British Seagull

[Dick Villamil]

I recentlly obtained a 1978 Seagull long shaft for my Typhoon. Where can I obtain spark plugs and parts? The local auto shops have the correct plugs but not with British threads!

[Jim Davis]

Try a Google search.

http://www.saving-old-seagulls.co.uk/fa ... _plugs.htm

[Joe Mac Phee]

Dick,

My understanding is that old seagull's are wood burning and do not need spark plugs.

Joe

[Dick Villamil]

Thanks for the help - I will try the link. As for really old seagulls - they burn oil rather than wood! The newer seagulls burn just a little bit less oil - hopefully! Nevertheless, I'll save the wood scraps just in case I need them

[mashenden]

I am envious. I too want a long shaft Seagull for my Ty. I have a 1959 40+ short shaft but it is missing the points and plug wire, so it is not likely to be usable unless I get a donor motor for parts or a good deal on a Villiers point assembly.

Question - Is the long shaft an absolute requirement or a nicety on the Ty (with the straight Handi Cat motor mount). I have not measured my freeboard yet but I suspect it is a requirement.

The noted SOS website is very useful but is in the UK (the exchange rate kills any deals at this point in time). I found the following information that relates to the US a bit better.

It is my understanding that the following plugs can be used:
• NGK A-6 (or AB-6 which has a smaller hex but the same otherwise).
• Champion D-16

They are avaiable on e-bay or http://www.mfgsupply.com/24-5856.html

[Dick Villamil]

Thanks for the link - I was able to find two plugs at our local auto store! As for the plug wire that is still a project since I may need to adapt the plug wire after removing the nonfunctional cap that supposedly fits over the plug and then screws into the end of the plug. As for long shaft -- definitely you will need a long shaft - I haven't measure the Seagull short shaft but I have used a Mariner long shaft and if there is anyone near the bow and if tyhere are any waves, you may still cavitate the prop - even with a long shaft. Therefore the short shaft is a no go. On the other hand, if there is a wind - you would be better sailing! I use the motor only for leaving the launching area and getting to the dock before I step the mast - and reverse in the fall when I haul the Ty. The weight of the Mariner on the stern makes the Ty squat at the dock - the Seagull is a lot lighter and it should better. The seaggull I recently bought turns out to have a clutch (neutral) and a recoil starter.

[mashenden]

Glad you found a plug.

I suspected the long shaft was needed. That will make finding one a tad more difficult, but I'll keep looking.

[Markst95]

What do seagulls go for nowadays? There's a decent looking 2hp short shaft at a local pawn shop/ flea market like store for $145. Don't really need it but...

[Dick Villamil]

If it runs it should be a fair price. Make sure that you check out the model and production year. The older ones used a 10:1 fuel:oil mix and smoked a lot. The newer ones use a 25:1 fuel:oil mix and from what I understand smoke a lot less. I haven't run mine yet but it is a 25:1 model. The trouble with the seagull is that parts are hard to come by and you may need a spare parts motor of the same vintage. However if it works, it is virtually indestructable!

[Bruce Dart]

You might call this guy in San Francisco. When I spoke with him a year ago he had a good selection of parts as well as reconditioned engines.

http://www.britishseagulls.com/