Saving Old Seagulls

what would be the first Australian made outboard

what would be the first Australian made outboard

Well, I will try to answer that exactly as it is asked.

The first Australian made outboard would have to be an interesting bit of Australian wartime inginuity that was later to be called "Commando" at the release of the beast into the Australian retail market early 1947.

1944-45 was a rather desperate wartime period for Australia as we were heavily involved in both New Guinea and Timor at the time. Rivers were used for the movement of Australian forces both men and supplies using large and small craft suited to the task.

These craft required a dependable and locally built/supported machine to move them about. Something with more "Push" than the American Elto "Storm" Motor that Australia was given for Conflict use.

Stokes Motors Pty Ltd (Maybe another previous name at that time) were apparently commissioned by the Federal Government to provide the motor and outboard leg assembly. (Interestingly, about the same time, General Motors Holdens Pty Ltd were commissioned to manufacture heavy field guns and mortors for the same arena)

The power head was of existing Australian manufacture. It was a single cylinder, water cooled two stroke, cast iron inboard Putt - Putt of maybe 2 - 3Hp. (Probably where the "Commando" came about for a name for the outboard later?)

So, the leg was all hand made/prefabricated and put together under the power head which was flipped from being horizontal to verticle on top. The magneto turned turtle to follow suite............looks odd. It was not "Hit and Miss"

After the end of "continuing conflict" the motor was offered to the general public locally. 1947.

It did not sell at all well being, bloody Heavy! Gone by end of 1947.

That is my offering in answering the above exact question. I would like some discussion to follow of course .

Regards

Bruce.

PS: How do I use the spleng Checka again?

A bit off topic.

Wow. Just did a search and found the WA Museum has a 1943 SD!

http://www.museum.wa.gov.au/research/co ... collection

Scroll down. What is on the filler cap? Other nice old motors too.

It also says seagulls improve with age! Click on 'learn more'

Bruce are you sure you mean the Elto Storm, this was the military version of the Quad?

"Bruce are you sure you mean the Elto Storm, this was the military version of the Quad?"

Yes!

B

Have you got a pic of the Commando, as I'm sure I've read somewhere that it was 102cc with a bore & stroke of 57 x 40.

I was reading some loose paper notes & now realise they are mixed up & I'm reading the wrong bit, sorry.

The outboard was 3 hp at 2400 revs & 250cc.

What's that box on the bottom of the crankcase?

What's that box on the bottom of the crankcase?

Where is the magneto on the racing anzani Charles?

Gear driven on the front of the crankcase.

102 lbs, a heavy piece if kit.

I went to Fremantle a few years ago (just to say I've touched that Australian ikon - The Winged Keel)
... [attachment=1]R0011966a.JPG[/attachment]

and underneath to one side was a Seagull ...

[attachment=1]R0011966a.JPG[/attachment]

I first thought it was not a Seagull transom clamp.

I live at clontarf on the redcliffe peninsula queensland
thanks for the info, not a motor I would use on my 12' boat, did many survive,