electronic ignition....just curious

[thunderroad]

Since the automotive industry pretty much went to electronic ignition around 75 or so, why didn't the marine industry follow? I see posts here regarding boats from the late 80s mentioning changing points and condensers. I've been away from the wonderful world of boat ownership for about 30 years so I may have missed out on the reason boats still had points and condensers for so long.

 

[MikeM40]

Re: electronic ignition....just curious

I converted to electronic ignition in a 1985 Mrec 3.0 and so far so good. It starts right up<br />The cost was about $90 and a simple install

 

[Scaaty]

Re: electronic ignition....just curious

Originally posted by thunderroad:<br /> the reason boats still had points and condensers for so long.

Mainly because they have worked just fine for so long. A boat gets little use compared to a car, so they last a long time. I'm 50/50 on the subject. Spare set tossed in the boat will get ya home if needed. and the Pertronix Gen I fried if you left the key on (Gen II won't). Its a worthwhile upgrade to fix something that isn't broke....hows that fer an answer!

 

[codfather II]

Re: electronic ignition....just curious

I have just replaced my engines with Crusaders (big Mistake) and on one of the engines the electronic ignition let go. The engine had less than 15 hours. The distributor is made by mallory and is just about unservicable. To get at the E.I. you need a special wrench to remove the bolts. I was 30 miles offshore when mine let go. Man I wish it was just the old points and condenser system, I would have definately had a spare set.

 

[Don S]

Re: electronic ignition....just curious

Probably the biggest reason was the lack of electronic ignition systems available in distributors certified by the USCG.<br />Mercruiser came up with the Thunderbolt system, Volvo used the Prestolite distributors for years. I don't know, but I would guess Prestolite did the upgrade since lots of places other than Volvo sells the exact same distributor.<br />I have a prestolite in my boat, the thing is bullet proof, seldom have I found bad modules in them.<br />Personally, I would give up boating before I used a Mallory anything on my boat. I would use an old points distributor from a car with a vacuum advance before a Mallory. Even if I did blow up from it.

 

[codfather II]

Re: electronic ignition....just curious

At this point Don, I would have been much happier with the points and condensor system and most of all not buying CRUSADER ENGINES!!!!!!! Tell me, why don't you like Mallory products?? Personally I don't know a lot about mechanics and I'm not asking in a rude manner. Just curious???