1988 Custom 36 Hawaiian Lightning Radon

This 36-foot Hawaiian Lightning Radon is a fiberglass-hulled commercial dive and passenger vessel built in 1988 and purpose-designed for Hawaiian charter operations. Twin Cummins diesel engines—310 horsepower each—provide the reliability and redundancy expected in professional service, backed by twin bronze rudders, hydraulic steering, and a modified-V hull with hard chines and flared bow that delivers a stable ride in open-ocean conditions.

The deck is arranged as a working platform: an open layout with integrated scuba tank racks, side benches with storage, wide walkways, and durable non-skid surfaces throughout. A flybridge helm offers visibility over passengers and water, with a folding bimini for shade. Below, the interior prioritizes function over luxury—forward storage and a utilitarian cabin space optimized for gear rather than sleeping accommodations.

The boat carries a full suite of professional systems: dual fuel filtration with Racor filters, four bilge pumps with high-water alarms, a Fireboy engine-room fire suppression system, freshwater cooling on the engines, and dual-speed ZF power-shift transmissions. Electronics include a Garmin GPSMAP chartplotter, Ritchie compass, and Class-D VHF. USCG-documented and inspected as a passenger vessel, it meets all required safety standards with approved life jackets, an EPIRB, fixed and portable fire extinguishers, and visual distress signals.

The hull was repainted in 2020 with two-part polyurethane; engine hours at last survey were approximately 1,063. Fuel capacity is 170 gallons across two fiberglass saddle tanks. Built and operated as a commercial platform, not a recreational conversion, this Radon represents the design and systems expected in professional dive charter work.