Folk Dancer 27
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August 28, 2004
Today started out okay and only got better from there. Since I've recently become very interested in the British Seagull outboard, in production from 1931 to 1996, I put together a British Seagull Identification Document to help determine the model, series, year built and other pertinent info on the many differing Seagulls all around the world. This document was meant to be a reference for myself and for those who I obtained much of stats. Much of the documentation I found was in either a scanned image or print format - not in a digital format, so I took on the time consuming task of converting it to text. Apparently my intentions were miss understood, and I may have angered certain highly knowledgeable experts of the British Seagull. Hopefully my true intentions will be understood and everyone interested in identifying their Seagull can do so using the documentation I've complied and placed on my website or via someone else's. The most important thing is that we all work to help disseminate any and all information about the Seagull so any one interested can learn about how wonderful these outboard are. Unfortunately the British Seagull outboards are no longer in production, and will at some point cease to exist.
Okay, now on to the fun stuff. Last week I came upon an ad in a local weekly classified ad publication (Uncle Henrys) for a Seagull. The ad stated "Seagull 2hp long shaft needs new magnet or good for parts $50". I gave a call and setup a time to stop by and check it out on Friday . On the phone I was able to get the engine number: FP 545KK3 and determine it was a Forty Plus Mark II built in October 1973 (of course I used my handy Identification Document to make that assessment). After an hours drive I made it to the sellers house. The engine was intact but had been painted years ago a combination of silver and rusty red. The owner said he couldn't seem to start the engine, no spark - possibly a faulty magneto, but had used it quite a bit years ago. The last time he had it running was at least 3 to 4 years ago. The tank was bone dry and ready for the back of my car. I decided I'd buy the engine for the asking price and take my chances that either it was going to run with some work or be harvested for parts.
The following day I took to cleaning the engine and determine that lack of spark. Using John Williams extremely helpful website I was able to determine how to get a low or almost non function magneto to create a stronger spark. I cleaned the contact and spun the flywheel with a wrench or spanner as fast as I could. After getting a stronger spark, mixing some new fuel with the 10:1 ratio, I begin pulling away. After about 10 tries I slowly got the engine to sputter, putter and then run! I was amazed at how quickly an engine that sat for 3 to 4 years came to life. I ran it for a bit in a bucket but decided to try in town on the cape and visit Gandalf while I was at it. I stopped by my father to show off my good find and got the the cape at twilight. It was beautiful. The harbor was calm and the moon full. After only two pulls - full choke and two taps on the flooding button -1st pull, no choke and start - 2nd pull. We quickly pulled away from the dinghy dock out to sea. I let her run full throttle. I've never run a Featherweight, but I think the Forty Plus on a 7' dinghy is just right. I think the Featherweight might be a little to slow. I look forward to trying one out. Today was a happy day. I only wish Jenny was able to spend it with me. She's at work as I write this now (11:06 PM) and she's suppose to get home around midnight. Poor thing started the work day at 9AM. I'm guessing she'll be dog tired on her arrival. I'll try and post some picks of the engine tomorrow.
