Evinrude and Johnson outboard year by model number
Reviewed 2 primary sourcesSee sources
The year is in the model number, not the serial number. Two letters near the end of the model number spell the model year with the code I-N-T-R-O-D-U-C-E-S, where I is 1, N is 2 and so on up to S for 0.
Covers: Evinrude and Johnson outboards from model year 1980 on, as listed in BRP’s model number references.
Where to find the numbers
- The model and serial numbers are on the swivel bracket and on the powerhead.[2]
Formats Evinrude and Johnson publishes
The decoder checks your number against each of these. A number can fit more than one era; the decoder then shows every possible reading.
- Year code, then a run lettermost model numbers from 1980
- Normally the year code is the two letters just before the final letter, which marks the model run.[1]
- Year code at the endsome early-1980s model numbers
- BRP’s tables include early-1980s model numbers that end with the year code and no run letter (2RCS is 1980).[1]
What Evinrude and Johnson says
1980–1998
Model numbers start with an optional market or variant letter, then the style, horsepower, features and shaft length, then the year code and a run letter.[1]
1999 on
A 4 before the year code marks a four-stroke. From 2002 an optional prefix letter appears, such as B for Bodensee models (and D for ICON models in the 2005 reference).[1][2]
Shaft length
The shaft letter in the model number gives the length: none for 15 inches, L for 20, Y for 22.5, X for 25 and Z for 30.[1]
Worked examples
VE70TLEDA: ED is 9 and 6: model year 1996 (BRP’s 1980–1998 example).[1]E70PL4EEA: EE is 9 and 9: model year 1999; the 4 before it marks a four-stroke (BRP’s 1999–2001 example).[1]BE200DPXINE: IN is 1 and 2: model year 2012 (BRP’s 2005-to-present example).[2]
What these numbers can’t tell you
- The code gives two digits only. BRP’s references start in 1980, so we read 80–99 as 1980–1999 and 00–79 as 2000–2079; BRP doesn’t state that rule.[1]
- Johnson and Evinrude outboards made before 1980 are listed by model number only and don’t use this code.[1]
- BRP gives no chart for reading a year from the serial number itself.[2]
- When the year code stopped being used.
Sources
Facts on this page are restated in our own words from the regulations, Coast Guard guidance and manufacturer documents below. Check the document for your exact model and year.
- Model Number Reference (Evinrude, Johnson, OMC)BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) · 5006145 · p.2 Model Years 1980-1998; p.3 Model Years 1999-2001; p.4 Model Years 2002 and Up; p.5+ model/year tables · retrieved
- Model Number Reference, 2005 to present (Evinrude, Johnson)BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) · 5008825 (© 2011) · p.1 Model Designation; 'Evinrude and Johnson Outboards 2005 - 2012' table · retrieved
Primary publishers: BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products). Spotted an error? Email the address in the footer with the model and the document you are using.