identification help required.

[Widowmaker]

Hi all, im new here and have just aquired a mint condition British seagull. (well pretty mint)

Its serial No is: WS 824 J1 Which by my rough calculations equals an October 1971 Silver Century 102 ? Is this correct ?

What i would like to know is how do i tell the exact horsepower ? the info ive seen on the ID chart says 3-4.5hp. Which is it.

It has the 5 blade 9" hydrofan on it.

Im just giving it a good clean down and replacing the fluids before attempting to start it. Has good compression and spark so not envisaging too many problems. Previous owner states it was a great runner last time it was used.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Drury NZ,

[Vic]

If you use the Engine identifier onthe website ( you can link to it directly from the forum index) I think you will find it is a September 1971 Silver Century and is listed as 4.5 hp

Elsewhere, as you have seen, the SOS website lists WS models as 3-4½ Hp. That is how British Seagull originally descibed them. HP category 3 - 4½. http://www.saving-old-seagulls.co.uk/i_ ... s/sg05.jpg

The 5 blade 9" hydrofan prop seems to be original.

Since the mid 1980s the basis for quoting outboard power has changed. Previously power at the crankshaft was quoted now it is power at the prop. See ICOMIA 28-83
I dont think anybody knows how a '71 WS would come out if tested according to that standard . Disappointingly low probably. A static bollard pull, or thrust, figure,however, may well be more than other modern outboards in its class

[Horsley-Anarak]

Hi Widowmaker,

"widowmaker" is that another word for seagull

http://www.saving-old-seagulls.co.uk/i_ ... =WS+824+J1

You can also post a picture, using the upload attachment feature, we all like pictures.

I think that it has been said before that the actual power in modern terms is about 3HP to 4HP, Is that correct Charles L?

H-A

[Widowmaker]

Thanks for your help guys. I will post a pic shortly.

[Widowmaker]

Strpped , cleaned, replaced all fluids and fired the old girl up. What do you know, she cranks. Goes hard. Was carefull not to rev too high with no prop on but am keen as mustard to throw it on my 7ft glass dingy now. I reckon it will boogie.

Ill keep you posted. Cheers all

[JERSEYMAN]

Seagulls are funny things compared to other outboards, it does'nt seem to make much difference on speed if the motor is fitted to a 7ft dinghy or a 17ft boat, in fact the 17ft boat would probably go faster. I remember the first time I put a silver century on my 12ft dinghy and was dissapointed at the speed, it was just like a Jacuzzi behind me and not much go no matter what throttle setting, I got my top speed at about half throttle, then when I tried a forty plus, the dinghy actually went better and even made some wake. Strange that with Seagulls and Horsepower, sometines the smaller motors are quicker, hence you maybe a little overpowered, still great fun though.