The only thing to watch for in the Johnsons is low compression. For that reason I’d get the ’82 model because I don’t think the ridiculous 100 to 1 oil ratio was in effect then (maybe?), and it was probably run with the correct 50 to 1. I have an 84 model that I bought from a fellow that belonged to his dad. He had one just like it for sale at the same time that had very little compression left because he’d run it on 100 to 1 mix, per the stupid instructions on the tank. His dad bought them both at the same time, but the dad ran 50 to 1 in his and it had plenty compression. I bought the dad’s and I passed on the other one. That little light motor would be perfect for your needs. Also parts are available pretty reasonable and they are easy to work on.
