feedback & user info for newbies

[smersh]

Hi everyone, thought I should post a brief update...

As a Seagull newbie a few months ago here are some quick notes after 20+ trips out:

- John & John's website here are tremendous resources
- Support from members has been amazing through the Forum
- Selecting correct motor is so easy with a little research here
- Prep & tuning prior to use is important and info is on this site
- My 40 Plus had no spark, but after points and plug cleaned and set all ok
- Prop was sitting too deep in water so collar was added for lift
- Gearbox oil was drained, flushed and replaced.
- Tank & carb flushed and cleaned.
- As mentioned on this site, water may not pump well in tank test (turbulence). Check when on the water. Early.
- Am still experimenting with factory collar, but seems light lube and screw adjustment should provide easy 'rotate'
- Possible failure of orig collar screw(s) could lead to loss of motor over transom so backup connection good idea(?)
- I row out with motor tilted & fuel valves closed, but lowering motor & opening valves - when depth allows - for 1min while rowing means start on 1st pull
- When warm or cold I still start with choke closed, & always starts 1st pull warm. Choke promptly opened after start.
- Expect lots of interest and reminiscences from passerby - I love the guys taking out fizz boats worth $50k-100k who offer tales of their childhood or their Dad etc
- Take out spare fuel but don't mix it. I always take out 1L petrol in plastic container with pourer, and 100ml oil in small bottle. If req'd, mix together in container before adding to tank.
- On return approach, close fuel tap valve. Experience will guide but my 40+ at about 1/3 throttle lasts around 30secs. I then row if necessary.
- All the main tips eg start with throttle fully open are on this site.
- When arriving at your fave fishing spot, wind the cord back on, close the choke, and open the throttle. You're now ready to go again

Thanks again everyone! Have had some great trips out fishing around the islands north of Auckland (NZ) and will have another go tomorrow. Look out big snapper!

Cheers Sam.

[Robin Anderson]

Hi Sam,
Great feedback from down under thank you. Gratuitous pickie herewith which I have thoughtfully turned the right way up for you.


Seagulls do attract comment - occasionally hostile from folk who have bad memories of not being able to start them - but mostly very positive. Most remarkable reaction I have found has been from young street wise teenagers hanging around the harbour who were amazed at my wee "antique" motor and I could tell they were actually very envious when my nephew and I started our Seagulls and went for an impromtu race 40 - versus 40+ across the bay. They even asked to be allowed to go for a spin but had to decline for fear that their mummys might want to sue me for exposing them to 25/1 fuel mix fumes or some other Seagull hazard. I have actually had a passing commentator give a dire "Health and Safety" warning as to the danger from the "exposed flywheel" ! No doubt some Eurobureacrat is probably working away on a proposal for us to fit mandatory EU approved "safety covers" to our flywheels!

To fully appreciate a Seagull I thoroughly recommend the original Manufacturers Handbook. Delightfull prose and sound sea faring advice which is as valid today as ever. I am sure John can get you a copy if you do not have one. A great read - even upside down.

Fair winds and tides,
Robin

[Robin Anderson]

Ah yes , sorry about that, could not find a child to tell me how to type in Antipodean font - "Times New Australasian?"). Tried turning the monitor upside down as I typed but fell off my seat (whilst sober, so hurt when landed on floor).
In view of the counter clockwise flywheel rotation down under, presumably trusty ex pat Seagull dealers fitted the special British Seagull Southern Hemisphere flywheel plate with the arrow pointing the other way!

[Hugz]

I liked the comment I got from a little kid "Daddy.. that man has a homemade motor!"

[billyboy]

thats a classic.......love it!

[Mutineer]

Truly a classic!
Somebody thought my century was from 1912!
heck that's almost a century

[Collector Inspector]

"Truly a classic!
Somebody thought my century was from 1912!
heck that's almost a century"



B