Questions about British Seagull Motor

[Jim Kingrea]

I just bought a Typhoon with a B.S. Motor, 1975 model Forty Plus Mark II (3 H.P). I started the motor in a tub but have not put it on the boat yet. The motor doesn't have neutral or reverse. Has anyone had any experience with this motor. Is it adequate for going into and out of the slip or around the lake? Most small motors pivot for reverse but this one appears to only go forward. I would like to hear any pros or cons about the motor. I'm planning to take it out this weekend and would like to know if it's safe.



jkingrea@flash.net

[Joe Sankey]

Jim:
I've owned two. The first was a new 1981 model I purchased for a Ty weekender. The second a 1968 Plus Forty 5 HP that came with an Ensign. Based on my own experience, yours will make a hell of an outboard motor just where you've got it; on your tub!
Their reputation has always been easy to service, simple, reliable. The first two may have been reasonably correct, but counting on either of them starting was just a bit optimistic, especially if you really needed it.
Joe

I just bought a Typhoon with a B.S. Motor, 1975 model Forty Plus Mark II (3 H.P). I started the motor in a tub but have not put it on the boat yet. The motor doesn't have neutral or reverse. Has anyone had any experience with this motor. Is it adequate for going into and out of the slip or around the lake? Most small motors pivot for reverse but this one appears to only go forward. I would like to hear any pros or cons about the motor. I'm planning to take it out this weekend and would like to know if it's safe.

sankey@gulftel.com

[Craig]

A few years back, I read something about the British Seagulls only having one moving part......The rower...

I just bought a Typhoon with a B.S. Motor, 1975 model Forty Plus Mark II (3 H.P). I started the motor in a tub but have not put it on the boat yet. The motor doesn't have neutral or reverse. Has anyone had any experience with this motor. Is it adequate for going into and out of the slip or around the lake? Most small motors pivot for reverse but this one appears to only go forward. I would like to hear any pros or cons about the motor. I'm planning to take it out this weekend and would like to know if it's safe.

Satu@gwi.net

[Harris (hg?@myhost.com)]

And I am a current Seagull owner. Thank goodness that I sail off a mooring and motor about 3 times a year.........



hg?@myhost.com

[Don Sargeant]

Jolly little engine -- until you need to use it. Even if you are sucessful in getting it to run, the wind will kill it. I have A 40 plus #393 sitting in my barn where's it has been hosting the spiders for the last 25 years.
DPS
~~COQUINA~~

I just bought a Typhoon with a B.S. Motor, 1975 model Forty Plus Mark II (3 H.P). I started the motor in a tub but have not put it on the boat yet. The motor doesn't have neutral or reverse. Has anyone had any experience with this motor. Is it adequate for going into and out of the slip or around the lake? Most small motors pivot for reverse but this one appears to only go forward. I would like to hear any pros or cons about the motor. I'm planning to take it out this weekend and would like to know if it's safe.

don@cliggott.com

[Kurt]

Years ago I knew a sailor who owned a British Seagull but had a lot of trouble with it...he finally tried using it as an anchor...but guess what? They float



kjlgpw@aol.com

[Harvey Wilson]

Jolly little engine -- until you need to use it. Even if you are sucessful in getting it to run, the wind will kill it. I have A 40 plus #393 sitting in my barn where's it has been hosting the spiders for the last 25 years.

Hi Don..

If you're not using that engine, I might be able to sell it for you.

Harvey/ Ga

s/v Stargazer



harveywilson@compuserve.com

[Harvey Wilson]

I just bought a Typhoon with a B.S. Motor, 1975 model Forty Plus Mark II (3 H.P). I started the motor in a tub but have not put it on the boat yet. The motor doesn't have neutral or reverse. Has anyone had any experience with this motor. Is it adequate for going into and out of the slip or around the lake? Most small motors pivot for reverse but this one appears to only go forward. I would like to hear any pros or cons about the motor. I'm planning to take it out this weekend and would like to know if it's safe.

Hi Jim...

I have a 6hp 1968 Seagull Silver Century Plus and 1992 Forty Plus 3hp that I bought when I had starting problems with the 'Evinrude 8hp Yachtwin that came with my Montgomery-17.

Both have started well..usually on the second pull. The 'Rude would start on the first or second pull...if not, then next day.<GG>

I now use fresh gas, mixed in 1-2 gallon lots, with fuel preservative, run the gas out of the carb. at sailing day's end, and carry a spare spark plug and WD-40. A shot of WD-40 in the spark plug hole did wonders for the 'Rude's starting problems, so I carry it "just in case"<GG>

I think your Forty Plus will push your Typhoon in/out of the slip and motoring in calm conditions, but may have a hard time in a cross current. I,too, lament the lack of reverse on the 'Gulls. It was remedied in the newer, 5 and 6hp models, but they're hard to find.

Probably the biggest disadvantage now is the lack of spare parts. sailorman no longer carries them, but Ron Battiston, who sold me the Forty, has a supply.

Regards,

Harvey/ Ga

s/v Stargazer



harveywilson@compuserve.com

[john churchill]

the most amusing line i heard about them is that they never run, but they are easy to fix.
i had a 5 hp silver century on my 19' boat. i could always get it to run, occasionally required some tinkering, but i was impressed by its simplicity which implies durability to me. the greatest problems are noise and i found my 5 hp to be underpowered. they are kind of like the old vw bug- a lot of flaws, but they'll be around forever. many people find them a satisfactory compromise.
in answer to your question, yes, i think the motor is safe, perhaps because it discourages you from getting into situations where you rely upon the motor.
john churchill

[DON]

MY 1970 TYPHOON CAME TO ME 3RD HAND WITH A 3HP SEAGULL MOTOR. IT HAS NEVER FAILED TO START ON THE FIRST OR SECOND PULL EVEN AFTER A LONG WINTER STORAGE. IT IS A SIMPLE AND RELIABLE MOTOR, IN MY OPINION, AND EVEN THOUGH I HAVE REPLACED IT WITH A 5HP NISSAN WHICH I CAN REVERSE I STILL CARRY THE SEAGULL ON BOARD AS A BACKUP. I HAVE POWERED MY TYPHOON 15 MILES ACROSS THE GULF OF MAINE WITH THE SEAGULL AT FULL THROTTLE AND IT NEVER HICCUPED ONCE. IF IT HAD A REVERSE GEAR IT WOULD BE MY NUMBER ONE ENGINE. IT'S BEAUTY IS IT'S SIMPLICITY. HOWEVER IF YOU HAVE TO MANUEVER IN AND OUT OF A SLIP IT'S NOT A GOOD CHOICE, LACKING A REVERSE. GOOD LUCK



DONJOECAM@AOL.COM

[Joe Brown]

I once owned a Seagull on a 19-foot sloop. As I remember it was terribly noisy which made me wonder why the Brits developed it for commando work during WWII. Occasionally if the carbuertor got clogged the fuel would overspill and once caught fire on the hot exhaust pipe. Then I made the mistake of leaving it unchained on my boat which was in San Diego. The next day it was gone, ripped off, and probably ended up in Mexico, 16 miles away. Knowing that engine well I think I got revenge for Montezuma's revenge. -- Joe Brown, Rockport, Maine



joebrown@mint.net