Saving Old Seagulls

not a seagull but a 1987 evinrude 4hp yachtwin, I was told it was an unreliable runner as it always cut out after a few minutes, found the breather on top of the fuel cap wasn't working properly and run it in the tank for over half an hour and it never stopped, so hopefully that is all it was

Glad for you Mate. I was given an 1987 Evinrude 2hp which has been around forever as a standby motor, but many owners complained of its being a little finicky.
Like any outboard, when fuel and electricals are as should be, they are absolutely reliable and simple to maintain.
Mine runs like a watch for many hours at a time, but the knobs for fuel richness, low speed and high speed adjustments, must be attended to. Many owners have no idea of the importance of fine adjustments and would rather put the blame on the damn engine...which finally is left abandoned to rust out in a shed somewhere.
The Seagulls are more forgiving and crude with their lack of modern technology, but when properly maintained will serve the sailer and his needs forever.
To my owner's eye, the Evinrude is a ho-hum outboard and doesn't tickle my fancy...while the Seagull is an authentic work of art that brings a smile to my face everytime I use it on the water. I can't wait till next Spring to experience the high it will once again give me during the summer months.

agree with you 100%, seagulls get so much interest and comments both good and bad everywhere I go