Facts about Evinrude/Johnson racing outboards made my OMC

[lars strom]

Next time you’re at Little Jim bridge, finish the trip onto the island turn left and go to the Navy seal museum.

Guaranteed to humble you what these young guys would do to protect our country!

Thanks, been there many times and drive by two times a day. We live just north of The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, Hutchinson Island.

[WaterZebra]

I can remember in late 1972 and early 1973 the gas stations were having "Gas Wars' which resulted in regular grade gas being sold for 19 cents per gallon. That is what ignited the "staged" gas shortage of 1974 where people literally fought or shot each other getting into the gas lines. There was that 10 gallon limit and then the pump would shut off. Then it got worse when you could only buy gas on certain days depending on if your tag ended in an odd or even number. I would rather pay the ridiculous prices that they are charging today and be able of buy it when I need it as opposed to going back to the chaos of 1974. Nevertheless, gas companies today are getting filthy rich off of the prices that we are having to pay....

You can call it what you want and blame it on big oil. Right, wrong or indifferent it is (and was) economic rationing. More drivers using less gas because they can't afford it or get it. Let's not forget these states who stack taxes on top of a gallon of gas either!

[lars strom]

Jack Aylsworth

Group expert


1938 EVINRUDE TEST STATION FORT LAUDERDALE

Most everyone knows about the OMC Test Center in Stuart, FL., but back in earlier times it was in Fort Lauderdale. During the winter months testing moved from Milwaukee to Florida. Under the direction of Ralph Evinrude, then president of Evinrude Motors, the on-water Station included 5 test hulls - a dinghy, a rowboat, a 16-ft planing hull, a deluxe runabout and a step-plane race boat. On these boats, each size motor Evinrude built at that time could be tested to ensure appropriate performance for that application. (Photos: Ralph and 2 engineers (white coats) begin water testing a new Evinrude outboard outside the Florida Test Station and inside of the boathouse)

BORN TO THE BUSINESS Some people assume that Ralph Evinrude was simply a fortunate kid who rose to prominence in the outboard business on his father’s coattails. In actuality, Ralph was very well suited with years of hands-on experience to fill Ole’s position. Ole and Bess, who were both active in the business, devoted a great deal of the time teaching Ralph all phases of the outboard business so that he would be properly prepared to carry the full responsibility of company management. Over the years, his training carried him into every department in the firm including product development.
In his younger years, he spent his school vacations at the factory and on the water testing newly designed models and features in Milwaukee and at the winter test facility in Fort Lauderdale. This knowledge, plus constant contact with the motors soon made dealers and customers anxious to to consult him at the factory and at boat shows. In 1927, following his education at the University of Wisconsin, he devoted his entire time to the business. With the formation of Outboard Motors in 1929 (Evinrude, Elto & Lockwood), he took charge of the firm’s export division. In 1931, he was elected a Director of Outboard Motors.
In 1934, Ralph, though only 27 years old, was elected president of Outboard Motors Corporation by the board of directors to succeed Ole who had passed in July of that year. Also that year, under his leadership, Evinrude introduced one of the most popular outboards of its time, the LIGHTFOUR IMPERIAL featuring HOODED POWER. This revolutionary new concept featured a complete aluminum covering over the powerhead - and over time more varieties were produced than any other model. It came in three shaft heights; with or without auto-rewind starter; standard or 360 degree steering; and standard or heavy duty lower unit. Later models featured the fuel tank completely surrounding the flywheel. The Lightfour continued in production until 1951.

[lars strom]

Thanks Terry Weddell.

[lars strom]

Tunnel Boat Kit with Johnson Formula One V8

This 1990’s era Revell model kit features a 1/25 scale plastic FORMULA ONE TUNNEL BOAT modeled after the one driven by Ben Robertson - and the Chevy stepside Team styled pickup with trailer. If you missed buying the kit back then, there are ‘several’ for sale online. Search: Revell 7240 Formula One Mach One Team.

[WaterZebra]

Tunnel Boat Kit with Johnson Formula One V8

This 1990’s era Revell model kit features a 1/25 scale plastic FORMULA ONE TUNNEL BOAT modeled after the one driven by Ben Robertson - and the Chevy stepside Team styled pickup with trailer. If you missed buying the kit back then, there are ‘several’ for sale online. Search: Revell 7240 Formula One Mach One Team.

Yep.........have 2 of them including the Yamaha version too. Tim Seebold's F1 rig was produced in a diecast version by the Denver Mint in a highly detailed configuration including a tip up canopy. Maybe be worth something some day or maybe not. I'd trade all of mine for a low serial number 1959 Barbie. LOL It's a shame that Alterscale didn't draw up a contract with the artisans in China to make a F1 V8 Evinrude and Johnson race motor like was made for the old Merc 75H. I would have bought a pair in a heartbeat!

[lars strom]

One more picture of the #57 Ben kit.

[Lake X Kid]

I wonder if the model kit manufacturer, has to purchase legal-rights from all of the Companies displayed on the model boat.

One more picture of the #57 Ben kit.

[Lake X Kid]

That Chevy pickup is a style of yesteryear.

Tunnel Boat Kit with Johnson Formula One V8

This 1990’s era Revell model kit features a 1/25 scale plastic FORMULA ONE TUNNEL BOAT modeled after the one driven by Ben Robertson - and the Chevy stepside Team styled pickup with trailer. If you missed buying the kit back then, there are ‘several’ for sale online. Search: Revell 7240 Formula One Mach One Team.

[lars strom]

Here is the real #57 Ben Robertson F1 boat and a lot of other OMC V8 powered tunnel boats.

[WaterZebra]

I wonder if the model kit manufacturer, has to purchase legal-rights from all of the Companies displayed on the model boat.

I'm sure that OMC (Strang) and Second Effort / Mach Props (Garbrecht) waived any rights to Revell just for their effort to come up with the molds to produce the model kit. Remember, 3D printing didn't exist yet. I would imagine that Second Effort / OMC also waived rights to Alterscale's production of OMC XP series of 1/10 scale replicas as well. Boeing had 3 staff level employees in their patent department working full time checking airplane model kits for accuracy right down to the rivet count and decals. Alterscale's production of Mercury engine replicas probably was a different story. I was disappointed that Alterscale didn't make replicas for the Evinrude Strangler or Mercury Twister 1. Side note on the Revell Yamaha kit. It was identical to the Ben Robertson kit except for decals. It was supposed to represent Brian Daley's set up that won Havasu one year. (only big race victory for Yamaha?)

[peterse90]

It was identical to the Ben Robertson kit except for decals.

Not quite. The hull, engine & trailer are carry over from the Ben Robertson model kit. However the front & rear cowlings are different; Ben's are molded to feature a canopy vs. the Yamaha model kit are molded for an open cockpit. And obviously the tow vehicles are totally different.

Wish my completed Ben Robertson model looked 1/2 as good as this one. I completed mine many years ago and the decals have dried out and have started to peel off.

[WaterZebra]

Not quite. The hull, engine & trailer are carry over from the Ben Robertson model kit. However the front & rear cowlings are different; Ben's are molded to feature a canopy vs. the Yamaha model kit are molded for an open cockpit. And obviously the tow vehicles are totally different.

Wish my completed Ben Robertson model looked 1/2 as good as this one. I completed mine many years ago and the decals have dried out and have started to peel off.

Correct. Bought both models at the same time but only put the Ben Robertson #57 together. Vehicles didn't make any sense? Should have been Chevy box vans?
My Yamaha model is still in the box unassembled in the attic?

[peterse90]

My Yamaha model is still in the box unassembled in the attic?

I have been working on my Yamaha model a little bit at a time...but when done it will not look anything like the one on the box.
Motor painted to look like a Merc and I'm leaning towards painting the boat inspired by RJ West or Brent Dillard colours.

[lars strom]

From FB today..much more from Hernán coming soon.. Evinrude - Johnson outboards. Facts, history, racing and OMC.

Hernán Regnicoli


I am Hernán Regnicoli and my father is Jorge Regnicoli, he is currently 84 years old. He has participated in the "6 hours of Paris" in 1974, and obtained the third place. In addition, he has participated in the "24 hours of Rouen" in 1977, a race in which he was first until the 20th hour when the Johnson RS broke down.

The reason for my message is to ask if any of you have videos of some of these competitions.
Lars competed in the 24 Hours of Rouen in which you won the SE category and one of our boats came third. If you have any videos, we will be very grateful. I send you some photos.

Regards.