Family Traditions Second Chances

Following in the footsteps of my father, this boat was built as a tribute to my father who has inspired my life in many ways and a way of life in Florida many of us love and are very passionate about.

- Article and photos by Jon Clendenin II

The swamp will never be the same without you, but the memories of you will last a life time. RIP - Jon Clendenin: 12/20/56 03/10/17.

I got my start into airboating at a young age, I was blessed to have my first personal airboat at 10 old. It was a 10-ft Peanut Gore hull with a VW 1600 engine and a solid aluminum prop.

During this time, my father had a blue deckover that his brother Lewis built that was powered by an O-470 Continental (this boat was originally known as “Brick House” because of the way the grip tape was laid out on the deck). The only two things left from that boat over 30 years ago is the engine and the back seat cushion.

I salvaged the best parts, including the rudders, instrument panel and gas pedal off my dad's last boat to save them from being scrapped.