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Identification Information
Serial Numbers (1931 to 1962)
Early models, manufactured from 1931 to 1962, used a letter code and production number to denote the model and year of manufacture. Use the tables below to identify your outboard model and the date range it was manufactured. For production number and year manufactured information, click on the 'Year' link in the tables.
Serial Numbers (1963 to 1996)
From 1963 on a letter code, production number and ending letter(s) and number code were used in the serial number to denote the model, production number and month and year of manufacture.
The letter indicates the month and the number the year of manufacture, i.e. A3 = January 1963, B3 = February 1963, etc., and M3 = December 1963 (the letter L is not used in this code sequence).
From 1973 two letters were used in the code to indicate the month, i.e. AA3 = January 1973, BB3 = February 1973, and MM3 = December 1973. Therefore identification of a model and date of manufacture can be found as follows: WSPCL 1734 BB3. WSPCL indicates this is a long shaft Silver Century Plus. 1734 is the production number and BB3 indicates that it was manufactured in February 1973.
From 1983 to 1992 a single letter was used again in the code to indicated the month manufactured and from 1993 to 1996 two letters were used, however, this is not necessarily accurate. Many engines manufactured during this time period (1983 to 1996) were outside their supposed production slot.
| 1963 to 1972 | 1973 to 1982 | 1983 to 1992† | 1993 to 1996† | ||||
| Letter | Month | Letter | Month | Letter | Month | Letter | Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | January | AA | January | A | January | AA | January |
| B | February | BB | February | B | February | BB | February |
| C | March | CC | March | C | March | CC | March |
| D | April | DD | April | D | April | DD | April |
| E | May | EE | May | E | May | EE | May |
| F | June | FF | June | F | June | FF | June |
| G | July | GG | July | G | July | GG | July |
| H | August | HH | August | H | August | HH | August |
| J | September | JJ | September | J | September | JJ | September |
| K | October | KK | October | K | October | KK | October |
| M | November | MM | November | M | November | MM | November |
| N | December | NN | December | N | December | NN | December |
†The letter notation from 1983 to 1996 is not necessarily accurate. Many engines manufactured during this time period were outside their supposed production slot.
Serial Numbers - Letter Definitions
Some of the letters in the engine lettering code stand for different parts of the particular models. Below is a list of some of the letter meanings:
| Letter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A | Amal Carburettor (400 Series) |
| E | Electronic Ignition (Wipac Mark 3 and 4) |
| G | Bing Carburettor (Modern Models) |
| L | Long Shaft |
| R | Reconditioned/Refurbished, Roller Bearings, Remote Fuel Tank |
| S | Silver Century Series/ Sealed Gearbox (SAE 90 gear oil)/Standard Shaft (QB Series) |
| T | Tilting Tiller or Twist Grip Throttle (QB Series) |
Serial Numbers & Outboard Information
| Marston Seagull & Early 102s | ||||||||||
| Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OA [pics] |
1931-1935 | Standard | 78 | 1½ | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140†† | |||
| OB | 1933- | Clutch | 78 (340 twin?) |
10? | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140†† | Few made for Salmon Fisheries | ||
| OE | 1934-1935 | Hi Duty | 78 | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140†† | ||||
| OF [pics] |
1934-1935 | Super | FNR | 78 | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140†† | |||
| OG | 1935- | Super | FNR | 102 | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140†† | |||
| OH | 1935- | High Power | FNR | 102 | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140†† | |||
| OJ | 1936- | Standard††† | Direct | 102 | 3½ | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140†† | Short Water Jacket | |
| OK | 1936- | Super††† | FNR | 102 | 3½ | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140†† | ||
| ON [pics] |
1937-1941 | 102††† | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers or Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Short Water Jacket | |
| OP | 1937-1941 | Standard††† | Direct | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers or Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Short Water Jacket | |
††Gear oil recommendation for SAE 140 is probably best treated with caution for the Marstons - originally a thicker oil, which was injected from an oil gun was used. Original Marston literature recommended 'Castrol XL, Mobiloil D, or Aero Shell', with medium body grease such as 'Castrolease' used for the bevel gear of the Lightweight. - Information provided by Charles Palfreeman.
†††The first '102' was introduced in 1936. Since it had the "Marston Seagull" logo on the tank, it is listed as a Marston Seagull and not under the 102 Series table below.
| 102 Series | ||||||||||
| Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SN | 1942- | 102 | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers or Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Short Water Jacket | |
| SNP | 1942- | 102 | Direct | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers or Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Short Water Jacket | |
| SD [pics] |
1942-1946 | 102 | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers or Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Short Water Jacket | |
| SDP | 1942-1946 | 102 | Direct | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers or Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Short Water Jacket | |
| HSD | 1946- | 102 | Plus | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers or Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Short Water Jacket |
| HC | 1946- | 102 | Plus | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers or Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Long Water Jacket |
| C | 1946- | 102 | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Long Water Jacket | |
| D [pics] |
1946- | 102 | Direct | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Long Water Jacket | |
| AC [pics] |
1946-1957 | 102 [brochure] |
Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Long Water Jacket | |
| AHC | 1946-1956 | 102 [brochure] |
Plus | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 5 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Long Water Jacket |
| AD [pics] |
1946-1956 | 102 [brochure] |
Direct | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | Long Water Jacket | |
| ED [pics] |
1946-1979 | 102 [brochure] |
Direct | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| EC | 1946-1979 | 102 [brochure] |
Direct | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| EHC | 1946-1979 | 102 [brochure] |
Plus | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 5 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | |
| TC [pics] |
1956-1966 | 102 [brochure] |
Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| TD [pics] |
1956-1967 | 102 [brochure] |
Direct | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| THC [pics] |
1956-1967 | 102 [brochure] |
Plus | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 5 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | |
| WC [pics] |
1967-1973 | 102 | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| WD | 1967-1973 | 102 | Direct | 102 | 3½ - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| WHC | 1967-1973 | 102 | Plus | Clutch | 102 | 3½ - 5 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | |
| Forty Series (Model 40, Little Model 40, Forty Minus, Forty Featherweight, 45) | ||||||||||
| Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | 1949-1951 | Model 40, Little Model 40 |
Direct | 64 | 1-1½ | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| FV [pics] |
1949-1954 | Model 40, Little Model 40 [brochure] |
Direct | 64 | 1-1½ | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140 | 'T' in serial number = tilting tiller | |
| LM | 1954-1955 | Little Model 40, Forty Minus |
Direct | 64 | 1-1½ | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| SJM [pics] |
1955-1967 | Forty Minus [brochure] |
Direct | 64 | 1-1½ | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| F [pics] |
1967-1976 | Forty Featherweight | Direct | 64 | 1-2 | Wipac Mk 2 | 10:1* | SAE 140 | ||
| GF [pics] |
1977-1978 | Forty Featherweight | Direct | 64 | 1-2 | Wipac Mk 2 | 25:1** | SAE 140 | Equipped with Bing Carb | |
| FS [pics] |
1978-1979 | Forty Featherweight | Direct | 64 | 1-2 | Wipac Mk 2 | 10:1 | SAE 90 | ||
| GFS | 1969-1979 | Forty Featherweight | Direct | 64 | 1-2 | Wipac Mk 2 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Equipped with Bing Carb | |
| EFS [pics] |
1979-1985 | 45, Featherweight [brochure] |
Direct | 64 | 2 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
| EGF [pics] |
1982-1984 | 45, Featherweight [brochure] |
Direct | 64 | 2 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
| EF [pics] |
1983-1989 | 45, Featherweight, Seagull 2 [brochure] |
Direct | 64 | 2 | Wipac Mk 3 & 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
| GEF | 1983- | 45, Featherweight [brochure] |
Direct | 64 | 2 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Equipped with Bing Carb | |
| AF [pics] |
1984-1985 |
45, Featherweight [brochure] |
Direct | 64 | 2 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
| SEF [pics] |
1989-1990 | 45, Featherweight, Seagull 2 [brochure] | Direct | 64 | 2 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
| TSEF [pics] |
1990- | 45, Featherweight, Seagull 2 [brochure] | Direct | 64 | 2 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Equipped with Twist Grip Throttle | |
| Forty Series (Model 40, Super 40 Plus, Forty Plus, 55, 60) | ||||||||||
| Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FVP [pics] |
1949-1953 | Model 40 [brochure] |
Direct | 64 | 1½-2½ | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| LS [pics] |
1953-1958 | Model 40, Super 40 Plus [brochure] |
Direct | 64 | 1½-2½ | Villiers | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| SJP [pics] |
1955-1967 | Forty Plus [brochure] |
Direct | 64 | 1½-2½ | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| FP [pics] |
1967-1979 | Forty Plus | Direct | 64 | 2-3 | Wipac Mk 2 | 10:1* | SAE 140 | ||
| FPL [pics] |
1967-1979 | Forty Plus | Direct | 64 | 2-3 | Wipac Mk 2 | 10:1* | SAE 140 | Equipped with long shaft ('L') | |
| GFP [pics] |
1976-1979 | Forty Plus | Direct | 64 | 2-3 | Wipac Mk 2 | 25:1** | SAE 140 | Equipped with Bing Carb | |
| FPC [pics] |
1978-1979 | Forty Plus | Clutch | 64 | 2-3 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| GFPC [pics] |
1978-1979 | Forty Plus | Clutch | 64 | 2-3 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 140 | Equipped with Bing Carb | |
| EFPC [pics] |
1979-1989 | Model 55 [brochure] |
Clutch | 64 | 2-3 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
| EGFPW | 1983-1984 | Model 60 [brochure] |
Direct | 64 | 3 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
| AFPW | 1983-1984 | Model 55 [brochure] |
Direct | 64 | 2-3 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
| EFPW [pics] |
1983-1988 | Model 60 [brochure] |
Direct | 64 | 3 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
| AFPC [pics] |
1984- | Model 55 [brochure] |
Clutch | 64 | 3 | Wipac Mk 3 |
25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
| SEFPC [pics] |
1989-1990 | Forty Plus | Model 55 Seagull 3 [brochure] |
Clutch | 64 | 3 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | |
| TSEFPC [pics] |
1990- | Forty Plus | Seagull 3 [brochure] |
Clutch | 64 | 3 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Equipped with Twist Grip Throttle |
| Century (Century 100, Century Plus) | ||||||||||
| Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLS [pics] |
1956-1967 | Model 100, Century (100) [brochure] |
Direct | 102 | 3 - 4 | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| CP [pics] |
1958-1967 | Model 100, Century (100) Plus [brochure] |
Direct | 102 | 4½ - 5½ | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| CPC [pics] |
1959-1967 | Model 100, Century (100) Plus [brochure] |
Clutch | 102 | 4½ - 5½ | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| W [pics] |
1967-1973 | Century (100) | Direct | 102 | 3 - 4 | Wipac Mk 2 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| WP [pics] |
1967-1969 | Century (100) Plus | Direct | 102 | 4½ - 5½ | Wipac Mk 2 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| WPC [pics] |
1967-1973 | Century (100) Plus | Clutch | 102 | 4½ - 5½ | Wipac Mk 2 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| Sliver Century (Silver Century, Silver Century Plus, 75, 80, 90, 110) | ||||||||||
| Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S [pics] |
1966-1969 | Silver Century | Direct | 102 | 3 - 4½ | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| SP [pics] |
1966-1969 | Silver Century | Plus | Direct | 102 | 4 - 5½ | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | |
| SPC [pics] |
1966-1969 | Silver Century | Plus | Clutch | 102 | 4 - 5½ | Villiers Mk 1 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | |
| WS [pics] |
1969-1979 | Silver Century | Direct | 102 | 3 - 4½ | Wipac Mk 2 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| WSC [pics] |
1978-1979 | Silver Century | Clutch | 102 | 3 - 4½ | Wipac Mk 2 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||
| WSPC [pics] |
1969-1979 | Silver Century Plus [brochure] |
Clutch | 102 | 4 - 5½ | Wipac Mk 2 | 10:1 | SAE 140 | ||
| ESC [pics] |
1978-90 | Silver Century | Model 75 | Clutch | 102 | 4 | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | |
| ESPC [pics] |
1979- | Silver Century | Plus, 80 | Clutch | 102 | 4½ | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | |
| EFNR [pics] |
1979-91 | Silver Century | Plus, 90, 110 [brochure] |
FNR | 102 | 5 - 5½ | Wipac Mk 3 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | |
| QB Series (Curlew, Osprey & Kingfisher) [History] | ||||||||||
| Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | 1987-1990 | QB | Curlew, Seagull 4 [brochure] |
Clutch | 102 | 4 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | |
| CL | 1987-1990 | QB | Curlew, Seagull 4 [brochure] |
Clutch | 102 | 4 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Long shaft |
| CS | 1987-1990 | QB | Curlew, Seagull 4 [brochure] |
Clutch | 102 | 4 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Standard shaft |
| TCS | 1990-1993 | QB | Curlew, Seagull 4 [brochure] |
Clutch | 102 | 4 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Standard shaft, equipped with Twist Grip Throttle |
| CST | QB | Curlew, Seagull 4 [brochure] |
Clutch | 102 | 4 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Standard shaft, equipped with Twist Grip Throttle | |
| CSTL | QB | Curlew, Seagull 4 [brochure] |
Clutch | 102 | 4 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Equipped with Twist Grip Throttle | |
| O | 1987-1990 | QB | Osprey, Seagull 5 [brochure] |
FN&R | 102 | 5 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | |
| OL [pics] |
1987-1990 | QB | Osprey, Seagull 5 [brochure] |
FN&R | 102 | 5 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Long shaft |
| OS | 1987-1990 | QB | Osprey, Seagull 5 [brochure] |
FN&R | 102 | 5 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Standard shaft |
| OSR | 1990-1992 | QB | Osprey, Seagull 5 [brochure] |
FN&R | 102 | 5 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1*** | SAE 90 | Standard shaft, Roller Bearings |
| OLR [pics] |
QB | Osprey, Seagull 5 [brochure] |
FN&R | 102 | 5 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1*** | SAE 90 | Long shaft, Roller Bearings | |
| K | 1987-1990 | QB | Kingfisher [brochure], Seagull 6 [brochure] |
FN&R | 102 | 6 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | |
| KL [pics] |
1987-1990 | QB | Kingfisher [brochure], Seagull 6 [brochure] |
FN&R | 102 | 6 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Long shaft |
| KS | 1987-1990 | QB | Kingfisher [brochure], Seagull 6 [brochure] |
FN&R | 102 | 6 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Standard shaft |
| KSR | 1990-1993 | QB | Kingfisher [brochure], Seagull 6 [brochure] |
FN&R | 102 | 6 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1*** | SAE 90 | Standard shaft, Roller Bearings |
| KLR | QB | Kingfisher [brochure], Seagull 6 [brochure] |
FN&R | 102 | 6 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1*** | SAE 90 | Long shaft, Roller Bearings | |
| TKS | QB | Kingfisher [brochure], Seagull 6 [brochure] |
FN&R | 102 | 6 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Standard shaft, equipped with Twist Grip Throttle | |
| TKL | QB | Kingfisher [brochure], Seagull 6 [brochure] |
FN&R | 102 | 6 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Long shaft, equipped with Twist Grip Throttle | |
| Seagull 5 & 5R | ||||||||||
| Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SK [pics] |
1993? | QB | Seagull 5 | FN&R | 102 | 5 | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 *** |
SAE 90 | Remote Tank on 5R models |
| 125 & 170 | ||||||||||
| Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENC [pics] |
1984-1986 | 125 [brochure] |
Clutch | 102 | 6½ | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Recoil & Remote Tank | |
| ENCL | 125 [brochure] |
Clutch | 102 | 6½ | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Long Shaft, Recoil & Remote Tank | ||
| EN |
1982-1987 | 170 [brochure] |
FN&R | 102 | 8½ | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Recoil & Remote Tank | |
| ENS [pics] |
1983-1985 | 170 [brochure] |
FN&R | 102 | 8½ | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Shift, Recoil & Remote Tank | |
| ENL | 170 [brochure] |
FN&R | 102 | 8½ | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | Long Shaft, Recoil & Remote Tank | ||
| Inboard (SD 110 & SD 160) | ||||||||||
| Letter Code | Year | Series/ Model | Sub Series/ AKA | Drive | Cylinder Size (cc) | HP | Ignition | Fuel Mix | Gear Oil | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -1979-1981- | Seagull SD 110 | FN&R | 102 | 5 - 5½? | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | |||
| Seagull SD 160 [brochure] |
FN&R | 102 | 7-10? | Wipac Mk 4 | 25:1 | SAE 90 | ||||
*Outboards fitted with a No. 2 Needle can safely use 25:1 ratio.
**Outboards fitted with a Bing Carburettor ONLY can safely use 25:1 ratio.
***Outboards equipped with Roller Bearings were capable of using 50:1 ratio but this was later determined to be NOT RECOMMENDED.
Note: a 'L' after the first letter(s) or end of the serial number sequence denotes a long shaft model.