Home Tournaments Calendar Weather Merchandise Sponsors

Go Back   Spearboard.com - The World's Largest Spearfishing Diving Boating Social Media Forum > United States Geographical Locations > California Spearfishing

California Spearfishing Talk here about spearfishing on California's Pacific Coast, and post those reports and photos!

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rating: Thread Rating: 438 votes, 4.99 average. Display Modes
Old 07-20-2011, 04:40 PM   #31
sbsurfer
Registered User
 
sbsurfer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: 805
Posts: 421
Re: California Dive Boats -- the legend of Radon (pictures)

Great writeup Lance!

Radon Boats are hands down one of the finest for our local conditions in the SB Channel (and Hawaii too). Andersons and Wilsons are damn nice rides too. I don't fish or dive but i have been surfing the Islands and Ranch for many years now and after enough white knuckle rides home in deep V boats i knew it was time to upgrade to a modified V Radon. The real nice Radons were way outta my price range so the first one i bought was an old urchin dive boat, ran solid and was extremely stable. The boat i really wanted was a 20 ft Radon that sat in the harbor but was well outta my price range. Finally last year the owner and i struck up a deal and i sold the 24 Radon and bought the 20 fter, which had more creature comforts (like seats). Turns out the boat i bought is Don Radon's old surf boat....STOKED!!! Don and Linda are super nice people and after talking to Don it turns out my 20 is the boat he used to make the mold for the new 22's...he just raised the sides a bit. It's cool to own a neat little piece of Radon history.

These boats ride so well in the rough stuff, even my little 20fter, it's unbelievable. In boats i have owned of similar size where i would throttle down to 12 kts i can keep charging at 22 kts in the Radon. Plus these boats are constructed so well they are as bulletproof as a boat can get. And it's stories like the one Bob Ballew shared about his 24 in super gnarly conditions that are a testament to these boats seaworthiness.

here's a few shots of my Radon surf sled Caitlin:

Anchored at Scorpion



At the Radon yard



Quote:
Originally Posted by CitoRat4Ever View Post
A funny side note, the pride of ownership of people that have Radons (or Andersons or Wilsons)is always present. They seem to know everyone else who has one. I can't tell you how many times I have had people come up to talk about my boat (an Anderson) for no other reason than they also have one. A special local community for sure.
Very true. It's definitely a cool community to be part of. Whether its a 17ft Anderson Greenough (like CitoRat's), a 22ft Wilson or a really nice 26ft Radon like Lance's there is a real appreciation and respect amongst the owners of these boats.

BTW, right now Don and Linda are out of T-Shirts but they will be ordering more soon so give them a call and get one on order...they seem to go pretty quick.


Dolphins like Radon's too:

SB Channel Crossing with Dolphin Friends - YouTube


Here's a little vid of when i was in the process of buying the boat (i probably watched this video 10 times a night til i bought the boat):

Radon 20 - YouTube

Last edited by sbsurfer; 07-21-2011 at 07:30 PM.
sbsurfer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2011, 08:01 PM   #32
Spineshot
Registered User
 
Spineshot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Camarillo, CA
Posts: 180
Re: California Dive Boats -- the legend of Radon (pictures)

Bob, it might be interesting to compare weight. My 26' Radon is 11,000 with gas, water, ice, dive gear, and the trailer (weighed it at a truck stop once). That puts the dry weight at about 6,500 lbs. So I estimate the boat sits in the water averaging 8,500 - 9,000 lbs (with fuel, water, ice, gear, people, etc).
__________________
Lance Merker
Camarillo, CA
Spineshot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2011, 08:22 PM   #33
filletofish
thats fillet 'o' fish
 
filletofish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Nebraska by way of San Diego
Age: 39
Posts: 1,086
Re: California Dive Boats -- the legend of Radon (pictures)

WTF. Now I just gotta win the lotto! What a beautiful boat!
__________________
david
any beach! anytime!
as long as the wife and 2yr old says its ok
filletofish is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2011, 09:46 PM   #34
CaptainLeo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: O'side, CA
Posts: 3,149
Re: California Dive Boats -- the legend of Radon (pictures)

That's such a nice boat! Mine is the illegitimate bastard step-brother of the Radon. It is the H&F Custom made up in Oregon from the Radon mold. I love it. When I first saw the Radons, I couldn't stand the way they looked, but I saw mine and started looking at them in a whole new light. I would love to have a real Radon, but I will settle with what I have for now.
__________________
Capt. Leo Duarte
www.Ariessportfishing.com
CaptainLeo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2011, 11:14 PM   #35
Sasha
Wong army Soja
 
Sasha's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ka Lae Hawaii
Posts: 210
Re: California Dive Boats -- the legend of Radon (pictures)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spineshot View Post
Adam, sorry for the confusion. The Radon hull design is not based on a deep-v. It's a very different design that has been one of the keys to the Radon success. I'll go back and edit my post to make it more clear.
Here some classic photos of early Radon experimental hull designs. Lance, you might have seen these. 68' / 69' / and the other is a 74' And of course the seven WSB in one day of your old man.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	photo 3.JPG
Views:	1979
Size:	109.5 KB
ID:	155547   Click image for larger version

Name:	photo 2.JPG
Views:	1874
Size:	131.1 KB
ID:	155548   Click image for larger version

Name:	photo 4.JPG
Views:	1936
Size:	73.4 KB
ID:	155549   Click image for larger version

Name:	photo 5.JPG
Views:	1991
Size:	106.2 KB
ID:	155550   Click image for larger version

Name:	photo 1.JPG
Views:	2068
Size:	143.1 KB
ID:	155551  

__________________
http://www.pacificseasafaris.com
Big Island Overnight Spearfishing Charters

Wong Spearguns/Local made in Hawaii
http://www.dwong@wongguns.com
Del Pacificos dive group Est. 1969
http://www.delpac@delpacificos.com



Keep Country
Country
Sasha is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2011, 11:32 PM   #36
Scott Diego
Ocean Bound
 
Scott Diego's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: San Diego
Posts: 2,555
Re: California Dive Boats -- the legend of Radon (pictures)

This is an awesome thread. Thanks for posting.

As a Parker owner, I first thought my boat was a little utilitarian looking. Soon after I started to love the simple 'commercial boat' look/feel of it. Same thing with the Radon's.

I especially like the underwater hull cameras!
__________________
Scott

http://www.darnellcapital.com

"hasta la victoria siempre"
Scott Diego is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2011, 11:40 PM   #37
Sierra Bravo
I drive boats
 
Sierra Bravo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Santa Barbara/Vallejo
Age: 33
Posts: 624
Re: California Dive Boats -- the legend of Radon (pictures)

Growing up with Don as my uncle definitely had it's perks. We've had both a 26' and a 24' in the past and they were both awesome boats. Our machine shop does a bunch of work for their customers and I've had the chance to go out on countless different boats. Each boat has that Radon quality with cool personal touches. Can't wait till I can affoard my own.
__________________
Hendrix Manufacturing-Machining/Welding-(805) 967-3050
Sierra Bravo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2011, 12:06 AM   #38
Bob Ballew
Registered User
 
Bob Ballew's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Long Beach
Posts: 6,488
Re: California Dive Boats -- the legend of Radon (pictures)

Are Radons still being built?...seems all I see in Southern CA is Davis boats, based on the Radon design.....am seeing more and more Parkers around Long Beach since I bought mine..
Bob Ballew is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2011, 12:30 AM   #39
Spineshot
Registered User
 
Spineshot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Camarillo, CA
Posts: 180
Re: California Dive Boats -- the legend of Radon (pictures)

Sasha, those are some amazing photos! Where did you find them?

Yep, that last one I know well.
__________________
Lance Merker
Camarillo, CA
Spineshot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2011, 12:46 AM   #40
sbsurfer
Registered User
 
sbsurfer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: 805
Posts: 421
Re: California Dive Boats -- the legend of Radon (pictures)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Ballew View Post
Are Radons still being built?...seems all I see in Southern CA is Davis boats, based on the Radon design.....am seeing more and more Parkers around Long Beach since I bought mine..
Yes, Don is still building awemazing boats from their yard in Goleta.

Sasha...awesome pics man! very cool to see the different concepts of the hull design (almost as cool as your avatar photo, that is sick!)
sbsurfer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2011, 01:02 AM   #41
Sasha
Wong army Soja
 
Sasha's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ka Lae Hawaii
Posts: 210
Re: California Dive Boats -- the legend of Radon (pictures)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spineshot View Post
Sasha, those are some amazing photos! Where did you find them?

Yep, that last one I know well.
Over 15 years ago I worked in a dive shop in Cali, my boss was good friends with Scrap Lundy. He gave copies to my boss from the ab book he put out "The California Abalone Industry" I scanned em. Phenomonal photos in that book. I was stoked to get em to sign my copy. Has the photo of the first documented free diver's in Cali. Japanese guys. 1897 in traditional Isogi garb.

Your vessel is beautiful! All the bells and whistles! The cameras are mental!! Your kid should be so stoked to grow up on that Rolls.
__________________
http://www.pacificseasafaris.com
Big Island Overnight Spearfishing Charters

Wong Spearguns/Local made in Hawaii
http://www.dwong@wongguns.com
Del Pacificos dive group Est. 1969
http://www.delpac@delpacificos.com



Keep Country
Country

Last edited by Sasha; 07-21-2011 at 01:29 AM.
Sasha is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2011, 01:20 AM   #42
Sasha
Wong army Soja
 
Sasha's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ka Lae Hawaii
Posts: 210
Re: California Dive Boats -- the legend of Radon (pictures)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Ballew View Post
Are Radons still being built?...seems all I see in Southern CA is Davis boats, based on the Radon design.....am seeing more and more Parkers around Long Beach since I bought mine..
Along with Don still building boats out of Goleta, so are his brothers with the same traditional concepts. Ron Radon yard is up in Merytle Creek Oregon. And Mike Radon who's located in Aarapapa New Zealand. Don't know if Mike is still building. He runs an aquaculture farm for abs. Havnt spoken to him since Mickey Doyle passed. Last boat I know of by mike is a 32' that was up for sale in Ensenada in 08' for $150,000. Ron is still put em out.
__________________
http://www.pacificseasafaris.com
Big Island Overnight Spearfishing Charters

Wong Spearguns/Local made in Hawaii
http://www.dwong@wongguns.com
Del Pacificos dive group Est. 1969
http://www.delpac@delpacificos.com



Keep Country
Country
Sasha is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2011, 10:09 AM   #43
Spineshot
Registered User
 
Spineshot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Camarillo, CA
Posts: 180
Re: California Dive Boats -- the legend of Radon (pictures)

Sierra Bravo, you must be a Hendrix! You guys do awesome stainless work.

Here's a shot of the kelp knife you guys did for the leading edge of my Bravo III

__________________
Lance Merker
Camarillo, CA
Spineshot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2011, 10:24 AM   #44
kitespearo
KITESPEARO
 
kitespearo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Jupiter
Age: 44
Posts: 1,321
Send a message via MSN to kitespearo
Re: California Dive Boats -- the legend of Radon (pictures)

Awesome boat... i would even own this on South Florida...looks badass
kitespearo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2011, 12:47 PM   #45
deeperblue
Works too much :(
 
deeperblue's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 69
Re: California Dive Boats -- the legend of Radon (pictures)

Awesome thread!

I'm had my Radon for almost 10 years and just adjusted my life so I can start using it a WHOLE LOT MORE!

I just moved my house to CI harbor(boat is dry storage) and my biz to Ventura.
Before that it was a 60 mile drive for me to the boat just to realize I forgot some tools. Restoration is on like Donkey Kong now(well almost)!

I figured I was not getting any younger and it's time to do what I want.

Greatest feeling?

Taking my almost 70 yr old dad out diving.
That my friends is priceless to me.
I'm glad I'm doing it on a Radon!
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	meandpops.jpg
Views:	2810
Size:	140.2 KB
ID:	155565  
__________________
Hey guys. Woah, Big Gulps, huh? All right! Well, see ya later.
deeperblue is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:51 PM.


The World's Largest Spearfishing Diving Social Media Forum Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2002 - 2014 Spearboard.com