Johnson SPL question

[WaterWitch2]

Just curious. What does spl mean? Are they different from other Johnsons? They seem to be strange HP ratings like 88.

 

[brent doherty]

Re: Johnson SPL question

i used to own a 96 evinrude 88 spl and was told it was a commercial engine. not sure what the " spl " stands for but they were all non - oil injected from the manufacturer. was a very good engine for me! ran great for 8 years then sold it for a newer rig.

 

[3car]

Re: Johnson SPL question

spl is special, and they were usually non VRO motors. They also had very basic charging systems producing low output.

 

[3car]

Re: Johnson SPL question

i was also told that the motors had odd-ball hp ratings to get past waterway restictions, but who knows.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Johnson SPL question

Non-VRO and low-output charging is your answer...​

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Johnson SPL question

The odd hp and SPL is for marketing. For example, the 88 spl is a 90, without VRO, and T&T is an add on. They don't want to offer 2 motors with different features, so the one with VRO is the 90, and the one without is an 88. Same motors for the most part (the 90 may have a few more features)

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Johnson SPL question

Weren't the spl's used on boats from the factory with engines installed?
versus buying boat and engine as seperate and dealer installed?