thoughts on 1957 javelin

[cougar1985]

thinking of buying a wood boat to restore.also seen a ad for a 1957 javelin by johnson in the local paper.it is a elect start 35 hp model.apparently new plugs, coils ,etc.would do comp check also .how are these motors as for relability and fuel milage?would the base line of 10 percent apply to this motor.that is 3.5 gph per hour at wot.i know im sick but i love wood boats and know how to deal with them.

 

[clemsonfor]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

No experience with them but id have to say that that old motor may just be a little more thirsty than that, but in a boat that size you generally dont go that far so whats it matter!

-Nate

 

[cougar1985]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

No experience with them but id have to say that that old motor may just be a little more thirsty than that, but in a boat that size you generally dont go that far so whats it matter!

-Nate

sixty miles round trip to camp is not far?actually it would be more of a project /toy .

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

Hi Cougar,
The old 35s are considered part of the Big Twin family of motors built by OMC in the 1950s. They are easy to work on with good parts availability. They can be pretty reliable for 50 year old outboards, but it helps to have a small bit of motor-sense to keep them running well. If you're not comfortable making adjustments or doing your own maintenance and tune-up work, I would pass on it. By the sounds of it, the basics have already been done on this one, so it should be good to go for a few years.
From an asthetics standpoint, the '57 Javelin is among the best looking motors ever made. It would be right at home on a nicely done old hull.
- Scott

 

[cougar1985]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

thanks chinewalker ,yes im very comfortable working on old motors,as an example i will list some of the motors ive owned rebuilt.1962 40 hp merc 1961 18 johnson,1964 65 hp merc , all 3 have been sold to friends and all are still running,not bragging but i get by in the backyard mech field im just not familar with the 35 hp ,i think i will take a peek at it and if its sound i will grab if the price is fair,any ideas on value?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

the only draw back is the lower unit. clutch dog. i bought one the seller said was good, knowing i need to change the flywheel guts, but had to replace lower. i love my 57 35hp seahorse, wish it was a javelin. hopefully, it has the wiring harness, and transom junction box. if not we can tell you how to make one.

 

[cougar1985]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

says electric start and controls in ad plus new lower seal also.being a 50 year old motor what would it be worth ? 100 200 300 ??? i dont desperately need it and if the owner is asking a stupid price i will walk.in this hick town theres not much in the way of people that will pay top dollar for old motors,i know ive tried to sell a few and its like pulling teeth.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

i've got 300 in mine. laingsoutboards.com has the essentials. i fyou notice the 1st thread in this forum, is how i change over from the 2 lines pressure tank to the fuel pump, which was an option originally.

 

[F_R]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

Around 3 or 3.5 GPH at wide open is about right. Condition is everything concerning value.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

Those Javelins are well sought after. You can't really compare their value to the normal Big Twins of the day. If its running and in reasonably good aesthic condition you might be looking at +/- $600 CDN. I saw a restored one go for about $1600 US.

Main thing is to make sure it has all its parts. I have a 1956 Javelin that's missing its front control cover and the port side "Javelin" badge. Try finding those parts!

 

[F_R]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

Yeah, without the special trim parts, it's just another Sea Horse 30 Electric start.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

here's a beauty http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=212206

 

[samo_ott]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

I have 2 of the 57 35's. One is a Javelin but not the golden Javelin. I have not tried to get either one running since I got them but sure plan to. I was told 1 ran and I got both for C$100 this spring in Kingston (a 2 hour drive to get them). (not too close to the Sault but at least in same province!). Other than the badging I see no difference between the two. Does anyone know the real diff?

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

In '57 Johnson made the Sea Horse elec. start, the Sea Horse manual start, and the Javelin (Golden Javelin), in 35 hp. Engines are identical except for paint and badging. The Javelin also had a front door on the cowl. If it's a '57 Javelin, it's a Golden Javelin.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

BB, I have a '57 Johnson Javelin that is the standard red/white (although mine is very faded!) and it has the Javelin badge on it. I guess it's possible someone added it on? So assuming it is a Javelin what's the diff to the regular one?

On second though, did they make a red/white Javelin in any other year? As it's a 35hp, I would assume not as the 56's were the 30hp and the 58 is the white/red 35...

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

samo, if you have a cowl that's Holiday Bronze(red) and cream and it has Javelin badges, it's possible somebody switched cowls. The bare-bones cowls were the same. Only the paint and the drilled holes (for the badges)were different. I could very easily remove my badges and put them on a Sea Horse cowl.

With the cowls removed, only the color is the difference (and the model number).

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

here's all the info: http://www.old-omc.de/index2.html

 

[wbeaton]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

Steve,

If you have a Javelin the model number will be RJE-18 (1956) or RJE-19 (1957). 1956 is Holiday Bronze and 1957 is gold. I Haven't scanned the parts manual, yet, but when I do I'll send you a copy.

 

[cougar1985]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

cant get ahold of the person thats selling but will keep trying.im working nights and its the weekend so maybe it will take longer or will be gone.all i can really hope for is that theres not to many old outboard lovers up here.

 

[jddenham]

Re: thoughts on 1957 javelin

Here's some pics of the 1956 model:

http://www.james.denham.com/javelin.html