Automotive Parts in Boats


 * Carburetor: use only marine carbs
 * Fuel Pump: use only marine fuel pumps
 * Ignition Coil:
 * Distributor Cap:
 * Spark Plugs: automotive plugs OK, as long as you boat in a freshwater environment and drydocked. More questionable for freshwater boating + wet slips; recommend going with marine plugs for the extra corrosion protection (which is the only difference between marine plugs and automotive plugs). If in salt water, marine plugs.
 * Starter. I replaced the starter in my Mercrusier 3-liter, 4 cylinder, inboard engine with an automative starter.  Price for the marine grade starter at the local marina, $295.  Price for the marine grade starter on-line, about $175 plus shipping.  Price for the automotive starter at local auto parts store, $49.95.  Information that I was given was that the two units were the same, but the marine unit is sealed better.  By my estimation the engine comp in the boat is as dry as a car engine.  Was told that i could seal any openings on the starter with gasket material, but I didn't.  Because of lack of sealing, and the gassy env in the boat eng comp, I was told to make sure that I run the blower before turning the engine over.  I did need to remove the old starter and bring it in to the auto parts store in order to get a suitable replacement.  New auto starter is working great so far.