New Johnsons - any good?

[skiffer]

I'm planning to get a new 15 or 25 hp. Have always had good luck with Johnson/Evinrude but I'm worried about all the problems with the omc bankruptcy and the takeover by Bomb. Has anyone had any experience, good or bad, with late model Johnsons? Thanks.

 

[John Reynolds]

Re: New Johnsons - any good?

Due to the concerns you mentioned, perhaps it would be wiser to trade with a company that seems to be more stable? Or perhaps wait a while and see what happens

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: New Johnsons - any good?

You might want to look towards Tohatsu/Nissan..been around a long time VERY reliable, powerfull and cheap to keep and buy. If I could not have a Merc I would have a Tohatsu then a 'Zuki.....

 

[JB]

Re: New Johnsons - any good?

Hmmm. I guess their answers are "no", no experience.<br /><br />Because of Bombardier quality control the small Johnnys are even better than they used to be, and that was very good.<br /><br />Mercs and Tohatsus are good engines, too, but that isn't what you asked about.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: New Johnsons - any good?

Maybe you should read into our replies what's NOT said....Jonny Rude is too unstable rite now and all their new models that will be coming out are first year production of new types of engines and are probably prone to bugs for the first year or two. I would not chance MY money....All brands have their good and bad models. As far as Jonny Rude goes I'd wait till 2005 model year before buying. The 2 cycle 25 and 30 HP existing models are anemic when it comes to power...old cross flow design. They do idle all day long fairly smooth. In this class of engine the Mercury 20-25-30 HP engines are far superior as are the 3 cylinder, 2 cycle 40-50-60 HP also in this class. Personally I'm shying away from four stroke because of weight factors AND ALL manufactures except Honda are working up 2 cycle EPA compliant engines...Hmmmmm, where is this heading as far as four stroke is concerned? The buying public wants the performance of 2 stroke with EPA compliance......If four stroke is so hot, why have they jus simply not dumped all 2 cycle? Hmmmm..Price, weight(most models), and complexity...5 to 6 grand for a 60 hp four stroke don't cut it..I personally feel the price is way outa line for what your getting for a mass produced item....You can sit here a try to justify with all the reasons in the world why the prices are so high...but it don't fly with the FlyBoyMark...

 

[skiffer]

Re: New Johnsons - any good?

Thank you gentlemen for your insight. I do appreciate it. I think it's going to be a 2 stroke Merc.

 

[toyman2k]

Re: New Johnsons - any good?

Hi guys! I have on order a 115hp 4stroke Johnson for my new boat and I am now not so sure I made the right choice? The Johnson I was told is all revamped and better than ever. 2 of my most fave spots have changes as far as letting 2strokes on them!! So this is why I leaned towards the 4stroke as well as the EPA and fuel economy. Does anyone have any better sites to research Johnson. I have just ordered this last week and still have 3 to go any info would be helpful. <br />tight lines

 

[JB]

Re: New Johnsons - any good?

Not to worry, Ranger.<br /><br />I don't know where these guys picked up this silly gossip about instability. <br /><br />Whatever problems Bombardier may be having with other parts of the huge empire, they do not affect Johnson or Evinrude. Both are very successful.<br /><br />Whether Bombardier keeps or sells the Outboard makers, owners and warranties are not in jeapordy.

 

[DJ]

Re: New Johnsons - any good?

toyman,<br /><br />Don't worry about it. Your new 140, is made by Suzuki.<br /><br />Bombardier is CONSIDERING, selling off their recreational products line. This would NOT be like the OMC debacle that was an actual bankruptcy.<br /><br />This is a completely different scenario.

 

[John Reynolds]

Re: New Johnsons - any good?

OK JB I have no experience in new Johnsons. But the first sentence gave the qualifier: "...I'm worried about all the problems ..." which is at the root of the idea. For peace of mind in the long haul, why not choose the company/organization to trade with that has the fewest "rumors"? <br />It may have some basis in fact. But again, mercury could go belly up next year. All we can do is to go with what knowledge we have, can glean from forums such as this, and the gut.

 

[RJS]

Re: New Johnsons - any good?

In this HP range, I personally would go with a Mercury 30 HP 4-stroke EFI.

 

[JB]

Re: New Johnsons - any good?

Hi, John.<br /><br />My point is that the "problems" with the OMC demise are history. Any "problem" rumors are just that: gossip that has no merit. It would be like worrying about German products because they lost WW II.<br /><br />Johnson engines are excellent. 25HP is 25HP. The 25 twin is cross scavenged for smoother, more efficient operation at low speeds. If you have some reason to prefer loopers, the 25 triple is a looper. This comment about them being "down on power" is pure poppycock.<br /><br />Check out the warranty.<br /><br />Bashing with insinuation and gossip is still bashing, and the worst kind.<br /><br />I'm not selling Johnsons. If I needed a 25-30HP engine I would look really close at the new lightweight Honda. My second choice would also be a 4 stroke.<br /> <br />I have nothing against Mercury engines, but I would buy nothing from a company that engages in such predatory and dishonest marketing as Brunswick. I have heard more lies and manufactured gossip about Bombardier, Suzuki and Tohatsu engines from Merc salesmen than all other sources combined.

 

[RJS]

Re: New Johnsons - any good?

It's hard to beat a 4 stroke and an EFI in this HP class; therefore, I prefer the Merc over the Honda. Based on my experience, Mercury has been excellent in terms of follow up on their product. I never hear Sh#t from Yamaha or Johnson interms of follow up about how happy their customers are with their engines. Just Crickets.

 

[toyman2k]

Re: New Johnsons - any good?

Ok, I spoke with a Yamaha rep tonight and found out my Johnson is actually a Suzuki and the Mercs are bought technology from Yamaha. So I think I am in good shape with this one. <br />tight lines

 

[miloman]

Re: New Johnsons - any good?

Ok I heard enough. You guys know that as a tourny guy ihave a strong relationship with Bombardier. So let me end a few rumours from the inside info. NO its not like the OMC issue. It is business as usual with them. They are very strong financialy! All warrenties are still valid and not an issue. ALl new products are tested to fail. New products (Etec) is probubly the most stabe engine platform designed in a long time. Dealers arnt nervous nor am I. In fact I think that for evinrude Johnston this pending sale is going to be a great thing. More then likly the heritage asset is going to be under control of the family itself, who's commitment is unreal. I would not be concerned in the least bit. The product is an excellent product backed by a group of people who are intent on it being a success. Go buy the product and dont lose any sleep over it at all!

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: New Johnsons - any good?

I agree Etec will be a great thing ..when it comes out...then its first year production...usually buggy...then probably a fine product after that. Mercury is also releasing OtiMax in an all new line of smaller engines too. They're gonna be "buggy" too..Stability of Jonny-Rude to me is when they have full prodcut line again for each name and and quit the krap of buying and selling companies....