1956 Johnson Javelin 30HP

[gjonz]

This is my first post as a new member of this forum...so I thought I'd start off with an easy problem for everyone to chime in on!

I bought two 30HP Johnsons, with 3 cowlings, two repair manuals, and a parts diagram booklet, and a steel rack for mounting these 1956 vintage babies on for a scant 200 bucks...all in.

One is a Javelin that is missing one of the Javelin chrome logos and the front cover, but it is most likely the easiest to restore/repair and get running. I'd love to find the Javelin trim for the front and the logo to restore it. If not, it'll get a regular Johnson red and cream paint job.

The other is a parts motor that will eventually end up scavenged and scraped.

I want to get my feet wet by doing the repair work myself and thus I'll be able to repair my 18HP Johnson as well if needed. I prefer to learn new things. IE:I restored my 1950 Thompson TVT Lake cedar strip boat, having never done anything like that before. Yes it still floats...well.

I used to help my dad repair trucks, and have a smattering of mechanical aptitude...but am willing to learn. I also am lucky to have a few friends in town who will help if I get in a bind.

Should I proceed with this little project? What am I in for?

Thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1956 Johnson Javelin 30HP

Whether to proceed or not..... that will need to be your judgement call. I can only say that if you do proceed, and if you run into a problem that you cannot solve, or need help in locating some old unavailable part, there are quite a few fellows here that will be glad to help if possible.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1956 Johnson Javelin 30HP

First, I don't believe you really restored that cedar strip boat. But, if I were to see a picture or two.......
I'd like to have a '56 javelin myself! I have never worked on one but with these guys help I wouldn't see any reason why you couldn't get that thing running. I'd do a compression check on all your motors to decide which were worth fixing or if all of them were good. Those old OMC's are sure fun to work on!
Hoping to see some pics!
JBJ

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1956 Johnson Javelin 30HP

Go for it. Be patient...you can find the cowl/emblem/cover you need on the auction site or the free classifieds at www.aomci.org

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1956 Johnson Javelin 30HP

The 56 Javelin has a cover for the control panel and the pull rope.Are they present on yours?I believe the Javelin was available with electric start and electric with generator.Electric start components mount in a little box on the transom.
Anyone know? I think the electrics may be 6 volt.

 

[gjonz]

Re: 1956 Johnson Javelin 30HP

I have the small cover for the recoil starter. One Javelin logo is missing and the big cover over the carbcontrols is also gone. I'd love to get hold of them so I could restore it as original. If not...the Johnson red and cream will match my 1957 Sea Horse 18.

I'm not sure what will become of the extra 30 horse. Never had electric start, and I'm lazy. Who wants to pull a cord!?!?

It may go up for grabs...not sure yet.

Here's the Thompson on which it will go.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: 1956 Johnson Javelin 30HP

for the most part they are no different to work on than the 18 hp. should not be a problem. check compression and see if it's good first. All other things are easier fixes.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: 1956 Johnson Javelin 30HP

I don't believe the 1956 had a generator option, but it did come with a 6V electric start. That is a sought after motor so its worth restoring.

Finding the trim will be costly. I'm still looking for a front cover and one "Javelin" marker. Prepare to pay hundreds for them. I saw a front cover go for $150 on eBay. If you do a find source with reasonable rates please let me know.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1956 Johnson Javelin 30HP

Man, that's a sweet looking Thompson. It'll look great with your Javelin on the transom. Might even consider twins like I've got on my Texas Maid project. I get about 28 mph out of her loaded with two BOB's (Big Ol Boys) and our fishing gear. I'm getting the TM ready for topside/deck paint right now, but here's a pic with the twins on the transom.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1956 Johnson Javelin 30HP

Very nice Boat!! I'm so jealous of the folks that live up north where those were made. There's not any like that around here. I can't even find an old aluminum boat to put my oldies on that I like. I'm sure your electric starter if it's original is a 6 volt. But I believe if you put a 12volt solenoid on it and don't sit there and crank all day on it, you can use it with 12 volts. I don't believe your electric choke will work long on 12volts, though. Once you get it all running right, you might even consider placing an aomci.org ad and find a 12 volt set-up for it. Maybe you could even make some trades for one.
Glad you posted the pics---i enjoyed them.
JBJ

 

[gjonz]

Re: 1956 Johnson Javelin 30HP

whew!! That's a lot of hardware on that little boat! LOL!

I'd like to run two Johnson 18's like the one I have. It appears by the scarring on the transom, perhaps somewhere along the line somebody did try a "pair" of engines.

I think I may unfortunately sacrifice the ideal of restoring it as a Javelin, and do a regular cowling since I have a spare. Then if I find the parts for the "decor"...so be it. If not, I still have a great motor.

The compression seems grand on the Javelin when pulling the starter by hand. Very much like my 18, but needs more "might" from me. Nice and tight though.

Asto the older boats here and around northern Ohio...we've certainly got them. We had a great turnout for the Toledo Antique Boat Show. 69 vintage craft, along with a similar number of vintage cars to pull them. It was my lil' "Fibber's" unveiling. We got many nice comments which make it all worth while!!

On my way out to the railroad bridge this evening, I was passed by a wonderfully restored Chris-Craft. About a 20 footer...may a bit more. Nice to see!

Thanks again to all of you for the responses. I'm sure I'll have questions along the way. I'll try not to be a pest.

Regards!

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1956 Johnson Javelin 30HP

When I was setting the TM up for twins, a guy on this board told me to go with triples instead...3 Johnson 18's. Might still do that, unless the Big Twin proves as reliable as the Johnson. Share your pix as you go along with your project...we like eye candy.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1956 Johnson Javelin 30HP

That's a great looking boat and a good looking engine... Definitely get her running as it looks like a great setup. I have the same engine but have never tried to get it running yet...

But I'm surprised no one else mentioned it, where'd you get a left hand drive? Those are non existent around my neck of the woods...

 

[gjonz]

Re: 1956 Johnson Javelin 30HP

The boat came that way. Not sure why. The windshield and steering were add-ons. So maybe the owner thought it would be more like driving a car????

I'm happy with 18 HP Sea Horse that is on her now, but would like a little headroom for top speed. She planes off at half to 3/4 throttle, so I'd like a bit more speed. She's rater up to 50hp, but 25 to 30 seems more than enough.