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Dynafoil, Inc. Headquarters
Photo Courtesy of my friend Rick Anderson Nov. 28,2004

30 Years ago in Newport Beach, California, personal watercraft history was being made in this unassuming industrial building at 881 West 16th Street. 

I'm researching Dynafoil, Inc.'s history and will develope this page further as I gather information.
 
If you have any information, used to work for Dynafoil, or know someone who did, please email me at: austinado16   at   cs  dot  com  I'd like to have an accurate accounting of the company's and the Dynafoil's history.
 
Meet Dynafoil inventor, Mr. David J. Cline:

Dynafoil Inventor
David J. Cline

Mr. Cline invented the Dynafoil back in the early 1970's and his company, Dynafoil, Inc. built and sold just over 500 watercraft between 1974 and 1981.  Currently, the highest production number Dynafoil that I have a record of is boat #527 owned by Scott Smith in Miami, FL.  The latest documented bill of sale that I have is from July 17, 1981.
 
Following the end of Dynafoil production, Mr. Cline founded the very successful Balboa Instruments, Inc. (www.balboa-instruments.com) in Tustin, CA where he is still the President and CEO.  Balboa Instruments is a world leader in the developement of electronic controls for the portable spa industry among other devices.
 
Mr. Cline still lives in southern California and has had a very successful career. Here are just a few of the highlights:
 
  • He graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a B.S. degree in Chemistry.
  • In 1972 he founded Dynafoil, Inc.
  • In 1977 he founded Hydrocraft, Inc.
  • In 1979 he founded Balboa Instruments, Inc.
  • In 1996 he founded Fluid Research, Inc.
  • In 1997, he and his staff created a program for local Newport Beach/Costa Mesa, CA high school students called "Partnering Education and Community" and is designed to teach students to stay in school and continue on with a college education.
  • In 1998, he was named City of Costa Mesa "Small Business Person of the Year."
  • In 1998, he received the "Silver Anchor" award for excellence in community service from the City of Newport Beach, CA.
  • In 1999, he received the "Ethics in America" award.  
  • In 2000 he founded Virtual Transaction Technologies, Inc.
  • He is the inventor or co-inventor for 16 different US Patents. 
  • In 2000, he was awarded first place as the "National Small Business Administration's Business Person of the Year."
  • In 2000, he was awarded the National Spa and Pool Institute's "Eagle Award" for his outstanding contributions to that industry.
  • In 2001, he was named "Distinguished Alumnus" by Cal State Fullerton. 
  • In 2002, he was awarded "Orange Coast College's Outstanding Citizen of the Year."
The Manufacturing Process:

The Dynafoil Assembly Line
Test rider Mike Reuse lowers a finished boat onto a dolly

Above is a photo from back in the day showing Mike Reuse lowing a finished Dynafoil onto a rolling cart.  It looks like Jerry English there in the middle.  Note the pre-assembled rear struts sitting in plywood holders along the wall on the right rear of the shop.
 
I'm still learning more about the production process that went into the building of the Dynafoils.  Here's what I've learned so far:
  • The fiberglass Hulls were made by a southern California Spa (hot tub) manufacturer.
  • Some of the parts were made by "Acme Screw Products" at 7950 S. Alemeda, Huntington Park, California
  • It took roughly 2.8 days to build one boat by hand.
  • By approximately 1976/77 the company was offering the Dynafoil for sale as a kit that you could build yourself in order to save some money (They were $2,450.00-$3,500.00 depending on where you bought them).  The company literature from this time period states that it would take the buyer about 30hrs to assemble.  The "kit" came with the hull assembled, both struts assembled, and the engine completely assembled.  As part of the assembly process, the buyer/builder would have to have certain parts either painted or anadized (I'm assuming this means the handle bars and the metal plates that cover the lock mechanism at the lower keel area. 
  • Only about 80-90 boats were built per year, if not less.  For example #306 was built in March 1977 and #380 was built in March 1978.
The Patent Documents:
 
Special thanks goes to Larry Bigay of Littleton, CO for doing the research, locating these and then sending them to me.  They are indeed a real treasure!
 
 
This is only the first 3 of the whole 8 page set.  The remainder contain technical description after technical description.
 
 
1980 TV Show Debut:

1980 debut on national TV "The Price is Right"
Click for large view!
Featured in "Barker's Bargain Bar" very first episode

In 1980 the Dynafoil made it's national television debut on Bob Barker's daytime game show, "The Price Is Right."
 
A Dynafoil was part of a bidding showcase on an episode that aired which also debuted a new game called "Barker's Bargain Bar."  Contestant Jerry Haywood was called down to compete by announcer Johnny Olsen. 
 
The seventh contestant to be called during that show, Jerry Haywood became the first contestant ever to play "Barker's Bargain Bar." 
 
After outguessing 3 other contestants on the price of a $509 Diversified Product (DP) Home Gym, Jerry goes on to play, "Barker's Bargain Bar" showcasing a  $1875 Hot Dog Cart and a $2270 "Dynafoil Cycle Boat."  Jerry is asked which of the products have the most discounted displayed prices, making them the better deal.  In other words, which product's actual price is the highest of the 2, compared to their displayed prices.  He  wisely chooses the Dynafoil, and wins both the Hot Dog Cart, and the Dynafoil!
 
I now have a DVD copy of this show, thanks to Jaimal Ware who made the copy and Marc Green who runs the Golden-Road.net website for all The Price is Right fans!
 
Since "The Price Is Right" was just an advertising medium, wouldn't it be funny if Jerry Haywood was really just a Dynafoil employee and this was all just a gig to get Dynafoil some better national exposure?
 
Stay tuned!

Original Bill of Sale from 1976:
 
Special thanks goes to Josh Jensen of Cincinatti, OH for sendng me a photo of this original bill of sale for a Dynafoil and single place trailer.  Very cool!