Johnson Boat Works: A Century of Scow Excellence on White Bear Lake
Nestled on the shores of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Johnson Boat Works forged a legacy spanning more than a century, becoming synonymous with high-performance racing scows. From its humble beginnings in 1896 to its eventual closure in 1998, the company, under the visionary leadership of John O. Johnson, profoundly shaped inland lake sailing and left an indelible mark on the marine industry.
The story of Johnson Boat Works begins with its founder, John O. Johnson, a Norwegian immigrant who arrived in the United States in 1893. Before establishing his own enterprise, Johnson honed his craft, working alongside another boat builder, Gus Amundson, for three years. In 1896, with a clear vision for speed and performance on the water, he founded Johnson Boat Works in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Beyond his prowess as a boat builder, Johnson was also recognized as an early aviator and inventor.
The company's first significant success came shortly after its inception with the "Minnezika," a 38-foot scow design. This innovative sailboat clinched the championship on White Bear Lake in 1900 and served as the foundational model for the iconic A-Class scow, setting the stage for Johnson Boat Works' future dominance in racing.
History and Evolution
For over 100 years, Johnson Boat Works remained a pillar of American boat building. Following the success of the A-Class, Johnson rapidly expanded his repertoire, developing and building scows for various classes, including the B's, C's, D's, and E's, cementing the company's reputation as the premier builder of these distinctive inland racers. In the 1930s, the company was commissioned to build the 16-foot X-Boat, a popular youth sailboat, further broadening its reach within the sailing community.
Mid-century saw further innovation with the design of the J-Scow in the mid-1950s, a design that later evolved into the highly successful MC Scow. Johnson Boat Works also ventured into other popular dinghy classes, producing models such as the Optis and 420s. While initially crafted from wood, the company adapted to new materials, with models like the M Scow being built predominantly from fiberglass with wood trim. Later boats, such as some Inland 20 conversions, even incorporated Corecell laminate, showcasing an ongoing evolution in construction. The company continued to innovate, releasing the Johnson 18 in 1994.
The esteemed legacy of Johnson Boat Works concluded in 1998, two years after celebrating its centennial. Upon its closure, the company's valuable scow molds were acquired by its Wisconsin-based competitor, Melges Boat Works, now known as Melges Performance Sailboats. Other molds, including that of the Johnson 18, found a new home with Catalina Yachts in California. The repair and storage operations of Johnson Boat Works continued under a new name, White Bear Boat Works, managed by a family member. The historic site of Johnson Boat Works has since been redeveloped into "Boatworks Commons," a mixed-use development overlooking White Bear Lake.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Johnson Boat Works built its formidable reputation on the development and construction of racing scows—distinctive flat-bottomed sailboats renowned for their speed and exhilarating performance on inland lakes. The builder became celebrated for its performance racers, creating boats known for their unique "one hull, one large sail, two bilge-boards, and one helluva ride!" characteristics.
A hallmark of many Johnson scows was their signature design features, including dual internally-mounted rudders and dual retractable bilgeboards, exemplified by the M Scow. Early M Scows also featured a rotating mast and a mainsheet traveler, contributing to their racing efficiency. While John O. Johnson himself was the primary designer for many early models, later boats saw collaborations. The M Scow, for instance, was a joint design effort with Melges Boat Works. The Johnson 18, a later fiberglass model, was designed by naval architect Rodger Martin.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Throughout its impressive history, Johnson Boat Works produced a roster of iconic boat models that defined generations of inland lake racing. The "Minnezika" of 1900 set the standard for the A-Class, initiating a lineage of large, fast scows. The company went on to produce the entire range of Inland Lake Yachting Association (ILYA) scow classes, including the B, C, D, and E scows.
The 16-foot X-Boat, introduced in the 1930s, became a beloved youth trainer and remains a vibrant class today. Perhaps one of their most widespread successes was the J-Scow from the mid-1950s, which ultimately led to the creation of the MC Scow. The M Scow (also known as the M-16 Scow), designed in collaboration with Melges Boat Works in 1950, earned the moniker "The People's Scow" due to its affordability and enduring popularity. The M-16 continues to be actively raced, particularly in the Midwest and southern New Jersey, with large fleets competing in championship regattas organized by the Inland Lake Yachting Association. Johnson Boat Works also contributed to the global sailing scene by building Opti and 420 dinghies. In its later years, the company produced the Johnson 18, a Rodger Martin-designed sailboat with over 100 units fabricated. Even after the company's closure, many Johnson-built M20s have been converted into Inland 20s, extending their racing life.
The Builder Today
While Johnson Boat Works officially ceased operations in 1998, its spirit and legacy thrive within the sailing community. The acquisition of their scow molds by Melges Performance Sailboats ensures that the evolution of these racing machines continues under a new banner, with the MC Scow remaining in production as of 2020. Catalina Yachts carries on the production of the Johnson 18 mold. The former site in White Bear Lake now serves as a modern residential and commercial complex, "Boatworks Commons."
The enduring appeal of Johnson-built boats is evident in the vibrant owner communities dedicated to racing and preserving these classic designs. Sailors actively compete in various scow classes, including the M Scow, C Scow, and the converted Inland 20s. The availability of used Johnson scows, often for a modest investment, continues to attract new enthusiasts to the exhilarating world of scow sailing, ensuring that the impact of John O. Johnson's century-long vision for fast, fun, and competitive sailing continues to resonate across the lakes and beyond.