XIV. Outboard

Conducted initial assessment of Evinrude Lark. The good news is that there is compression (only 30-50 lbs) - the bad news probably going to need work on ignition & carburetor. Status unknown for fuel pump, starter & transmission.

After some discussion with Gregorie, the mobile mechanic, we arrived at the following options:

• Traditional restoration of actual motor - acquire parts, as needed, DIY

• Traditional restoration of actual motor - job out entire project

• Give up on this motor & replace with another refurbished vintage outboard

• Continue with this “shell” but replace the mechanical with new outboard powerhead, foot, controls, etc.

• Purchase a new outboard and have a matching cowling made, probably using 3D printing, to maintain vintage “look”

UPDATE 3/21/26

We are at the annual boatyard sale at LMS (Lowcountry Maritime School) https://lowcountrymaritimesociety.org/

Lo and behold there is a mid-fifties Johnson Javelin just sitting waiting for a new owner. Has been in storage for 15 years but was professionally maintained previously. Going to take a chance on it.

Here’s what it would look like restored:

Here’s what we are starting with. It’s a 1956 Johnson Javelin 30HP 6 Volt:

1) First we’ll lubricate the cylinders to prevent scoring then compression test. DONE

2) Have to determine whether 6 or 12 volt AND whether positive or negative ground. Found support at AOMCI.Org. 6 volt, negative ground and instructions to convert to 12 volt AND a free service manual !

3) Gave up on this one for now :-( Compression low & has DIY wiring - the starter solenoid moved under the cover instead of junction box

4) Moving onto a newer four-stroke with (hopefully) the Evinrude cowl / hood.

5) First problem was to locate an outboard that would fit inside the roughly 1' x 2' Evinrude cowl with remote controls AND of complementary color. A Tohatsu 20HP in Beluga white would fit the bill.

6) Scrambled a bit to locate a metal or fiberglass craftsman to fabricate a custom lower cowl. This is the original

7. Figured in either case we would need a template to work with. Here we have 4mm marine plywood encapsulated in fiberglass to start with.