Johnson Outboards

[witzgall]

In my search for a 15hp 2 stroke, I have run across a few Johnsons branded for sale. I know they are no longer made, but part seem to be available? Any reason to steer clear?

Chris

[perchance]

No reason that I can think of. Parts are readily available through many sources in the US and Canada.

[Chief Engineer]

I just bought a boat with a 40HP Johnson...parts all all over

[capngeo]

I just rebuilt a '94... parts were easy to find

[fstbttms]

My mechanic says that the mid-90's Johnson 15 h.p. 2-stroke is the best outboard engine ever produced. I love mine.

[avb3]

I thought that the Johnson's and Evinrude's were as similar as 12 and a dozen?

[GordMay]

In March of 2001 the outboard assets of OMC, namely Johnson and Evinrude, were sold to Bombardier of Canada. Bombardier also manufacturers Sea Doo watercraft, Lear jets, locomotives, and recreational vehicles.

From Bombardier Recreational Products, regarding Johnson Outboards:
“Johnson is a part of BRP's* heritage and many Johnson engines are still on the water. BRP will continue to manufacture Johnson parts and offer service for Johnson parts for existing engines. Distributors and dealers in all markets will continue to have access to spare parts to support continued enjoyment of Johnson powered boats. We are contemplating the various options that exist to perpetuate the Johnson brand and will share further information as it is readily available.”

* Bombardier Recreational Products
➥ BRP - Johnson

Johnson/Evinrude Parts Catalogues ➥ http://shop2.evinrude.com/Index.aspx..._id=5&siteid=1

[Tranquilo]

I grew up and always had OMC outboards until they went Bombardier. After my first Bombardier (paint peeling off in the first week) I switched to Yamaha's.

[easterly38]

I have a 1977 Johnson 15 and it still runs perfectly. Parts are readily available because there are so many out there. The 15 Johnson is one of the best all-around motors ever made in my book.

In contrast, I also have a 9.9 Mercury 4 stroke with electric start that I got about five years ago that cost over $2,000. It has spent more time in the shop than in the water, and I am not kidding. Bad linkage in the throttle, oil leaks, you name it. To be fair, when the Mercury runs, it runs good and is very quiet, but I still would never recommend buying one.

Also, if I remember correctly, the 9.9 Johnson is the same motor as the 15. The only difference being the carb. So, if you run across a good deal on a 9.9 with a bad carb, that might be an option for you. Check with your mechanic on this, don't take my word for it because I was wrong once.

[Cormorant]

For details on how to keep those older OMC's running forever, read Max Wawrzyniak's "Cheap Outboards."