Origin of the British Seagull outboard motor
December 30, 2007 11:12 am SportsThe original design was one of many initiated by the original manufacturers, John Marston Ltd and the Sunbeam Motor Company, the makers of the famous Sunbeam motorcycles. We do, however, understand that the design was developed as a marine engine rather than an adapted industrial engine. This is probably one of the major reasons for their endurance and success.
By 1931 the first British Seagull outboard motors, sold as the Marston Seagull, were in full production, these were much the same in design as the more modern engines and incorporated innovative ideas such as reverse gears and water-cooled exhausts. The engines were available in both short and long shaft and the models ranged from the Standard and the High Power through to the Super High Power. This engine was a twin cylinder 10hp version capable of powering boats up to 30 feet (9.1m).