On the canal with the Seagull

On the canal with the Seagull

I decided to go on the canal as it is the only place local to me that I can go out on the water. It was really strange being on shallow flat water. To my surprice the outboard touched the bottom a
number of times.

The setup was a lifeboat 250 dinghy and a British Seagul forty plus. I brought the dinghy for just £25 of ebay and the outboard for just £25 as a non runner that I got running see my other post. I along for about 40 minutes as there was a lock and I did not fancy having to lift the dinghy outband back in.

I put a litre of fuel in but did not use much.

In the furture I might go a bit further depending on the weather as it was very pleasant on the canal with only the odd barge.

British Seagull Silver Century Project

British Seagull Silver Century Project

Engine number: WSL 1220AA3
Manufacture date: January 1973
Series: Silver Century long shaft
Model: Amal 2 Jet Carb
HP: 4.5
Ignition: Wipac Mk2

I saw a British seagull silver century outboard on ebay and made a low best offer that was accepted. From the pictures I could see that it had a recoil starter on it. It was sold as a non runner. I decided that even if I could not get it running it would be worth getting for the recoil starter.

 

Recoil Starter removed

I went to pick it up and the seller was a car mechanic and he told me that a customer gave it to him and that it had no spark. I was less certain that I would be able to get it running.

I filled up the wheelie bin with water and tried to start the outboard a few times nothing. I then checked for a spark none. I then took the recoil starter of the outboard. So I could conect a drill to try and remagnetise the ignition. I had the drill on full power for five minutes. I retried but, still no spark.

 The drill trick

I was doubtful of being able to get the outboard running but, decided to try for a further five minutes. On the second pull the outboard started and was running well but, was not pumping water.

 

Running well

I got the hose out and turned it on to try and clear the lines. I then restarted the outboard a only a litle bit of water come out of the telltail so I cut the fuel of and then water started coming out of the telltail like it should.

The flywhell protector looks very rusty so this will be treated and repainted. I am undecided wherther to put the recoilstarter back on or put it on my forty plus outboard.

More to follow shortly.

Common boating mistakes

Common mistakes boating mistakes

 

Being hit by boom

Ok I have to admit I nearly went overboard when doing my RYA Keelboat level two. 

Luckly I grabed hold of the boom and stayed out of the drink. But, for some it can be very serious indeed. Its not uncommon for the boom to cause head injuries or even death. How to avoid it always be aware where the boom is. And be aware of an acidental gybe.

Being too close to other boats

We have all seen it in a bizzy mariner generaly motor cruisers not paying any attention until they hit another boat. Remember boats are always in motion unless they are aground or tied up or with a good helmsman. So pay plenty of attention to other boats because they may not be paying any attention

 

Mooring too fast

Again very common for a skipper to atempt to berth at high speeds without a means of escape. Most of the time they have a full crew with them and no excuss other than bad seamanship skills. So when you berth nice and slowly does it.

 

Running aground

 

I do not know any skipper who has not run aground I have done it a few times. If it is safe to so drop,the anchor hide the boat name and go down below. But, sometimes it can put the vessel and crew in danger. Many yachts have gone aground in the Thames Estuary as well as big ships the Montgomary being one of them. Set your depth sounder alarm on and check the charts before heading out.

 

Making a Mayday call 

I often read articles of Skippers who have made a mayday call simply for running out of fuel or when having engine troubles when their is no danger to crew or vessel. This wastes time and costs the coast guard and the RNLI money. If their is a danger of loss of life to the crew or a vessel this does warent a mayday call.