Answer
Sep 13, 2024 - 01:52 AM
You can identify the year of a Johnson outboard motor by decoding the model number, which is located on the motor’s mounting bracket or transom bracket.
Here’s how to do it:
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Locate the model number: Look for a metal plate or sticker on the mounting or transom bracket of the motor. The model number is key to determining the year.
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For Johnson outboards made before 1980: The last two letters of the model number usually represent the year. For instance, a model ending in "RL" might correspond to "1977" based on historical Johnson decoding charts.
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For Johnson outboards made between 1980 and 1999: Johnson adopted a letter code system for model years. The last two letters of the model number correspond to the word “INTRODUCES,” where each letter represents a number:
- I = 1
- N = 2
- T = 3
- R = 4
- O = 5
- D = 6
- U = 7
- C = 8
- E = 9
- S = 0
For example, if the last two letters of your model number are "CE," that would indicate the motor was made in 1989.
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For newer models (2000 onward): In the 2000s, Johnson outboards were phased out, but some late models still follow the same "INTRODUCES" coding system, making it easy to determine the year. After 2007, Johnson outboard production ceased, so no new Johnson motors were produced.
