1988 Custom 36 Hawaiian Lightning Radon

36' Hawaiian Lightning Radon - USCG Inspected Passenger & Scuba Charter Vessel

Purpose-built for Hawaiian waters and proven in daily commercial service, M/V Kahanuola is a rugged 36' Hawaiian Lightning Radon that has spent her life doing exactly what she was designed for-safely and efficiently carrying passengers and scuba divers in open-ocean conditions.

USCG inspected and configured specifically for dive operations, Kahanuola offers a clean, open working deck with integrated tank racks, wide walkways, and durable non-skid surfaces throughout. The layout allows divers to gear up comfortably, move safely with fins on, and enter and exit the water with ease-making her equally well suited for commercial scuba, snorkel, research, or passenger charter operations.

Powered by twin Cummins diesel engines (310 HP each), this Radon delivers the reliability, range, and redundancy required for professional operators. The modified-V hull with hard chines and flared bow provides the stable, predictable ride Radons are known for-confidence-inspiring in everything from flat mornings to challenging channel crossings.

The vessel features a flybridge helm offering excellent visibility over passengers and divers, along with a shaded bimini for long days on the water. Below, the interior is intentionally utilitarian-optimized for gear storage rather than unnecessary accommodations-keeping maintenance straightforward and operations efficient.

As a USCG-documented and inspected passenger vessel, Kahanuola represents a rare opportunity to acquire a turnkey commercial platform with an established dive-centric configuration. For operators looking to expand or enter the Hawaiian charter market, or for a private owner wanting a true workboat-grade platform with commercial pedigree, this Radon stands apart from typical recreational conversions.

Highlights

• Proven Hawaiian Lightning Radon hull
• USCG inspected passenger vessel
• Purpose-built scuba & dive charter layout
• Twin Cummins diesel power
• Open working deck with tank racks & benches
• Flybridge helm with excellent visibility
• Simple, durable, commercial-grade systems
• Ideal for scuba, snorkel, passenger charter, or research use

A rare chance to own a real commercial Radon, not a recreational boat trying to play one.

Vessel Specifications - M/V Kahanuola

General

• Vessel Name: M/V Kahanuola
• Builder: Lightning Fiberglass Company (Hawaiian Lightning Radon)
• Model: 36' Lightning
• Year Built / Model Year: 1988
• Hull Material: Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP)
• Hull Type: Modified-V, planing mono-hull
• Hailing Port: Kona, Hawaii
• USCG Documentation #: 926918
• USCG Status: Passenger Vessel (Inspected / Subchapter T)

Dimensions & Capacities

• Length Overall (LOA): 36'0"
• Beam: 11'0"
• Depth: 5'0"
• Gross Tonnage: 13 GRT
• Net Tonnage: 10 NRT
• Fuel Capacity: 170 gallons (2 × 85 gal fiberglass saddle tanks)
• Fresh Water Capacity: 40 gallons (2 × 20 gal tanks)
• Holding Tank: 20 gallons

Hull & Deck

• Hull Construction: FRP modified-V with flared bow, hard chines, flat aft sections
• Deck Construction: Cored FRP with molded non-skid
• Hull Finish: Professional two-part polyurethane paint (white, red boot stripe, black bottom paint - painted 2020)
• Transom: Open transom with partial return gunwales
• Bilge: Deep bilge with integrated tankage and systems
• Bulkheads & Stringers: Wood reinforced, FRP bonded

Deck & Exterior Features

• Stainless steel bow rail and stanchions
• Stainless anchor roller with Samson post bitt
• Bruce / Claw anchor
• Approx. 100' of 5/8" nylon rode
• Approx. 10' Grade 43 galvanized chain
• Six (6) stainless steel cleats
• Four (4) deck scuppers
• Two (2) flush FRP deck hatches
• Sliding Lexan companionway door
• Emergency escape window from cabin
• Flybridge with bimini top (folding)

Layout & Interior

• Configuration: Commercial dive / passenger layout
• Deck Layout: Open working deck with tank racks and side benches
• Seating: Side benches port & starboard with storage cubbies
• Head: Removed (converted to storage)
• Cabin: Forward storage compartment
• Flybridge: Helm station with pedestal helm chair

Engines & Propulsion

• Engines: Twin Cummins diesel
• Configuration: Inline-6, 4-cycle, turbocharged & intercooled
• Horsepower: 310 HP each (620 HP total)
• Engine Hours: ~1,063 hours (at time of survey)
• Cooling: Freshwater-cooled with raw water exhaust
• Controls: Morse mechanical
• Ventilation: Dual hull side engine air intakes

Transmission & Running Gear

• Transmissions: ZF Marine, 2-speed power-shift
• Drive Type: In-line shaft
• Shafts: 1-1/4" Nibral shafts with shaft saver
• Props: Twin 4-blade Michigan propellers
• Rudders: Twin bronze rudders (12" × 18") with stainless posts
• Struts: Bronze with cutlass bearings
• Steering: SeaStar hydraulic (single station)

Electrical

• System Voltage: 12V DC
• Batteries: (2) AC Delco 8D batteries
• Battery Banks: Two banks (start/house paralleled)
• Battery Switches: Marinco rotary selectors
• Charging: Engine alternators
• Electrical Panel: 6-position DC panel with analog voltmeter

Electronics & Navigation

• GPS / Chartplotter: Garmin GPSMAP 547
• Compass: Ritchie Powerdamp Plus 4"
• VHF: Cobra MRF57W Class-D
• Stereo: Sony head unit
• Navigation Lights: USCG compliant
• Specialty Lights: Restricted in Ability to Maneuver (RAM) light tree

Plumbing & Systems

• Fresh Water Pump: Shurflo 12V demand pump
• Fuel Filtration: Dual Racor filters with engine-mounted spin-ons
• Bilge Pumps: Four (4) total with high-water alarms
• Fire Suppression: Fireboy fixed engine-room system

Safety Equipment (USCG Inspected)

• USCG-approved life jackets (adult & child)
• Type IV throwable with light
• ACR self-deploying EPIRB
• Fire extinguishers (portable & fixed)
• High-water alarms
• First aid kit
• Air horn
• Day/night visual distress signals