Javelin boats and Johnson motors??

Lookin4Bass · Post by **Lookin4Bass** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 3:57 am

I've been looking for a good quality used fish and ski (wanted ad in the classified) and came across a Javelin, I'm not familiar with the line some am looking for some input.

The boat has a Johnson 150. I see a lot of discussion here regarding Mercury and Yamaha but little around Johnson's. Has anyone had experience with them, positive or not?

Is the Javelin line considered to be a good boat or are they (much) lower on the food chain than the big names?

It's an 18' which I know will mean smaller fishing decks but I'm a bit limited in regards to the depth of my garage.

Any input will be appreciated. If you have anything to say that you feel may offend Javelin/Johnson owners please send me a PM.

Also, the boat is out of state. Is there a good way to have a boat checked out without seeing it in person? It's only a state away but I'd prefer to have it put on a truck after having it inspected by a local mechanic. My work schedule would make a drive to pick it up difficult.

Thanks,

Peter

BShafer · Post by **BShafer** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 6:27 am

Javelin was produced in the same factory as stratos after Gemar bought the boat line part of the OMC company in 2001 because of bankruptcy they contiunued the line for 1 or 2 years then discontuied it and Place the Champion line in the same factory in place of the Javelin. Javelin was then made a model line of the stratos for a while before it disappeaered from the production line.

I run a 20 Ft Javelin and I'm happy with it. No Idea about the 150 Johnson I run the Ficth.

Lugnut · Post by **Lugnut** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 7:42 am

The way I have always understood it was Stratos/Javelin and Envinrude/Johnson

BShafer · Post by **BShafer** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 9:54 am

That was the case until Genmar bought Champion, then Javelin became part of the stratos line under a model instead of their own name boat. Bombardie bought the Envirude/Johnson line and Johnson became the carberated motor/salt water motor and evinrude became the injected line that was sold here in california because of the regulations.

The Javelin boat has the same hull as the Stratos from that time frame.

Topwater All Day · Post by **Topwater All Day** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 12:03 pm

I have an '88 Javelin 378 with a Johnson 140hp and it is a fun older boat. It has a lot of room, but not as much deck as most boats. Storage can be an issue sometimes, but I keep a lot of gear in tackle bags so I can move it around. The Johnson motors are good motors, and the Javelin hulls are the same as the Stratos. Check out www.bassboatcentral.com for more info on Javelin's. They are great handling boats and solid hulls.

I would want to have a mechanic check the motor out before buying though. See if you can find a local guy where the boat is located that will check it out for you. If you want someone out here to look at it, give Lonnie at All Marine in Stockton a call, 209-948-4998. He knows those motors and can make sure you are getting a decent motor.

Good luck and don't hesitate if the boat is clean and the motor is strong! You won't be dissapointed in a Javelin / Johnson combo!

Rob

NaCl · Post by **NaCl** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 12:23 pm

Johnson's had some serious problems with their VRO oil systems when the "Fast Strike" models came out. I wouldn't not purchase an early production of that model. Also, not long before Bombardier took over ownership from OMC, the manufacturing standards and quality control on OMC motors was poor. Again, I would not purchase a Johnson motor that was made in the last couple years that OMC owned Johnson. That said, I once owned a Johnson GT 150 and it was a sweet motor. Before I would suggest anything, good or bad, about that motor, I would have to know what year it was manufactured and which model it is.

Assuming it is from an acceptable manufacturing year and model, then I would pay a couple hundred bucks to have a certified outboard mechanic check out the motor. It's cheap insurance.

.....NaCl

Smile_n_Jax · Post by **Smile_n_Jax** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 12:31 pm

Yup, that looks a lot like my '89 Stratos 269V, except mine now has a Yammi 90HP. I filled in the open space in front of the console with a piece of carpeted 3/4" plywood so I now have a much bigger casting area.

Lookin4Bass · Post by **Lookin4Bass** » Mon Jun 11, 2007 5:58 pm

Thanks for the all great input. I really appreciate the knowledge and experience of those on the site as well as your willingness to share it.

Peter

dean · Post by **dean** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 4:35 am

I.ve owned a 93 javalin since it was new with a johnson fast strike 150 also an 18 footer.In the last twelve years I've had one power head,one trim switch and that's all I can think of.I've basically used it for a back up since 2000 cause I had other boats,I started it and took it out a couple of times a year and did have to use it for a backup a couple of times.I've thought about selling it a few times but never seriously.It's a fairly fast hull about 63 and very nimble no hydraulics so it will throw you out if you let go of the wheel,but that makes it very fun to drive.If I needed it right now I could have it going in less then an hour.Try that with most any other vehicle thats been sitting for that length of time.dean