Saving Old Seagulls

I am a bit confused as to what the exact problem is, although I am easily confused. If it is just that water is coming out of the two holes half way up the drive shaft tube as well as flowing out of the cooling water exit in the cylinder blockthen there is no problem at all. If water is also coming ...

I do not think that there is any problem. Water coming out of the two holes in the drive shaft tube as well as coming put of the cyclinder block outlet is quite normal. As you have observed there is no specific arrangement to prevent water from the impeller going up the drive shaft tube. However thi...

Yes, mass is not the issue. The basic issue is how easily driven is the hull form. I suspect that most powerboat owners have very little concept of how only small amounts of power are needed to push a sailing boat hull through the water. Obsevation of the large wash created by a typical planning hul...

A lovely dinghy! Lucky you! I wish you luck in finding out where she .built and by whom.

Jeremy

Yes, I am sure a solid state electronic ignition is fundamentally more reliable than a points operated system. Charles P, I agree old Villiers coils are certainly an issue. But when they have been replaced with a new one, which is the more reliable outboard? An old Seagull or a newish modern one? I ...

Thanks hris and Dave for your comments. I certainly agree that you must be prepared when on the water - salt or fresh - with all the equipment and safety gear that you might need. I certaInly agree with your comments about the inherent design simplicity and design integrity, and thus reliability of ...

A recent post touched upon reliability and the relevance of having oars. I suspect that the reliability of old, refurbished/restored Seagull is dependent to a very large degree on the skill, knowledge and experience of the person who has been working on it. There are one or two items that have deter...

Chris,
A sad tale of human frailty, aggravated by your age and emotional turmoil of recent events!

I really laughed at your description of the underlying reasons. Perhaps my failure to fully tighten my engine's thumbscrews was possibly down to psychological issues!

Jeremy

Tam, I am glad that you also have had fun with a submerged Seagull. I guess the skill is not having too much fun that way! Chris, I like the idea that you managed to claim that you were only 50% to blame! I will have to remember that after my next accident and ensure that somebody else can be partia...

Last week, I had the excitement of FV3048 jumping off the transom of my dinghy and into the water! I had just closed the fuel tap and vent before coming alongside after a short trip. I turned hard to starboard and the next thing I knew was the engine was in the estuary! Fortunately, I always tie a l...

Great photo!

So, experts, what is the engine?

Jeremy

Thanks Chris, I think I will give that a go. Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest! Thanks for the suggestion. Another cork sealing problem is in the fuel tap. What about an alternative polymer seal for that item? Any ideas anybody? I have nothing against cork as a seal, but it is horses for...

Hi Jacob, Sometimes it is best to concentrate on fewer projects. I wish I could learn that lesson! Getting rid of unwanted spares is probably a good idea. I presume that LS crankcase assy is yours? I hope it goes to a good home. There are a couple of bits off FVP5959 that i would like (only if you a...

Hi Jacob, Is that FVP5959? Yes, I agree it is a shame to split it, but I am reluctant to persuade somebody to spend time and money rebuilding an early 40. In an ideal world every early 40 would be rebuilt and used. I have done my bit in that direction! But realistically that is not going to happen. ...

:?: Hi Rene, You are certainly the man with the experience to recognise a Marston and what it is worth. Yes, there are pros and cons about spreading the word of a possible 'bargain' on ebay. Clearly it is always very nice to get a bargain. However if one is going to restore an engine, is the differe...