1972 18 Evinrude Radon - Unusual Boat

[Blue_Runner]

I like unusual boats. This one fits the bill:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/18-Evinrude-Radon-Sport-Fisherman-Fishing-Boat-Cuddy-CA_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ63726QQitemZ46105673 34QQrdZ1
http://smithgraphic.com/files/ebay/radon/a.jpg

[chumbucket]

I'd say that was built on a 19'-6"/20' Aquasport. Very low transom cutout. Not good in following seas. Don't ask me how I know. :o Probably the shortest time frame I've owned a boat. ::)

[Stinky_Hooker]

I REALLY want to build a V20 that way!!! :o


If SOMEONE would tell me how to spray gel coat..maybe, just maybe!! ::)

[Blue_Runner]

Not good in following seas. Don't ask me how I know.

Ok CB, you threw it out there, now fess up *;D

BTW, low transoms are excellent in a following sea....if artificial reef-building is your goal *:o

...and YES I WANT A PILOTHOUSE ON MY V21 TOO STINKY!

[mmiklosz]

Looks top heavy.

[ericbh1]

Aww come on boys, I've had the aquasport 20 footer with a lower transom than that for 8 or 9 seasons. Granted, I've only got a 100 on the back, but the only time it's taken anything over the transom is backing into 2 footers with two guys standing in the stern. I think either we had entirely different hulls with different weights, or you're not being fair to her.

I know you're just kiddin around, but the artificial reef accusation isn't fair becuase the hull has a gigantic air bubble between deck and bottom, so she's not going to sink if you take one over the back. Self bailing. Although come to think of it, I've lost a fender out the back once.

[Blue_Runner]

Eric, until I got my V-21 I had a 17fter with a low transom. *Never had a drop come over and went out in some pretty good chop (not intentionally 8)). *Now, my V-21 has a 25" transom but has a splashwell with a piece of starboard guarding the cockpit.

I have to say I disagree with you on the air bubble concept.

Put several hundred gallons on the deck at 8.33 lbs per gallon and it don't matter if you've got self bailing holes the size of bowling balls. *That air pocket you are talking about will end up on top and the boat will roll. *Its the weeble effect. *The heaviest part ends up on the bottom. *Almost every capsized boat you see due to rough water is upside down still floating. *That's because she rolled over due to the weight on the deck and heavy power head above the center line. *The lighter part (gigantic air bubble) wants to be on top.

Bottom line is the full transom boats are safer. *They will keep more water out.

Does a full transom guarantee anything? *Absolutely not - go check out the COMBAT striper fishing post I made today in the fishing section. *Which brings me to my next point - if you get out in that $hit it ain't gonna matter if you have a full transom, double transom, self-bailer, 100,000gph bilge pump - if you are in a small boat and get hit by a roller like that you are history!

Low transoms are ok, you just have to be slightly more careful than if a you have a full transom IMO.

[chumbucket]

Well, I disagree on the air bubble concept as well. I found that 20' Aquasport an okay ride, extremely wet, slow to drain for a self bailer. The very low transom cutout used to take waves over the transom when at anchor let alone a following sea. I used to keep a slip and mooring on a notoriously dangerous river given the right conditions (east wind with outgoing tide or after a storm) and claims at least one life per year. I took a couple waves over the transom entering the inlet on separate occasions. The water was very slow to drain, and I felt very uncomfortable (not confident) with the design of the boat given those circumstances. Probably a fine bay boat, but I felt like I was taking unnecessary risks. I still use that river a lot as there is a nice ramp there and the Striper fishing is excellent in that area as well. I feel much safer in my tin boat than I did in that Aquasport. Mine had a 120 Evinrude hanging off the transom. I bought the V20 right after unloading the Aquasport.
I can say with with almost 100% certainty that this boat in the ad is a 20' Aquasport (or whatever they want to call it) and not an 18'. I could be wrong, but I don't think so.

[ericbh1]

I agree with you guys 100%, I wasn't thinking about a deckload of water. I hadn't considered the bubble concept to work that way before, I'm glad you guys pointed it out.

If I'm ever in a situation (knock on wood) to fill it up with a deckload of water, the danger will have nothing to do with hull design, and everything to do with my stupidity.

That being said, the boat has kept me from swimming many times when I deserved to, and I'm firmly of the school that the operator dictates the safety of the hull design.

I've had that hull out in stupid situations, no question, stupid choices, but it has always responded predictably and kept my feet dry at the very least. All bets are off for the top half.

[chumbucket]

That being said, the boat has kept me from swimming many times when I deserved to, and I'm firmly of the school that the operator dictates the safety of the hull design.
Well, once again, we disagree. I consider myself a fairly decent boat handler and I'm sure you are as well, so it's all a matter of personal perception. I was way more confident in some other hulls that I've owned or navigated in similar or worse situations. I'm not saying it is a bad hull design. Just not one I would consider again. Then again, for the right price I might consider modifying a project.???

;D 8)

[ericbh1]

You make good points, there's a time and place for every hull.

[reelapeelin]

There is such a thing as OVERWEIGHTING a hull and puttin' too much weight towards the bow...you'd NEED a pilot-house on that cause it's gonna plow like a mule...probably why he's sellin' it...realized how bad he messed up!!