Re: [bolger] Re: Micro Seagull outboard
Postwar British machinery isn't so bad, they used all kinds of funny
threads, but only two sets of wrenches, Whitworth and standard inch sizes,
will fit everything. I recently bought a new motorcycle, a Royal Enfield
made in India. The British company set up a factory in India back in 1955
and they've been making them about the same ever since. But they changed
_some_ of the fasteners and fittings to metric. So to work on one piece of
machinery I need Whitworth, inch and metric wrenches! <sigh>
threads, but only two sets of wrenches, Whitworth and standard inch sizes,
will fit everything. I recently bought a new motorcycle, a Royal Enfield
made in India. The British company set up a factory in India back in 1955
and they've been making them about the same ever since. But they changed
_some_ of the fasteners and fittings to metric. So to work on one piece of
machinery I need Whitworth, inch and metric wrenches! <sigh>
On Tue, 23 Mar 2004 20:24:10 -0000, DonB wrote:
> ...
> Like all
> older British machinery, you need complete toolkits for all known nut
> and screw standards, and lots of love and patience.
> DonB
--
John <jkohnen@...>
http://www.boat-links.com/
There is only one honest impulse at the bottom of Puritanism, and that is
the impulse to punish the man with a superior capacity for happiness.
<H. L. Mencken>
When i was a kid my dad used a little seagull on his catboat for at
least 10 years of solid use. It is now retired to the garage still
runs fine but he got sick of the two stroke noice(loud), smoke(it's
a two stroke and oil mixing/spilling(it's a two stroke). Now he has
a little 2hp honda 4 stroke. That seagull never it stranded us when
i was young but he did cuss at it like the true sailer he is from
time to time. Best thing about it is the funky look, will fit right
in on a bolger transom.
Jason Stancil
least 10 years of solid use. It is now retired to the garage still
runs fine but he got sick of the two stroke noice(loud), smoke(it's
a two stroke and oil mixing/spilling(it's a two stroke). Now he has
a little 2hp honda 4 stroke. That seagull never it stranded us when
i was young but he did cuss at it like the true sailer he is from
time to time. Best thing about it is the funky look, will fit right
in on a bolger transom.
Jason Stancil
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, Bruce Hallman <bruce@h...> wrote:
Hi,
I'm not very familiar w/the breed, but I do have a friend who built a
revised version of Bolger's "Thomaston Galley". The one time I went
out with him when the Seagull was fired up, I was amazed at the noise.
It has to be experienced to be believed. Definitely not my cup of tea.
With oars or sail that boat was a vastly improved experience. When I
commented on it, he quoted some Brit, to the effect that Seagulls were
the most efficient mechanism ever devised for converting petrol into
noise & vibration. No argument here.
We are planning on putting a small 4-stroke on the Storer "Goat Island
Skiff" we're building. That is if my friend Jerry doesn't get crazy
and restore (as he's threatened to) the old 3.5 hp Evinrude that came
off the 8' pram I had as a child.
Cheers,
David Graybeal
Portland, OR.
"Red meat is NOT bad for you. Now...blue-green meat, that I'd stay
away from" -- Tommy Smothers
> Being frugal for fun, I am still looking**********************************
> for the perfect "cheap" outboard for
> my Micro Navigator. Lately I have my
> eye on a used British Seagull 5.5hp
> 'WSPC' 1975 year "Silver Century w/Clutch"
> short shaft for $300.
Hi,
I'm not very familiar w/the breed, but I do have a friend who built a
revised version of Bolger's "Thomaston Galley". The one time I went
out with him when the Seagull was fired up, I was amazed at the noise.
It has to be experienced to be believed. Definitely not my cup of tea.
With oars or sail that boat was a vastly improved experience. When I
commented on it, he quoted some Brit, to the effect that Seagulls were
the most efficient mechanism ever devised for converting petrol into
noise & vibration. No argument here.
We are planning on putting a small 4-stroke on the Storer "Goat Island
Skiff" we're building. That is if my friend Jerry doesn't get crazy
and restore (as he's threatened to) the old 3.5 hp Evinrude that came
off the 8' pram I had as a child.
Cheers,
David Graybeal
Portland, OR.
"Red meat is NOT bad for you. Now...blue-green meat, that I'd stay
away from" -- Tommy Smothers
Main disadvantage is your passengers will have to dive for the deck
everytime you pull the starting rope. End knot whiplash is a terrible
thing!
I have had a smaller model, funky but crude. A friend had a 5hp
version and he did have bearing failure from time to time. Like all
older British machinery, you need complete toolkits for all known nut
and screw standards, and lots of love and patience.
DonB
everytime you pull the starting rope. End knot whiplash is a terrible
thing!
I have had a smaller model, funky but crude. A friend had a 5hp
version and he did have bearing failure from time to time. Like all
older British machinery, you need complete toolkits for all known nut
and screw standards, and lots of love and patience.
DonB
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, Bruce Hallman <bruce@h...> wrote:
> Being frugal for fun, I am still looking
> for the perfect "cheap" outboard for
> my Micro Navigator. Lately I have my
> eye on a used British Seagull 5.5hp
> 'WSPC' 1975 year "Silver Century w/Clutch"
> short shaft for $300.
>
> Searching the web I learn that this motor
> has a "high thrust" cult following, with
> a reputation that comes from simplicity and
> durablility.
>
> I am figuring I can use the low end power
> coming from the large five blade prop is
> perfect for a 15'6" displacement hull.
>
> The motor seems odd though, with non-standard
> "Whitworth" threads, and aftermarket parts...
> but I like it's funky character.
>
> Anybody 'round here have an opinion?
All the dimensional lumber on my Micro is what my local lumberyards sell for
decking and loosely call 'mahogany', although I realize it's not true
mahogany. Due to the subtle color variations, I'm wondering if I should
stain it to make the color more uniform and richer before varnishing. Anyone
have a favorite mahogany treatment, or other stain, that they'd like to
recommend? I'll be leaving the rubrails, toerails, caprails, hatch coaming
and companionway sliders and beams 'bright', most everything else will be
painted. Darker wood will also go better with the chosen color scheme of the
boat. Any reasons NOT to do this?
Paul Lefebvre
decking and loosely call 'mahogany', although I realize it's not true
mahogany. Due to the subtle color variations, I'm wondering if I should
stain it to make the color more uniform and richer before varnishing. Anyone
have a favorite mahogany treatment, or other stain, that they'd like to
recommend? I'll be leaving the rubrails, toerails, caprails, hatch coaming
and companionway sliders and beams 'bright', most everything else will be
painted. Darker wood will also go better with the chosen color scheme of the
boat. Any reasons NOT to do this?
Paul Lefebvre
Sucker question, in this group especially.....
I've owned three Seagulls (currently own a 5.5 long-shaft with clutch).
Loved them, BUT...... three negatives: A) Smoke! These jewels run on a 10:1
mix, so your exhaust isn't apt to endear you to anyone downwind (I've had
boaters approach because they thought I was on fire). There's a kit to
reduce the mix to 25:1, well worth having. Don't listen to people who tell
you you can run with a thinner mix without the kit; the oil not only
lubricates, it helps form the compression, and things go wrong very fast
when it's thinned down. B) Noise and vibration! Definitely in the
non-relaxing category, unless you've got an engine box or hood. C) Parts!
This is a bit like being a Packard or Morgan enthusiast; you tap into the
underground network or give it up. Best source I've found is Ron Battiston
(http://britishseagullshop.com/). Plusses? High thrust indeed, relative
simplicity (once you forget what you think you know about outboard
technology, like proper mix and 'proper' lower unit lube), and the funkiness
factor (it's almost like getting hooked on marine steam engines; your
friends will eventually try to intervene).
Never mind the Whitworth threads; get the multipurpose stamped wrench that
came in the tool kit and it will handle the basics. A CAREFULLY applied
Crescent wrench should cover the rest.
David
_____
From: Bruce Hallman [mailto:bruce@...]
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 1:27 PM
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bolger] Micro Seagull outboard
Being frugal for fun, I am still looking
for the perfect "cheap" outboard for
my Micro Navigator. Lately I have my
eye on a used British Seagull 5.5hp
'WSPC' 1975 year "Silver Century w/Clutch"
short shaft for $300.
Searching the web I learn that this motor
has a "high thrust" cult following, with
a reputation that comes from simplicity and
durablility.
I am figuring I can use the low end power
coming from the large five blade prop is
perfect for a 15'6" displacement hull.
The motor seems odd though, with non-standard
"Whitworth" threads, and aftermarket parts...
but I like it's funky character.
Anybody 'round here have an opinion?
Bolger rules!!!
- no cursing, flaming, trolling, spamming, or flogging dead horses
- stay on topic, stay on thread, punctuate, no 'Ed, thanks, Fred' posts
- Pls add your comments at the TOP, SIGN your posts, and snip away
- Plans: Mr. Philip C. Bolger, P.O. Box 1209, Gloucester, MA, 01930, Fax:
(978) 282-1349
- Unsubscribe:bolger-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
- Open discussion:bolger_coffee_lounge-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
_____
Yahoo! Groups Links
* To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bolger/
* To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
bolger-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:bolger-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com?subject=Unsubscribe>
* Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service
<http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> .
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I've owned three Seagulls (currently own a 5.5 long-shaft with clutch).
Loved them, BUT...... three negatives: A) Smoke! These jewels run on a 10:1
mix, so your exhaust isn't apt to endear you to anyone downwind (I've had
boaters approach because they thought I was on fire). There's a kit to
reduce the mix to 25:1, well worth having. Don't listen to people who tell
you you can run with a thinner mix without the kit; the oil not only
lubricates, it helps form the compression, and things go wrong very fast
when it's thinned down. B) Noise and vibration! Definitely in the
non-relaxing category, unless you've got an engine box or hood. C) Parts!
This is a bit like being a Packard or Morgan enthusiast; you tap into the
underground network or give it up. Best source I've found is Ron Battiston
(http://britishseagullshop.com/). Plusses? High thrust indeed, relative
simplicity (once you forget what you think you know about outboard
technology, like proper mix and 'proper' lower unit lube), and the funkiness
factor (it's almost like getting hooked on marine steam engines; your
friends will eventually try to intervene).
Never mind the Whitworth threads; get the multipurpose stamped wrench that
came in the tool kit and it will handle the basics. A CAREFULLY applied
Crescent wrench should cover the rest.
David
_____
From: Bruce Hallman [mailto:bruce@...]
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 1:27 PM
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bolger] Micro Seagull outboard
Being frugal for fun, I am still looking
for the perfect "cheap" outboard for
my Micro Navigator. Lately I have my
eye on a used British Seagull 5.5hp
'WSPC' 1975 year "Silver Century w/Clutch"
short shaft for $300.
Searching the web I learn that this motor
has a "high thrust" cult following, with
a reputation that comes from simplicity and
durablility.
I am figuring I can use the low end power
coming from the large five blade prop is
perfect for a 15'6" displacement hull.
The motor seems odd though, with non-standard
"Whitworth" threads, and aftermarket parts...
but I like it's funky character.
Anybody 'round here have an opinion?
Bolger rules!!!
- no cursing, flaming, trolling, spamming, or flogging dead horses
- stay on topic, stay on thread, punctuate, no 'Ed, thanks, Fred' posts
- Pls add your comments at the TOP, SIGN your posts, and snip away
- Plans: Mr. Philip C. Bolger, P.O. Box 1209, Gloucester, MA, 01930, Fax:
(978) 282-1349
- Unsubscribe:bolger-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
- Open discussion:bolger_coffee_lounge-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
_____
Yahoo! Groups Links
* To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bolger/
* To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
bolger-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:bolger-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com?subject=Unsubscribe>
* Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service
<http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> .
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Being frugal for fun, I am still looking
for the perfect "cheap" outboard for
my Micro Navigator. Lately I have my
eye on a used British Seagull 5.5hp
'WSPC' 1975 year "Silver Century w/Clutch"
short shaft for $300.
Searching the web I learn that this motor
has a "high thrust" cult following, with
a reputation that comes from simplicity and
durablility.
I am figuring I can use the low end power
coming from the large five blade prop is
perfect for a 15'6" displacement hull.
The motor seems odd though, with non-standard
"Whitworth" threads, and aftermarket parts...
but I like it's funky character.
Anybody 'round here have an opinion?
for the perfect "cheap" outboard for
my Micro Navigator. Lately I have my
eye on a used British Seagull 5.5hp
'WSPC' 1975 year "Silver Century w/Clutch"
short shaft for $300.
Searching the web I learn that this motor
has a "high thrust" cult following, with
a reputation that comes from simplicity and
durablility.
I am figuring I can use the low end power
coming from the large five blade prop is
perfect for a 15'6" displacement hull.
The motor seems odd though, with non-standard
"Whitworth" threads, and aftermarket parts...
but I like it's funky character.
Anybody 'round here have an opinion?
In January, I noticed a Micro on the side of Highway A1A in between
Vero Beach and Sebastian, closer to Sebastian. Unfortunately, that is
about three hours from Ft. Meyers.
Frank San Miguel
Landenberg, PA
Vero Beach and Sebastian, closer to Sebastian. Unfortunately, that is
about three hours from Ft. Meyers.
Frank San Miguel
Landenberg, PA
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "jackmch2003" <jackmch@c...> wrote:
> I have not posted before, but I enjoy reading the messages in the
> Bolger group. I am in the first stages of building a Micro here in
> Seattle. In the first week of April I will visit my father in the
> Fort Meyers/Punta Gorda area on the west coast of Florida. Is there
> a Micro owner in that vicinity whom I might visit with my dad so that
> I can show him what I am working on? If so, I'd like to get in
> touch. Thanks!
>
> Jack McHenry
> Seattle
I have not posted before, but I enjoy reading the messages in the
Bolger group. I am in the first stages of building a Micro here in
Seattle. In the first week of April I will visit my father in the
Fort Meyers/Punta Gorda area on the west coast of Florida. Is there
a Micro owner in that vicinity whom I might visit with my dad so that
I can show him what I am working on? If so, I'd like to get in
touch. Thanks!
Jack McHenry
Seattle
Bolger group. I am in the first stages of building a Micro here in
Seattle. In the first week of April I will visit my father in the
Fort Meyers/Punta Gorda area on the west coast of Florida. Is there
a Micro owner in that vicinity whom I might visit with my dad so that
I can show him what I am working on? If so, I'd like to get in
touch. Thanks!
Jack McHenry
Seattle