Lost in the 50's tonight

[Gitterdone]

I just bought a 1960 14 ft. Arkansas Traveler with a 35 h.p. Johnson Javelin engine on it. The owner said it is a 1957 and the engine is Blue and White. The model number on the plate is RJE-19 and the serial number is 1511039. I can find nowhere that Johnson ever made a blue and white 35 h.p. Javelin engine. Does anyone know if this engine might have been repainted? It looks original but I could be fooled. Also, what speed would this engine be capable of doing with the 14 ft. aluminum hull, 25 or maybe 30 m.p.h.? Is this a decent combination of boat and engine to use inside a brackish harbor off the saltwater Gulf of Mexico? I have no intention of using it in the Gulf itself. Thank You.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

the 1957 Johnson Javeline was originally all white top to bottom with a gold colored hood. The blue and white is definately a mock up of what the Evinrudes of that year are supposed to be. The Big twin was blue and white but the Larks are grey with a black and white hood.

 

[cougar1985]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

the 1957 Johnson Javeline was originally all white top to bottom with a gold colored hood. The blue and white is definately a mock up of what the Evinrudes of that year are supposed to be. The Big twin was blue and white but the Larks are grey with a black and white hood.

as an aside to zephyr,s note check out this site for period correct omc stuff.http://www.old-omc.de/

 

[lindy46]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

Motor is definitely a 1957 35hp. Maybe repainted to match the boat? As stated, Evinrude BigTwins were blue, but Johnsons (javelin) were gold and white. I'd figure you can expect about 25-28mph for that boat/motor combo. Those are great running motors once tuned up properly.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

In 57 the 35 was rated for 33 on a light reasonably fast boat. As suggested 25to28
is possible with a good setup.They are a little thirsty compared to newer motors
1970 up.

 

[Gitterdone]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

Thanks, this is what it looks like
http://members.localnet.com/~apowen/boat/boat.jpg
and the Coast Guard is coming to do a free inspection today!
It has a different steering setup as you can see. My wife is worried over being able to make it across the 12 mile harbor on a tank of gas.
It appears that you're right, the previous owner must have painted it to match the boat. I'd be happy with 25 m.p.h.
What size battery should I get for this? The owner started it up for me before I bought it and ran it for about 30 seconds and it hadn't been run in around 6 months. It backfired a little bit, pop-pop a few times and I noticed it has one new spark plug and one old one and they're both Champion J8C's, are they the right plugs? Thanks!

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

Nice outfit. I would put J6C's in it for spark plugs If you're going to make a trek across a lake like that, you may want to take an extra tank of gas to be safe.

 

[Gitterdone]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

Thanks! I will get another 6 gallon tank, that was very good advice. We passed the free Coast Guard inspection earlier today and they gave me a neat sticker for the boat. I'm new to boating so we went to Walmart and found everything I needed right down to two new stern plugs (1 spare) to replace the dried out ones. All I need to get now is a battery.

 

[Gitterdone]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

That should be quick enough for me to get to shore when one of those sneaky storms here starts to build.

 

[Mas]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

Thanks, this is what it looks like
http://members.localnet.com/~apowen/boat/boat.jpg
and the Coast Guard is coming to do a free inspection today!

That is a nice motor with a lot of collectibility. Know that there are many that would desire that motor in any condition...running or not!

Mas

 

[lindy46]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

My 1957 Lark (basically same motor) turns over fine with a 650cca auto battery. Those motors seem to turn over pretty easy with electric start. If you're going to be trekking 12 miles over open water, I'd probably be doing a tune-up and at least an impeller change on it, unless that work has already been done.

 

[floatingwoody2006]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

Never thought i would see another 57 Arkansas traveller tinny. I have one same year without the steering in it now. I have been looking for ideas on how to set it up, and would be very interested in seeing any more photo's you have of it. Mine has a 93 15 rude on it currently, and i was almost sure that was the limit on the plate.

 

[Gitterdone]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

My 1957 Lark (basically same motor) turns over fine with a 650cca auto battery. Those motors seem to turn over pretty easy with electric start. If you're going to be trekking 12 miles over open water, I'd probably be doing a tune-up and at least an impeller change on it, unless that work has already been done.

I just found a generator/alternator rebuilder here who sells a 550 cca / 660 mca for less than Walmart. I'll be getting it tomorrow. I'll definitely take your good advise on the tune-up and impeller change, thanks.

 

[Gitterdone]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

Never thought i would see another 57 Arkansas traveller tinny. I have one same year without the steering in it now. I have been looking for ideas on how to set it up, and would be very interested in seeing any more photo's you have of it. Mine has a 93 15 rude on it currently, and i was almost sure that was the limit on the plate.

My Arkansas Traveler is a 1960, the Johnson motor is a '57. I think this 35 hp is the same motor that 's been on the boat since 1960 and the transom is still holding it well. I have eighteen 600 x 800 pixel photos of it that add up to almost 2.5 mb's that I can put in a .zip file and send to you through email if you want. Besides those, if there's anything else you'd like more detailed shots of like the steering cable hook up etc. I'd be glad to take some and email them to you too.

 

[Gitterdone]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

Update:
After putting new bearings and races in the trailers wheels along with a new wiring harness and new light fixtures I took my boat and motor to an ancient mariner here who cut his eyeteeth on these "small" Johnsons. He's a sea captain who owns several deep sea fishing trawlers and is a master mechanic too. The waterpump was shot, not just the impeller so now that's brand new. There's a missing throttle link that he's going to replace, as well as the spark plug caps, wires and plugs. The steering head was moving hard so we're going to loosen that up with a torch and regrease it. The steering device that was attached to the transom is the wrong one for this boat and motor combination so we're changing that to the proper one for easier steering and better manueverability. http://forums.iboats.com/images/smilies/wink.gif


He said this engine was not abused but had been badly neglected and with a wry smile added it is, "A very powerful running motor" for this boat. I asked if it would be easy to plane and he said it would very easily become airborn at full throttle if riding alone or even with other passengers unless one or two were seated in the bow. He also said a pint of oil to 5 gallons of gasoline which would be a 40:1 mix is his recommendation.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

Nice Rig!!
I run my '56 30hp OMC on 24:1, along with both of my '54 and '53 25hp motors. They seem to like it and haven't complained. Your motor may have all ball or needle bearings and be fine on 40:1, but I'd be scared of cylinder/piston scuffing on that mixture, even if it was. Just something to think about.
That's a reliable motor and I think it's perfectly suited to your boat. It's the exact motor I'd want on that boat if it were mine. The 35 will be fabulous with 2 people, and be able to handle the weight and waves without having to run it hard.
I just hope your clutch dog is in good shape since that's a common item that seems to wear out over 50years. If it feels like it's hitting something every so often when you're in perfectly clear/deep water, you may need a new clutch dog (it's slipping out of gear).
GOod luck---enjoyed the pics,
JBJ​

 

[floatingwoody2006]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

My Arkansas Traveler is a 1960, the Johnson motor is a '57. I think this 35 hp is the same motor that 's been on the boat since 1960 and the transom is still holding it well. I have eighteen 600 x 800 pixel photos of it that add up to almost 2.5 mb's that I can put in a .zip file and send to you through email if you want. Besides those, if there's anything else you'd like more detailed shots of like the steering cable hook up etc. I'd be glad to take some and email them to you too.

I would be interested..Thanks. Ill send a PM with my e-mail.

Hmmnn..PM feature not working. Ill try again later.

 

[cajuncook1]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

Thanks! I will get another 6 gallon tank, that was very good advice. We passed the free Coast Guard inspection earlier today and they gave me a neat sticker for the boat. I'm new to boating so we went to Walmart and found everything I needed right down to two new stern plugs (1 spare) to replace the dried out ones. All I need to get now is a battery.

You may already know about your state's rules and regulation regarding boating and safety, but I thought I would throw this in because you were new to boating. Oh, when you get your battery, buy a good battery box to go with it. It helps secure the battery down and prevents the post from discharging on touched metal and causing a fire!! Please don't ask how I know!

Florida website for boating rules, regulations, and required safety equipment.

http://myfwc.com/RULESANDREGS/Rules_Boat.htm#educ

Nice boat you got there!!

Take care,

cajuncook1

 

[Gitterdone]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

You may already know about your state's rules and regulation regarding boating and safety, but I thought I would throw this in because you were new to boating. Oh, when you get your battery, buy a good battery box to go with it. It helps secure the battery down and prevents the post from discharging on touched metal and causing a fire!! Please don't ask how I know!

Florida website for boating rules, regulations, and required safety equipment.

http://myfwc.com/RULESANDREGS/Rules_Boat.htm#educ

Nice boat you got there!!

Take care,

cajuncook1

Thanks, I'm new to boating with my own boat but I've spent a lot of time with other boaters. The Coast Guard provided that information, asked me a host of questions then invited me to become one of their Florida inspectors after they learned of my extensive career in Law Enforcement and being a certified police instructor. I'm still thinking the invitation over and I have all their contact numbers.

The hull is 14' with a 62" beam and there's already tie downs for the battery ahead of the engine. I'm going to put another 6 gallon fuel tank on the starboard side and the battery will be partitioned in between the tanks. The transom shows a little lean and the sea captain/mechanic recommended I put in a knee brace. I'm thinking of using aircraft cable and turnbuckles from there to the rear seat. After using the battery I connect it at home to a battery tender to keep it up. I'm also building a small solar trickle charger to use when we're out in the boat. Drawing up a design for a lightweight portable Targa top too.

 

[Gitterdone]

Re: Lost in the 50's tonight

I would be interested..Thanks. Ill send a PM with my e-mail.

Hmmnn..PM feature not working. Ill try again later.

Email me and I'll send you the pics.