I'm looking at a '96 Javelin TSD 400 with a 225 Johnson Venom and was looking for the good and the bad on these boats. I have done some research and there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of negative on the Javelins out there. For the price range I have it is by far the best buy for a boat and motor of that size.
All opinions are welcome.

good boat. light weight. could handle better in rough water. rod storage is an issue. i run one and like it just fine.

I have one and the only set back is finding Javelin parts, since they are not made anymore..

Good boats. The 389 was a popular boat, as was the 400. If I recall correctly, OMC owned Stratos, Hydrasports and Javelin. They dropped Javelin and moved Hydrasports to saltwater only. We know what happened to Stratos. They (OMC) did the same thing with Johnson and Evinrude. Evinrude became freshwater only and Johnson was moved to saltwater.

They were pretty good boats in their time. Probably more wood in it than you expect. You'll want to give it a thorough inspection for soft spots on the floor and transom. I would rate it a notch below a Stratos of the same time period.

I wasn't sure about the wood. I think the '98 model was all composite and no wood, but not sure about the '96.
Rod storage is not a real issue for me.
What is the best inspection "test" for soft spots? A firm step on the deck?
This would be my first boat purchase.

I have a Javelin Fish/Ski, I love it. As previously stated, rod storage is an issue, but I installed some rod holders and they solved this issue. As far as soft spots on the deck, I have always been told to bounce with your feet and if you feel any kind of a sinking or giving, it would be best to move on to the next boat. Just my .02.

For the price...YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

i run a 98 javelin love it!!!

My friend's dad has one and it screams. 19.5 footer with a 200 Johnson and it does every bit of 70. Not the driest ride though. Other than that they are good boats IMO.

i had one & absolutly loved it. same as a stratos. built across the street from each other back then.

I believe it was one less layer of fiberglass than the equivalent Srtatos model. Good lighter boat, typically faster than the equivalent Stratos. Rough ride and wet. Make sure your stuff is sealed and that you air out the storage and rod boxes after every trip as they usually get wet. That 225 Venom will be a gas eating pig but should move the boat really well. Have the compression checked and the hull/transom looked at by a reliable dealer.

No doubt the 225 Venom will drink some gas at full throttle. I run a '97 Evinrude 225 Vindicator and it isn't friendly on gas either. Most of my time is spend under 4,000 rpms (and really closer to 3,500 which does help.