Speedboat Magazine mourns the passing of Nick Barron, who lost his battle with cancer in early March. Nick produced Hallett Boats for more than half a century.

The Hallett story begins with flatbottom builder and fiberglass pioneer Rich Hallett and his fast 18-footer. The boat lit up marathon and drag courses everywhere in the West. Nick Barron and his family took Hallett to the next level, using his first basic design as a springboard to one of the most impressive lines of recreational performance boats ever created. Nick emphasized quality and every turn in the production of upscale family lake and saltwater boats.

Nick changed ski racing forever with Hallett’s 21’ V-drive. He was one of the earliest of the West Coast contingent to seize the potential of bigger, faster cruisers, where they continue to push the envelope. 
In recent years, the company has been run by Nick’s son Jerry Barron. In January, Hallett moved its factory headquarters from Irwindale, CA, to 180 S. Irwindale Ave., Azusa, CA.
 Nick Barron was 84.

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