Seagull Outboards- trusty workhorse or obsolete headache

[sazzylou]

Im thinking of getting shut of my trusty seagull and replacing it with one of those new-fangled honda fourstrokes-
Does the panel think this is worthwhile or should i let the motorised oilslick soldier on for another 30 years ?
any avice appreciated!

[Woodlouse]

It depends. How much trouble is the seagull giving you? I've seen seagulls that still start on the first pull, while others need a week of coaxing for a minute of running time.

The fact that you call it your trusty seagull makes me think it's still rather well behaved. And they do look better behind a classic boat than these modern jobs. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[old_salt]

Have a look at "Saving old seagulls" if you haven't already.
A very good site lots of info.
Click on here.

[Woodlouse]

Aaaannnddd bookmarked. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Twisterowner]

My advice, fwiw, is to get yourself a 2-stroke Yamaha 2B [before the busybodies ban them]. Mine never fails to start and it is the lightest on the market, or it was when I bought it, and it doesn't care which side you lay it down on.

[Gordonmc]

Keep the Seagull.
It will still be going when the four-stroke has gone to the big tender park in the sky.

[Mirelle]

The Seagull is a hazardous object. Give it to me and I will dispose of it for you at no additional charge... [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Seriously, get a 25:1 conversion needle from John Williams at Saving Old Seagulls to reduce the oil consumption and keep it.

My 40+ is 37 years old and never lets me down - I have friends who wish they could say as much of their Honda 4 strokes.

[tangomoon]

I had one that never let me down - it sat o the stern all winter and summer never refused to start. I had another one years later that would start at home but when shown the sea refused. Wouldn't buy one now.

[Mirelle]

Possibly the well known Seagull complaint known as "hydrophobia"? (Wrong shaft length leading to over-immersion and excess back pressure, so won't start on the boat - see John Williams' website)

[Lakesailor]

I have a long shaft 40+. I haven't used it much and when I use it on my tender it hasn't refused to start, but I wonder if tilting it to reduce the amount of exhaust under the water would over-come that pressure problem if it occurred. Once running there shouldn't be a problem.

With regard to the original question. If you're thinking of getting an air-cooled 2 stroke without gears there wouldn't seem to be any point.