Seagull Outboards

[Castletine]

When I was a lad I had a 10' dinghy with a Seagull. It never failed me and although a little 'agricultural' by today's techno standards, I'm contemplating another one to power a tender.

I have not yet bought a tender, so I'd like to find out the pro's and cons of a Seagull and whether it's suitable for RIB or strictly rigid.

I'd appreciate any feedback on this....

 

[Guest]

you need to have a look at www.bosunsmate.co.uk

or ring Andy Clark (it's his site) as he has encyclopaedic knowledge of outboard engines.

He also sells motors, and has a 6hp Seagull inat the moment.

If you buy anything from him, let him know that I recommended him to you - I bought a Tohatsu18 from Will (who works for him) and it is a super engine.

Regards,
Rich.

 

[jollyjacktar]

I have a Seagull Silver Century which my father bought new by trading in a set of golf clubs. Always runs, only spare part used has been one new spark plug. Once, after I had had it instore and unused for 11years, I put it on the dinghy, with fresh fuel and oil in gear box, primed the motor and one pull and away it ran without missing a beat. Unbelievable but true!!!! However by modern technology standards, very hungry, oily, and agricultural.

 

[graham]

Jolly jacktar has summed them up well.I have had various seagulls and am a fan.Avoid one with a steel tank which they did for a few years ,corrosion flakes got into the carb, Brass or plastic tanks OK.

Drawbacks are, oily noisy thirsty ,require 10to1 or 20to1 mix so not very green.But you get legendary reliability and long life.

 

[Guest]

I also am a fan of Seagulls! My Seagull 40 Minus is god only knows how old. My father bought it secondhand some 35 years ago, and I have had this beautiful little engine for the past 5 years. The only replacement part that I have had to put on the engine was a new fuel tap after it started dribbling a bit of fuel when shut. Don't bother about buying the "official" spare part, go to your local lawnmower repair shop, and buy a fuel tap for under £2! It still starts first time every time, and as long as you give them a little bit of attention each winter, they should give a very long life!

Yes, they are 'agricultral' but I love 'em!!

 

[Guest]

Don\'t do it !

Get a Seagull that is - it's just not New Labour is it ?

I too once believed in them and admit to owning a few - even got quite fond of them. They are beautifully built but so were many Stone Age axes that are now uncovered - like Seagulls when laying new moorings.

I had the great fortune to have mine knicked so it was, I admit. much easier to give them up.

They are noisy, stinky, heavy and you get covered in oil.

Think of all that OIL that they use and deposit over that lovely wildlife that have to live with it after we go home on Sunday's.

To the rest of you that still own them - I still love you as fellow sailors, but I will gladly tow you up any creek or seaway on the East Coast if you come my way for free in my 2 HP Honda. Mine by the way runs on my own supply of self righteousness.

 

[Castletine]

Thanks for all the advice. I'd forgotten about the fuel mixture side - it was that long ago.

After reading all your stories I'm going to track one down - I know they're not the 'greenest' of engines, however I hope I can apply dispensation on historic grounds as I believe that a Seagull on a rigid clinker tender on my 1931 Motor Sailor will set it off a treat........now off to find both!!

 

[Guest]

Well, since you're going to bite the bullet, why not have a word with John Williams of Save Our Seagulls? He used to run Seagull's help line when they were in Poole, and essentially still does the same thing, only now from Maldon.

I don't know his phone number offhand, but his email address is johnwilliams@eoa.ndirect.co.uk

 

[Guest]

John Williams
SOS
Bluebell Cottage
George Road
Tillingham
ESSEX

I think the number is: 01491 652755

I've got 2 of them and I think they're great!

 

[Guest]

They're fine, so long as anyone who needs to start it is going to be strong enough to do so. I'm an able-bodied woman, and I can't. (In fact, I think we've got one for sale for this reason!)

 

[Guest]

Which is for sale?

The Seagull or the able-bodied woman? Could use either, depending on age, price and maintenance required.

 

[Guest]

Ah. Thanks for filling in the blanks for me, Ian.

Yes, I've got one, and ditto.

 

[Sandro]

I experienced a really big fuel leaking from the tap after a long time during wich the tank was empty.
the cause was the cork sealing joint (is this the correct english word?) inside the tap having dried up and shrunk.
I have boiled the cork joint in water for less than half a minute: it swelled to original dimensions and is now working perfectly.
Try and see.
It is much nicer to have the original Seagull fuel tap than an "agricultural" one; or at least this is my opinion.
Happy sailing,
Sandro