I am looking at buying a 93 Javelin 409. It looks amazing for its age but I worry about getting a headache boat again. I can’t find much on the 409 on the internet. Anybody know anything about them. I test drive it this weekend.
I am looking at buying a 93 Javelin 409. It looks amazing for its age but I worry about getting a headache boat again. I can’t find much on the 409 on the internet. Anybody know anything about them. I test drive it this weekend.
Well I know nothing of the 409, but a few months back I picked up a 1993 Javelin379. From a performance standpoint I have no clue about the 409 but a few things I have learned about the Javelin hulls.
Check the transom for stability, lots of wood back there. Check the floor and decks for soft spots. The soft spots on the 379 that I thought were minor until I cut the carpet back and found lots of cancer. New floor, fiberglass and carpet.
Steering cables- one was cracked and needed replacement. Found out i couldn't replace so ended up putting hydraulic steering system in.
As long as the price is right and the motor is sound..... remember its about 28 years old and gonna have some issues sooner or later.
List out some specifics about the boat and motor
2003 Stratos 185, Yamaha V150LTRB, Tempest Plus 25P
Coach is spot on with his recommendations. Transom and floor drains are the common spots to check for moisture/rot. Transom, floor and decks are full of wood. The 409 is going to be pretty similar to the Hydra Sport LS200, in fact it may even use the same hull, just a different deck layout. They were built in the same factory as Javelin back in the day. All the Jav's were very good boats, both in ride and fishability.
'05 Stratos 200 ProXL, '05 Evinrude 225HO
Thanks. From the outside the gel coat and carpet are perfect. No issues at all. The motor is an Johnson Fast Srike 150. Yes I know it’s a bit under powered but I am not a speed demon so I don’t care. I plan on checking for soft spots and the transom. I expect older boats will have some issues but my ‘88 Bass Cat Pantera has been nothing but a headache so this will hopefully be an upgrade.
Last edited by BasscatBrett71; 05-06-2021 at 02:41 PM.
Check the serial # on the faststrike. Mine is a 1991 J150GLEIS on the 93 hull. I'll be interested in what is on the one you're looking at.
2003 Stratos 185, Yamaha V150LTRB, Tempest Plus 25P
I will know Saturday when I test it. Will let you know.
Take a pic of the number on the heads. If the heads are the same number as the pic I added the motor more than likely is rated about 175hp.
20210302_084829.jpg
If at all possible do a compression test after the motor warms up. Our 91 faststrike has 95lbs on all 6 which is pretty good for a motor that old.
Last edited by Coach185; 05-06-2021 at 10:26 PM.
2003 Stratos 185, Yamaha V150LTRB, Tempest Plus 25P
update?
2003 Stratos 185, Yamaha V150LTRB, Tempest Plus 25P
I own a 409T , dual console , 1996 , with a 225hp , Johnson , it is a very good boat , very good ride , all my buddies say it is the best riding boat they have ever rode in , it is a deep hull boat and is a beast in rough water, you will be pleased
1996 Javelin 409T DC /225 Johnson Venom
Sweet. Post pics of the motor cowling.
What did you find as far as the motor serial number?
2003 Stratos 185, Yamaha V150LTRB, Tempest Plus 25P
'05 Stratos 200 ProXL, '05 Evinrude 225HO
mine is red where your is blue , I got the double axle trailer ,be careful putting gas in it , mine tends to run over fast before you can stop the handle , it will blow out all over the place if you get it full to fast .
1996 Javelin 409T DC /225 Johnson Venom
The 409 is a fantastic big water boat. There was the 400, and the 409.
The 400 was pretty much identical to the 379/389, but larger. The 409 had a deeper hull.
I had a 379 TDC in 93, and the local Javelin Dealer was using a 409 as a demo boat, and it was awesome in rough water.
1998 Stratos 285 Pro
1989 Evinrude XP 150(E150STLCEM)(08199802)
2004 Ford Explorer NBX V8
1998 Jeep XJ 4.0L V6
House Cat named Patches
Remington 700, Old Cooey 12 gauge, A lot of Fishing Rods
Some tools, garden hose with outboard attachment, 3 crow decoys, 8 Track Tape player,
A Billy Bass, and clothing from the 80's.
I have a 97 409B w/200 Johnson Venom. It has hands down been my favorite boat. It isn't winning any races but it rides awesome in any kind of water. There's a guy near me with a 409 F&S, its a cool boat, same hull but different top cap and interior.