Seagull outboard

It is very likely that I will now upset the vast majority of my fellow forumites by saying that I do not understand why people still buy Seagull engines; i had one about 20 years ago.

It was heavy, 2 stroke hence unreliable, very thirsty, very loud, dirty, underpowered for its physical size. Basically, I could not see the benefit in keeping it so I threw it away a year later and got a Honda 2hp 4 stroke water cooled; what a difference!!.

I know that most of you will think that i must be mad; but although the Seagulls were good once upon a time, nowadays are even more horrific.
 
Bet you'd hate Bull-nose Morris, or even a 3ltr Bentley too? DC3 isn't that nice to fly in, but it's still an absolute classic plane. :D

I would love to have a Bentley and a DC3 and I was lucky to fly on Tigermoths many time in my early aeronautical career; i also have a 41 year old Macwester which is classic great; but I have never been hot on Seagulls
 
Handsome Seagull?

Happy to agree to disagree with Captain Fantastic -each to his or her own.
I like good kit on board - hence Swarovski Binos, HL Ocean Racer Suit, Hydrovane, Nikon FM3A, Rolex Submariner watch....... and a Seagull outboard!
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Nostalgia has little to do with it for me - the Seagull has more than earned it's place on my good kit list. Reasons:-

Cost in 1973 - £39.
Absolutely reliable little engine in regular use all year round ever since. Has worn out several boats! Has simply never let me down and if it does not start on the first pull - it starts on the second. Have lost count of number of other boaters I have passed over the years as they struggled to start their modern outboards- most recently an owner with a new Honda! And in Braye Harbour in September I had occasion to offer use of my Seagull's ample power to tow in the water taxi as their modern outboard had broken down!
One major service a few years ago (after I managed to break it accidentally) - only other maintenance costs - a set of points when it was about 25 years old, a new plug every two years and a drive spring every 15 years!
Simple, rugged, reliable, long lasting, light enough to lift easliy on and off deck - fuel consumption never an issue and if you cut off the fuel at the right time you can eliminate the fuel dribble to minimise polution. I doubt if the planet is being saved by massproducing modern outboards which are thrown away after only a decade or less years in salt water use.
Have used many Seagulls over the years in addition to my original and I hope never to go down to the sea without one!
Robin
Pleiades of Birdham
MXWQ5

HandsomeSeagull.jpg
 
Great, looks like I have done the right thing! All I need to do is replace the screw and wire with a new plug cap, check the leg oil and will soon find a blonde lady with an inflatable to run away with me. After a short race today and then into the bar, it all looks positive to me. Again, many thanks to all who have helped me.
Allan
PS, Searush sir, not sure I need the DC3 but now I'm seagull owner, where do I claim my 3ltr Bentley?
 
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HELP! I'm getting all nostalgic.........my Silver Century got nicked about 20 years ago.

Our Seagull got nicked about 40 years ago - and put back over the fence a few days later after we notified the police with a partial serial number, and the theft made it onto the local news!

Nostalgia rules - I still remember my brother and I having endless fun with a Metzeler Inca inflatable and the old Seagull - which we took apart and rebuilt a few times.
 

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