Re: Johnson vs. Evinrude
the old joke goes:<br /><br />When an outboard built by OMC was tank tested, if it started on the first crank it was painted blue and called an Evinrude. If it didn't start, then it was painted with Johnson colors and decals.<br /><br /><br />1998 was the last year they were identical. For '99 to 2001 models, Evinrude had the FICHT and 4-stroke offerings while Johnson was the traditional 2-stroke motor. When Bombardier took over for the 2002 models, Johnson got the 4-strokes.<br /><br />Prior to 1980 or so, Evinrude was built in Milwaukee and Johnson in Waukegan. Each even had their own sales, service, and warranty teams.
the old joke goes:<br /><br />When an outboard built by OMC was tank tested, if it started on the first crank it was painted blue and called an Evinrude. If it didn't start, then it was painted with Johnson colors and decals.<br /><br /><br />1998 was the last year they were identical. For '99 to 2001 models, Evinrude had the FICHT and 4-stroke offerings while Johnson was the traditional 2-stroke motor. When Bombardier took over for the 2002 models, Johnson got the 4-strokes.<br /><br />Prior to 1980 or so, Evinrude was built in Milwaukee and Johnson in Waukegan. Each even had their own sales, service, and warranty teams.