Despite the engine issues, the SO2U-1 was considered overall to be superior to the competing Curtiss XSO3C-1; however, Vought's production capacity was already taken up by manufacture of the OS2U Kingfisher scout and F4U Corsair fighter. As a result, the XSO3C was declared the winner of the contract, and was ordered into production.Bowers 1979, p.419. Named Seagull by the U.S. Navy, and Seamew by the Royal Navy, the SO3C developed a disastrous reputation in service, and was retired before the SOC biplane which it was intended to replace.Polmar 2004, p.117.
