Don and PJ in the Santa Barbara harbor (with the SB Harbor boat behind them)
This is what hangs on our coat rack!
Lunch at the Nugget in Goleta -from left, Don, Linda, Jeremy, Matthew, Chepe and Jose
Thanks to Bev Morgan for these photos!
Advance - a 22’ x 8’ Radon, early ‘70’s
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