British Seagulls....funky but cool!

[mobyjaws]

I remember seeing Seagulls pushing big sailboats around when I was a kid growing up in Florida. The people that owned them seemed to have nothing but good things to say about them. I thought one might make a cool restoration project. I've seen a few really nice ones and thought they were really sharp. Any thoughts or opinions are welcomed. MJ

 

[Scaaty]

Re: British Seagulls....funky but cool!

They get top dollar here in the Pacific N/W...and always some one collecting'em

 

[steelespike]

Re: British Seagulls....funky but cool!

Apparently a primative dependable design.Pre 78 models use 10:1 fuel ratio.Later motors some with carb modification can run 25:1.As I understand it they race these on long rowing shell style boats.Maybe they can't plane a boat so they attempt to run them at high displacement speeds.
I think there is a Seagull site.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: British Seagulls....funky but cool!

From my 30 years in England before I came across to Canada I only remember good things about them. Used to see them pushing big wooden fishing boats around off the coast of the Irish Sea. They were basic but effective pushers and from what I recall very reliable. Slow and steady with a big "fan" propeller. Probably still all over the place in the British Isles.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: British Seagulls....funky but cool!

Homepage
Buy/Sell/Trade
Parts

I own two.

 

[mobyjaws]

Re: British Seagulls....funky but cool!

I had one guy tell me " if it doesn't start by the third pull the plug is fouled ". That was all the trouble shooting you needed to know for a Seagull. That makes more sense considering the 10:1 fuel ratio. I am assuming since you own two Willy that you like them. Great links. I've got surgeries pending on my knees and ankles and I'm trying to find a project to keep me sane afterwards. I would like my first restoration to be as simple and painless as possible. Primitive and reliable works for me. Thanks guys. MJ

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: British Seagulls....funky but cool!

Homepage
Buy/Sell/Trade
Parts

I own two.

Great links. Brought back many memories !!!! Thank You.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: British Seagulls....funky but cool!

I also have 2, in mint condition, they are the best motors ever built, 1 pull and off you go, no gear so you have to start it in the direction you need to go in, if you need to reverse you need to turn the motor right around ..... lol ..... I should take some pics ....

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: British Seagulls....funky but cool!

I also have 2, in mint condition, they are the best motors ever built, 1 pull and off you go, no gear so you have to start it in the direction you need to go in, if you need to reverse you need to turn the motor right around ..... lol ..... I should take some pics ....

Post some photos there Deejaycee !!!

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: British Seagulls....funky but cool!

I will have to go take some when I go to my holiday house .... not sure when I am going again .... the weather sucks here at the moment ....

 

[mobyjaws]

Re: British Seagulls....funky but cool!

Pictures would be great! Are there any inherent weaknesses that anyone knows of? MJ

 

[noelm]

Re: British Seagulls....funky but cool!

hhhmmm my old Seagull was just the best motor to get you anywhere, except back home, that thing would never start after it was stopped, no matter how many times you pulled that rotten rope, when we used to go out, after it was time to go home, one of us would row while the other tried to get the old seagull going, when the starter got frustrated and had blisters from pulling the rope, we would swap, by the time the second guy was "dead" we would be home from rowing.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: British Seagulls....funky but cool!

hhhmmm my old Seagull was just the best motor to get you anywhere, except back home, that thing would never start after it was stopped, no matter how many times you pulled that rotten rope, when we used to go out, after it was time to go home, one of us would row while the other tried to get the old seagull going, when the starter got frustrated and had blisters from pulling the rope, we would swap, by the time the second guy was "dead" we would be home from rowing.

Well, ya can't blame a motor for lack of owner zero maintenance..

 

[mobyjaws]

Re: British Seagulls....funky but cool!

I was told recently by an old salt that if it didn't start by the third pull that the plug was fouled. Any more cranking after that was just making it worse. Replace it with a spare or clean the one that's in it. He said he always carried 2 spares just because it was cheap insurance and he hated rowing. MJ

 

[noelm]

Re: British Seagulls....funky but cool!

this was years ago, and that thing was back and forward to the repair guy more times than I can remember, so I don't think it was a maintenance issue, ended up selling it to someone, and surprising enough a few months later I saw them rowing along after a days fishing!