Evinrude vs Johnson

[merheb]

I know that Johnson and Evinrude were part of OMC and are now owned by Bombardier. The question I have is what are the fundamental differences between both lines?<br /><br />Last week I saw an infomercial for the Evinrude E-Tec motors but have never seen anything "advanced" in the Johnson series. Are the Johnsons considered to be the entry level motors and the Evinrude the more advanced?<br /><br />Seems like I see more "news" about Evinrudes than Johnsons and wonder why...<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Freddie<br /><br />PS: I don't mean to start a thread about one being better than the other, just want to know the differences...

 

[winoandino]

Re: Evinrude vs Johnson

Right now there seems to be more of a push for Evinrude engines. Ever since 1997 Evinrude has been the line that gets the new technology (ie DI and E-Tec) and the Johnson line has been branded as more of an entry level engine with old style carb engines and 4-Strokes(not that they are really entry level). <br /><br />Since E-Tecs are the latest and greatest that is what gets the attention and marketing $$$.<br /><br />It will be very interesting to see what happens to the Johnson brand over the next few years as the carb engines are phased out and 4-Strokes take a back seat to the E-Tecs. I really don't see them keeping 4-Strokes with the way their advertising is slamming them.<br /><br />Personally I hope something is worked out; Johnson has too good a name to just drop. Maybe they go back to having seperate Evinrude and Johnson Dealers just like days past????

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: Evinrude vs Johnson

Years ago, when they all came off the assembly line together at OMC, if they started on the first crank, they painted them blue.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Evinrude vs Johnson

I'm still waiting for the first Starterless outboard. It would have to be direct injected. All it needs to know is which piston is nearest and just past TDC, shoot some gas and fire it. Wouldn't need much of a battery anymore. Between the heavy cables, wiring and relays, the weight of the battery and starter, that's a good hundred pounds. Yamaha's HPDI won't because of the high pressure fuel, Orbital Merc and Tohatsu won't because of the air pump. Evinrude could? <br /><br />The Johnson name is too well recognized. I suspect the Johnson line will match the Evinrude line again in a few years as the emissions guidelines demand. Or they'll split with Evinrude making 2-strokes and Johnson making 4-strokes. I don't forsee a long term link with Suzuki. I think they'll make their own now that they're with Bombardier.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Evinrude vs Johnson

You may see 2 cycle motors phased out in the US at some point in the distant future but it will be many many years before they are no longer made due to the would wide market.

 

[rabidfish]

Re: Evinrude vs Johnson

More to answer the original question.<br /><br />The Evinrudes are simply the "latest and greatest" that BRP is making right now. <br /><br />The Johnson brand is being put on the carb 2 strokes and the 4 strokes(made by Suzuki)<br /><br />The reason for all the "hype" is the Evinrude has the newest technology "developed by BRP".

 

[JRJ]

Re: Evinrude vs Johnson

2005 Johnson 2-strokes are carbed. 2005 Johnson 30,15,9.9,6,and 4hp 4-strokes are carbed. 2005 Johnson 40,50,60,70,90,115,140,200,and 225hp 4-strokes are Multi-Port Fuel Injection.<br /><br />2005 Evinrude E-TEC 250,225,200,225H.O.,200H.O.,90,75,70,60,50,and40hp<br />2005 E-TEC Saltwater Edition 250,225,200,and 90hp.<br />2005 Evinrude 2-stroke (2-star CARB rating) direct injection:250,225,200,225H.O.,200H.O.,175,150,135,150H.O.,and 115hp. The preceding also in Saltwater Editions. This info is from the 2005 John/Rude catalogs. (subject to my typos)

 

[merheb]

Re: Evinrude vs Johnson

Thanks for the info. I guess that for the time being, Johnson will be considered an entry-level brand and Evinrude will be the high-tech brand.<br /><br />The history behind OMC is fascinating and I would hate to see either half "go away" in the future. I am sure that there will still be enough demand for both brands.<br /><br />Any idea why Evinrude was "chosen" as the higher-end? Also, when can we see E-TEC motors in the 150-175HP range?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Freddie

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Evinrude vs Johnson

Freddie M,<br /><br />Back in '99 when OMC made Evinrude the hi-tech brand and Johnson the traditional brand, it was because Evinrude had a higher name recognition. Also, performance "break-thru's" and speed trials were done with the Evinrude name over the years.<br /><br />It also honors Ole who basically started the outboard business. He wasn't the first, but the most successful.

 

[winoandino]

Re: Evinrude vs Johnson

Solittle,<br />Why would 2-Strokes ever be banned??? The new E-Tecs are cleaner than most 4-Strokes. The only reason any governing body would ban a 2-Stroke is ingorance. I would bet Bombardier does not work to develop a 4-Stroke unless E-Tecs do not catch on. Why waste all that money on their 2>4 marketing campaign only to turn around and say by the way if you still want a 4-Stroke he it is. Plus, look at how much Merc spent to develop their own 4-Stroke and it is getting mixed reviews at best.<br /><br />Freddie, I expect the 150-175 to come in the not so distant future. Like the 06 model year.