Wiktor Wise
Johnson Outboards was an American manufacturer of outboard motors founded by brothers Louis, Harry, Julius, and Clarence Johnson. The company began building inboard 2-cycle marine engines in 1903 and by 1908, they were making V4, V6, V8, and V12 aircraft and marine engines. In 1922, they began designing and building Johnson Outboard Motors, a lightweight outboard made primarily of aluminum. Johnson Outboards revolutionized the American outboard motor, holding over two hundred patents. In 1930, Johnson VE50, a 26hp outboard motor, became one of the first electric-starting outboards, along with the OMC Speeditwin Electric. In later years, Johnson Outboards continued to innovate, introducing features such as recoil starters, removable motor cowls, and forward, neutral, and reverse gear shifts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First electric start outboard | 1930 OMC Speeditwin Electric, 22hp, Johnson VE50, 26hp |
| Johnson outboard model with electric start | Johnson Sea Horse model QD |
| Year Johnson Sea Horse model QD was produced | 1949 |
| Johnson outboard model with electric start | Johnson 25hp |
| Year Johnson 25hp was produced | 1971, 1972 |
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What You'll Learn
The Johnson VE50, 26hp, was the first electric outboard
Johnson Outboards was an American manufacturer of outboard motors founded by the Johnson brothers: Louis, Harry, Julius, and Clarence Johnson. The Johnson brothers' company, the Johnson Brothers Motor Company, was based in Terre Haute, Indiana, United States. They started building inboard 2-cycle marine engines in 1903 in a barn behind their house, along with matching boats. By 1908, they were making V4, V6, V8, and V12 aircraft and marine engines.
In 1922, the Johnson brothers designed and built Johnson Outboard Motors, a radical new, lightweight outboard made largely of aluminum. They pioneered the use of die-cast aluminum castings, which was unheard of in the outboard motor industry at the time. The Johnson VE50, a 26-horsepower outboard motor, was the first electric outboard, released in 1930. This was a significant innovation in the history of outboard motors, as it offered a more convenient and efficient starting mechanism compared to traditional pull-start engines.
The Johnson VE50's electric starting capability was a notable advancement, and it played a crucial role in shaping the future of outboard motor technology. This innovation set a new standard for convenience and ease of use, and it is still considered a fundamental feature in modern outboard motors. The introduction of electric starting paved the way for further advancements in outboard motor design, performance, and functionality.
The Johnson VE50's electric start was made possible by technological advancements of the time. The development of electric starting mechanisms revolutionized the outboard motor industry, as it provided a more reliable and user-friendly alternative to manual pull-starts. This innovation not only enhanced the overall user experience but also contributed to the improved safety and reliability of outboard motors.
The Johnson VE50, with its 26 horsepower capacity, offered a significant performance advantage over its predecessors. The electric start feature, coupled with the powerful engine, made the VE50 a versatile and capable outboard motor, suitable for a wide range of marine applications. This combination of electric starting and high horsepower set a new benchmark for outboard motor performance and functionality, influencing the design and development of subsequent generations of outboard motors.
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Johnson outboard motors were first produced in 1922
Johnson Outboards was an American manufacturer of outboard motors founded by the four brothers Louis, Harry, Julius, and Clarence Johnson. The original company that made Johnson inboard motors and outboard motors was the Johnson Brothers Motor Company of Terre Haute, Indiana, United States. They started building inboard 2-cycle marine engines in 1903 in a barn behind the house, along with matching boats. By 1908, they were making V4, V6, V8, and V12 aircraft and marine engines. In 1910, they built the first U.S. monoplane to exhibit their aircraft engines.
In 1912, their V-12 engine was making 180 hp, but disaster struck the factory in the form of torrential rain, flooding, and a direct hit from a tornado, which wiped out drawings, machinery, and everything else. The brothers relocated to South Bend, Indiana, and then Waukegan, Illinois. Starting in 1922, they designed and built Johnson Outboard Motors, a radical new, lightweight outboard made largely of aluminum.
In 1923, the Model 'J' was built, which was exactly half of the old Model 'A' motor wheel engine. This engine would eventually become the Utilimotor. In 1925, the P-30 was built, which was a race winner. By 1927, sales had exploded to the point that the South Bend plant could no longer accommodate the company, and a new factory was built in Waukegan, Illinois. By the mid-1920s, Johnson Outboards had surpassed Evinrude in sales and dominated the outboard racing scene.
In 1928, the Johnson Motor Company was the largest manufacturer of outboard motors in the world. They decided to start building their own boats and sell them as matched units with their motors. However, the Stock Market crash of the same year sent the world spinning into depression, and the Johnson Motor Company had to cut back on their operations. Despite these setbacks, the company continued to innovate and revolutionize the American outboard motor industry.
Today, Bombardier Recreational Products, a Canadian firm, owns the rights to Johnson Outboard Motors and provides support for existing motors through servicing and parts.
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The Johnson Sea Horse QD was released in 1949
The Johnson Sea Horse QD was a groundbreaking innovation in the outboard motor industry. It was produced by the Johnson Brothers Motor Company, who had already established themselves as pioneers in the field. The company's roots can be traced back to 1903 when the brothers started building inboard 2-cycle marine engines and matching boats in a barn in Terre Haute, Indiana. However, it was their entry into the outboard motor market in 1922 that truly set them apart.
The 1949 Johnson Sea Horse QD model played a pivotal role in the company's success and the advancement of outboard technology. This motor incorporated a host of features that were ahead of its time. It introduced a recoil starter, a removable motor cowl, and a forward, neutral, and reverse gear shift. Additionally, it boasted a remote fuel tank, a feature that enhanced convenience and efficiency for boat operators.
The significance of the Johnson Sea Horse QD extended beyond its technical specifications. Its release coincided with the postwar industrial boom, during which outboard motor production experienced a surge. This period witnessed a rapid evolution in outboard motors, with companies like Mercury, Mariner, Yamaha, Suzuki, Tohatsu, and Honda joining the fray and contributing to the development of more reliable, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly outboards.
The Johnson Sea Horse QD's introduction in 1949 underscores the Johnson Brothers Motor Company's enduring legacy in the marine industry. Their innovations, including the groundbreaking Sea Horse QD, not only shaped the outboard motor market but also set a standard for performance, functionality, and design that continues to influence modern outboard technology. The company's impact extended beyond its own products, as competitors rose to the challenge, collectively driving the industry toward new heights of efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility.
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Johnson outboards were discontinued in June 2020
Johnson Outboards was an American manufacturer of outboard motors founded by brothers Louis, Harry, Julius, and Clarence Johnson. The company began building inboard 2-cycle marine engines in 1903 and, by 1908, they were making V4, V6, V8, and V12 aircraft and marine engines. In 1922, they designed and built Johnson Outboard Motors, a lightweight outboard made largely of aluminum. Johnson Outboards went on to dominate the outboard racing scene and held over two hundred patents.
However, in 1931, an over-ambitious marketing programme caused the company to go bankrupt. The Johnson Outboard Motor Company was then acquired by the Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC) in 1935. OMC itself filed for bankruptcy in 2000 and was acquired by Bombardier Recreational Products in 2001. Bombardier continued to sell outboards, but under the Evinrude Outboard Motors brand instead of Johnson. Finally, in June 2020, Bombardier discontinued the Evinrude Outboard Motors brand.
Despite the discontinuation of the Johnson brand, Bombardier continues to support existing Johnson outboard motors through servicing and parts. The company's rich history and innovation in the outboard motor industry have ensured its legacy, even after the discontinuation of its namesake brand.
While it is not clear when Johnson outboard motors added electric start functionality, the company was at the forefront of innovation in the outboard motor space for many decades. With their early start in 1903 and numerous patents, it is likely that they incorporated electric start technology as it became available and feasible for outboard motors.
The Johnson brothers' story began with a need for a motor to power their boat efficiently upstream. This led to the creation of a single-cylinder, two-cycle, 3-hp engine, which weighed a hefty 150 pounds. By 1905, they had significantly refined their design, reducing the weight to just 65 pounds while maintaining the same power output. This early success set the Johnson brothers on a path of innovation and success in the outboard motor industry, leaving a lasting impact even after the eventual discontinuation of the Johnson brand in June 2020.
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Owners can convert older Johnson outboards to electric start
One key consideration is the starter mount, which must fit the engine perfectly. It is recommended to take detailed digital photos of the current motor and compare them to potential parts motors to ensure compatibility. The electric start kit should also include a rectifier to charge the battery when the engine is running at a decent rpm.
Additionally, it is worth noting that simply converting to electric start may not be sufficient. A charging kit is also necessary to keep the battery powered, and a comparable parts motor or bionic arm may be required for a complete solution. It is important to familiarise oneself with the electrical kit and all its components before beginning the conversion process.
For Johnson outboards with a geared flywheel, the conversion process may be more straightforward, requiring only the addition of a starter and the necessary wiring and cables. However, it is still important to carefully source the correct parts to ensure a successful conversion.
Overall, converting older Johnson outboards to electric start can be a rewarding project, but it requires careful planning, mechanical inclination, and the ability to source compatible parts. It is essential to weigh the costs and benefits before embarking on the conversion process.
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Frequently asked questions
Johnson outboard introduced electric start in 1930 with the VE50, 26hp model.
Yes, you can convert your 1971 20 hp Johnson Outboard to electric start. You will need a starter motor, a bracket for mounting, a solenoid, a contact switch, and various wiring.
The process of converting an older Johnson outboard to electric start involves finding a donor motor with electric start and scavenging parts from it. You will also need a battery, a starter relay, and a push button.
Yes, the Johnson VE50, 26hp model introduced electric start in 1930. Later models such as the 1972 25hp Johnson outboard also came with electric start.
