Seagull 40+? Or I better wait...

[Warlick]

Hi,

I have a 22ft sailboat and I'm looking for a quite cheap outboard to use as a spare and on my inflatable dinghy. Looking around I came across this British Seagull 40 plus + clutch and I am considering buying it, taking into account that the price is not really big and people have such a good oppinion of them.

Could I have a couple of opinions? Maybe if's not the best idea :S

[psk125]

Do people with good opinions on Seagulls actually have them, or are they remembering "the good old days" before electric starters and reliable, quiet, less polluting 4-cycle motors? There may be a reason (or more than one) that this one is quite cheap. Would someone using it as an anchor have to drain the fuel and oil first?

[tenchiki]

I had a British Seagull a very long time ago. I don't remember which model. It was very reliable, and had good thrust. Back then it had a very high oil mixture ratio (10:1 I vaguely recall) and it smoked a bit. The one problem I had was one time forgetting to cover the carb intake when not in use, and rainwater flooded the cylinder. It was also difficult to refuel when under way.

[mvweebles]

I agree with sentiment from psk125. I had a Seagull many years ago. Noisy, relatively high fuel burn, and an unreliable starter.

I bought a small mercury 3.3hp 20 years ago and while I haven't used it much, is a good runner in that size range. Also more lightweight and has a neutral gear (turn head 180 degrees for reverse). A few hundred bucks more expensive on resale market, but so much more usable. There isn't much worse than an unreliable outboard on a dinghy.

[SailingHarmonie]

I have NEVER seen one of these actually being used by somebody who needed their dinghy running in order to go get the groceries.

I really think the "good opinion" of these is analogous to your grandfather's love of his '48 Studabaker. Had nothing to do with the mechanics of the car, and everything to do with the fun he had in the back seat.

They really do not make them like they used to... THANK GOODNESS!!!

[Borlay]

Seagulls were great little motors. They are reliable to start and run. They have been superseded today by things like recoil starter cords, better fuel consumption and less noise. They do stink as they use 10:1 oil mix. 2 strokes were banned from new manufacture back in the 1980's with certain exceptions. 4 stroke motors burn much cleaner so are better for the environment.

[davil]

Originally Posted by Borlay

Seagulls were great little motors. They are reliable to start and run. They have been superseded today by things like recoil starter cords, better fuel consumption and less noise. They do stink as they use 10:1 oil mix. 2 strokes were banned from new manufacture back in the 1980's with certain exceptions. 4 stroke motors burn much cleaner so are better for the environment.

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I used a Seagull for years when have my boat in a mooring, used daily to get to the boat and back ashore. Like you stated, reliable and light to carry.

Take it out of the dinghy and to the trunk in the car.

The particular unit pictures from the OP show signs of early rust, more likely not well-kept.

Not sure will buy it.

There are units in much better shape.

Agree they are outdated, however always regretted selling mine.

Nothing wrong, if you like these kinds of old motors.

Currently, have a 2 hp Honda outboard and I curse it every time I used it.