Re: Johnson / Evinrude identity crisis?
Originally Johnson & Evinrude were different, competing makes. Outboard Marine was formed (in 1936?) when those 2 makes were purchased and under common ownership. Slowly at first, the 2 makes began to share a little R&D, or at least the fruits of that. For 1949 Johnson brought out the revolutionary 10 with the new separate fuel tank & F-N-R shift. Evinrude started using the midsection & lower unit from the 10 on their exclusive 14 Fastwin for 1950. In 1951 the first true joint venture happened when both division brought out the 25 for 1951, then the 3 for 1952. The other motors were exclusive to each division still. Buccaneer (Gale) was then purchased in the early 1950s. By 1956 Johnson & Evinrude completely shared all motors. Gale meanwhile was selling either older discontinued Evinrude / Elto motors, or economy versions of the J/E stable. Gale actually brought out the single fuel line, fuel pump & non-pressurized tanks years before J/E. Since Gale was building motors for department store brands anonymously, by rolling out the non-pressurized fuel system they could get real world feedback on a limited basis without potentially damaging the Johnson / Evinrude names. Gale was shut down around 1964. J/E picked up some of the Gale motors that were in between the existing power ratings (i.e. 60 horse V4). The Johnson & Evinrude offerings were the same UNTIL the 1990s exactly as tashadaddy said.
