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<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000897069-04-000438.txt : 20040220
<SEC-HEADER>0000897069-04-000438.hdr.sgml : 20040220
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20040220154611
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0000897069-04-000438
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	8-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		4
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20040220
ITEM INFORMATION:		Financial statements and exhibits
ITEM INFORMATION:		Regulation FD Disclosure
FILED AS OF DATE:		20040220

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000788329
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	 [3949]
		IRS NUMBER:				391536083
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			WI
		FISCAL YEAR END:			0930

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		8-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-16255
		FILM NUMBER:		04619298

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		555 MAIN STREET
		CITY:			RACINE
		STATE:			WI
		ZIP:			53403-1015
		BUSINESS PHONE:		2626316600

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		555 MAIN STREET
		STREET 2:		STE 023
		CITY:			RACINE
		STATE:			WI
		ZIP:			53403-1015

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	JOHNSON WORLDWIDE ASSOCIATES INC
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19920703
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>cmw495.htm
<DESCRIPTION>CURRENT REPORT
<TEXT>
<HTML>
<HEAD>
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<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Minor Center-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>UNITED STATES<BR>SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Minor Center-TNR" FSL="Default" -->
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Washington, D.C. 20549 </FONT></P>

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     <P ALIGN=CENTER>_________________ </P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Minor Center-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>FORM 8-K </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Minor Center-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>CURRENT REPORT </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Minor Center-TNR" FSL="Default" -->
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Pursuant to Section 13
or 15(d) of<BR>the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Center Rule" FSL="Default" -->
     <P ALIGN=CENTER>_________________ </P>


<TABLE ALIGN=CENTER CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 WIDTH=50%>
<TR VALIGN=Bottom>
     <TD WIDTH=55% ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Date of Report</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH=45% ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN=Bottom>
     <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(Date of earliest</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN=Bottom>
     <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>event reported):</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>February 20, 2004</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>


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<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><U>Johnson Outdoors Inc.</U><BR> (Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)  </FONT></P>


<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 WIDTH=100%>
<TR VALIGN=Bottom>
     <TD WIDTH=30% ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Wisconsin</FONT><HR WIDTH=40% SIZE=1 COLOR=gray NOSHADE></TD>
     <TD WIDTH=38% ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>0-16255</FONT><HR WIDTH=40% SIZE=1 COLOR=gray NOSHADE></TD>
     <TD WIDTH=30% ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>39-1536083</FONT><HR WIDTH=40% SIZE=1 COLOR=gray NOSHADE></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN=Bottom>
     <TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(State or other</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(Commission File</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(IRS Employer</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN=Bottom>
     <TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>jurisdiction of</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Number)</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Identification No.)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN=Bottom>
     <TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>incorporation)</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>



<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Minor Center-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><U>555 Main Street, Racine, Wisconsin 53403</U><BR>(Address of principal
executive offices, including zip code)  </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Minor Center-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(262) 631-6600&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </U> <BR>(Registrant&#146;s telephone number, including area code) </FONT></P>


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<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><U>Item 7</U>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Financial
Statements and Exhibits</U>. </FONT></P>

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<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(a) </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Not
applicable. </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(b) </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Not
applicable. </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(c) </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=90%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><U>Exhibits</U>.
The following exhibits are being furnished with this Current                Report on
Form 8-K (this &#147;Report&#148;): </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<A NAME=A007></A>
<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>99.1 </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Press
Release dated February 20, 2004. </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>                           99.2 </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Nonbinding
 Proposal from Helen P.  Johnson-Leipold and Samuel C. Johnson dated
                                    February 20, 2004. </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Left-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><U>Item 9</U>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;          <U>Regulation FD Disclosure</U>. </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Indent Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Default" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On
February 20, 2004, Johnson Outdoors Inc. (the &#147;Company&#148;) issued a press release
announcing that it has received a nonbinding proposal to acquire outstanding shares of the
Company for a cash price of $18.00 per share (the &#147;Press Release&#148;). A copy of
the Press Release is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Report and is incorporated
herein by reference. The proposal is from Helen Johnson-Leipold (Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company) and Samuel C. Johnson (majority shareholder of the
Company), and pertains to all shares of the Company not already owned by them or any
member of their family or entities controlled by them (the &#147;Proposal&#148;). A copy
of the Proposal is being furnished as Exhibit 99.2 to this Report and is incorporated
herein by reference. </FONT></P>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
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<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>-1- </FONT></P>

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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><U>SIGNATURES</U> </FONT></H1>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Left-TNR" FSL="Default" -->
<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Date:&nbsp;&nbsp;February 20, 2004 </FONT></P>

<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 WIDTH=100%>
<TR VALIGN=Bottom>
     <TD WIDTH=50% ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2></FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH=50% ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B>JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.</B></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN=Bottom>
     <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><BR><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>By:&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>/s/ Alisa Swire</U></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN=Bottom>
     <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2></FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alisa Swire</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN=Bottom>
     <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2></FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vice President, Business Development and</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN=Bottom>
     <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2></FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Legal Affairs</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>


<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Page Number Center" FSL="Project" -->
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>-2- </FONT></P>

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<HR SIZE=5 COLOR=GRAY NOSHADE>





<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Minor Center-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B>JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.</B>
 <BR>Exhibit Index to Current Report on Form 8-K<BR>Report Dated February 20, 2004  </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Left-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Exhibit<BR><U>Number</U> </FONT></P>


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<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>99.1  </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=95%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Press
Release dated February 20, 2004. </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>99.2  </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=95%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Nonbinding
Proposal from Helen P. Johnson-Leipold and Samuel C. Johnson dated February 20, 2004. </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>


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</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99.1
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>cmw495a.htm
<DESCRIPTION>PRESS RELEASE
<TEXT>
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<IMG SRC="joilogo.gif">

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Major Left Bold-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<H1 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>AT JOHNSON OUTDOORS: </FONT></H1>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Left-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Cynthia Georgeson <BR>(262) 631-6600<BR>cgeorges@johnsonoutdoors.com </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Major Left Bold-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<H1 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<BR>FRIDAY,
FEBRUARY 20, 2004 </FONT></H1>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Major Center Bold-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=4>Johnson Outdoors
Receives Non-Binding Proposal <BR><I>Board Appoints Special
Committee, No Changes Anticipated</I>  </FONT></H1>


<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Flush Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B>Racine, Wisconsin, February 20,
2004</B> <B>&#150; Johnson Outdoors Inc. (Nasdaq:&nbsp;JOUT)</B> today announced it has
received a nonbinding proposal to acquire outstanding shares of the company for a cash
price of $18.00 per share. The proposal from Samuel C. Johnson (majority shareholder and
director of Johnson Outdoors) and Helen Johnson-Leipold (Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, Johnson Outdoors) pertains to all shares of the Company not already owned by them
or any member of their family or entities controlled by them. </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Flush Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>According to the proposal, the intent
is to return full ownership in Johnson Outdoors to the Johnson family, and for all other
holders of outstanding common stock to receive cash for their shares, through a negotiated
merger transaction. The proposal also states that Ms. Johnson&#150;Leipold and Mr. Johnson
have no interest in selling their shares and will not support an alternative transaction.
The proposal further states that no changes are anticipated in the current business as a
result of the proposed transaction. </FONT></P>


<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Flush Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>In response to the proposal, the
Board of Directors of Johnson Outdoors Inc. has appointed a special committee of
independent directors to evaluate the proposal on behalf of the Company.&nbsp; The special
committee has the authority to retain its own independent financial and legal advisors. </FONT></P>


<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Flush Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>The annual meeting of Johnson
Outdoors&#146; shareholders is scheduled to be held on February 25, 2004.&nbsp; The
Company will convene the meeting, but intends to adjourn, without conducting any business,
to a date to be announced early next week. The Company will mail supplementary proxy
materials to shareholders next week. </FONT></P>


<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Flush Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B>Johnson Outdoors</B> cautions its
shareholders, and others considering trading in its securities, as follows:&nbsp; the
proposal is preliminary and nonbinding; the Board of Directors has just received the
proposal and the process of considering the proposal is only in its beginning stages; no
decisions whatsoever have been made by the special committee in respect of the
company&#146;s response, if any, to the proposal, and shareholders are not now being asked
to take any action with respect to the proposal; the special committee will proceed in a
timely and orderly manner to consider the proposal and its implications in accordance with
applicable state and federal laws, including the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934; and there can be no assurance that the proposed transaction or any
other transaction will be approved or completed. </FONT></P>





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<H1 ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><I>About Johnson Outdoors
Inc.</I>  </FONT></H1>

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<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Nasdaq: JOUT&nbsp; </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B>Johnson Outdoors</B> is a leading
global outdoor recreation company that turns ideas into adventure with innovative,
top-quality products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of
winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Motors, Diving and
Outdoor Equipment. Johnson Outdoors&#146; familiar brands include, among others: Old
Town&reg; canoes and kayaks; Ocean(tm) Kayak, Necky(tm) and Dimension&reg; kayaks; Minn
Kota&reg; motors; SCUBAPRO&reg; and SnorkelPro; UWATEC&reg; dive equipment; and,
Eureka!&reg; tents. The company has 24 locations around the world, employs 1,400 people
and reported annual sales of $315.9 million in 2003. </FONT></P>


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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=3>Visit Johnson Outdoors
online at <U>www.JohnsonOutdoors.com</U>. </FONT></H1>

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end

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<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99.2
<SEQUENCE>5
<FILENAME>cmw495b.htm
<DESCRIPTION>LETTER OF PROPOSAL
<TEXT>
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>
</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Right-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>February 20, 2004 </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Left-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Board of Directors<BR>Johnson
Outdoors Inc.<BR>555 Main Street<BR>Racine, WI 53403 </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Left-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Gentlemen: </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Indent Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
hereby present the following proposal whereby an entity to be formed by us
(&#147;<I><U>Acquisition Co</U></I><U></U>.&#148;) would acquire all of the outstanding
shares of Class A and Class B common stock of Johnson Outdoors Inc. (the
&#147;<I><U>Company</U></I><U></U>&#148;) not already owned by us, members of our family,
or entities controlled by us or our family members, for a price of $18.00 per share in
cash. Our offer provides an 88.4% premium over the five (5)-year average closing price, a
66.5% premium over the three (3)-year average closing price, a 43.2% premium over the two
(2)-year average closing price and a 38.0% premium over the one (1)-year average closing
price. When compared to yesterday&#146;s closing price, which approached an eighty-three
week high and adjusting for excess working capital generated by the sale of Jack Wolfskin,
our offer provides a premium of 8.6% over the fundamental equity value of the Company.
Furthermore, when compared to the closing price thirty (30) days prior to today and
adjusting for excess working capital, our offer provides a premium of 18.2% over the
fundamental equity value of the Company. </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Indent Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
proposal seeks to return the Company to its roots as a private company owned by members of
the Johnson family, at a price that is fair to the public stockholders. By returning to
private ownership, the Company would be relieved of the burdens associated with being a
public company. </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Indent Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
would propose that a transaction be structured as a merger under the laws of the state of
Wisconsin whereby Acquisition Co. (or an affiliate thereof) would be merged with and into
the Company, and holders of the Company&#146;s public shares would receive cash for such
shares. To facilitate this transaction, we have engaged investment bankers and have
received indications of interest from nationally recognized lending institutions with
respect to the financing for the proposed transaction. Together with amounts available
from the Company&#146;s existing funds, we believe that such financing will be sufficient
to meet the needs of this transaction and to operate the business going forward, subject
of course, to satisfactory completion of due diligence. </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Indent Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Default" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Given
our involvement with the Company, we would anticipate that the Board of Directors would
establish an independent special committee to evaluate our proposal and engage separate
advisors. In this regard, please note that we do not have any interest in selling our
shares in the Company and therefore will not support an alternative transaction. </FONT></P>


<!-- MARKER PAGE="sheet: 1; page: 1" -->
<HR SIZE=5 COLOR=GRAY NOSHADE>




<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Indent Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Default" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
are prepared to move forward promptly to consummate the proposed transaction and reach a
definitive merger agreement that would contain customary terms and conditions for
transactions of this type including, without limitation:  </FONT></P>


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<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Approval
of the transaction by the special committee. </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Hang Lv 2-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Receipt
by the special committee of a "fairness opinion" from its financial advisors. </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Hang Lv 2-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Recommendation
by the Board that the stockholders of the Company approve the transaction. </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Hang Lv 2-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=10%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&#149; </FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=85%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Approval
of the transaction by the Company's stockholders with the requisite votes under
applicable Wisconsin law at a special meeting of stockholders held for such purpose.  </FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Indent Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Should
a transaction be consummated, we presently intend to continue the business of the Company
as currently conducted, and do not anticipate seeking any changes in the Company&#146;s
current operations as a result of the transaction. </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Indent Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
advisors are available to meet with the Board or the special committee to discuss this
proposal at your earliest convenience. </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Indent Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
letter is merely a statement of current intention and does not constitute a firm or
binding offer. We are prepared to leave our proposal open until March 22, 2004, but
reserve the right to amend or withdraw this proposal and to terminate further discussions
at any time prior to our execution of definitive agreements. Please let us know at your
earliest convenience how you wish to proceed. </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Minor Center-TNR" FSL="Default" -->
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Very truly yours, </FONT></P>



<TABLE CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 WIDTH=760>
<TR VALIGN=Bottom>
     <TD WIDTH=50% ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>/s/ Samuel C. Johnson</FONT><HR WIDTH=80% SIZE=1 COLOR=BLACK NOSHADE></TD>
     <TD WIDTH=50% ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>/s/ Helen P. Johnson-Leipold</FONT><HR WIDTH=80% SIZE=1 COLOR=BLACK NOSHADE></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN=Bottom>
     <TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Samuel C. Johnson</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Helen P. Johnson-Leipold</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>


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