CD Ignition
 

I have recently purchased a derilict 1973 SeaRay 22 ft weekender. It has a 188 Mercruiser using a Ford 302. I am wondering if anyone can recommend a reasonably priced CD Ignition system I can use. I would like to use the breaker points to trigger it so I have a back-up system if the CD should fail.
Also, I would like to know if CD systems have to be marine rated or will a standard auto system be sufficient.
Don't want to spend any more money than necessary since so much has to be replaced in the Old Girl.
Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Len P.

Marine CD Ignitions are sealed to prevent salt water incursion / corrosion or sparks from within the box igniting trapped fuel vapours in the engine compartment. A sealed auto unit will work fine so long as it is placed somewhere safe and dry in my oppinion.
I'm running an MSD HVC ignition and coil in my Stinger, I've mounted it high and dry to keep it safe and because it is a sealed unit designed for NASCAR, it should withstand the marine environment.
I'm not too sure how well most modern CDI's go being triggered off points. Most run either mag or optical pickups in the dist these days. I know the HVC ign can take a points input so it can work. If I was you and all you plan on doing is running the stock 302, just plonk a mag pickup distributor in it as I've found them far more reliable than the points!
As far as CDI's go, I haven't read much good about the MSD Marine system but it's 50/50 for and against. The Crane HI-6M seems to be the preffered option. I ran a Crane HI-6N auto unit in my Ski-Race Boat with no problems. If you want to find a decent unit cheap, check EBay and try your luck!

Look into a dui distributor. Looks like a g.m. hei dist, but made to fit the ford. Marine approved, one wire hook up. Used one on a old runabout and it's still running 10 years later.Davis Unified Ignition.

I agree the HEI style made for ford are great units for stock/mild engines, get rid of the points...

cd ignition
 

Thank you for your responses, the info should help with the restoration. Happy New Year to all. Len P

If you go with an msd 6-a or such points work great just use the supplyied white wire from the box to the distibutor for the signal wire.


hope this helps us all !!!!!!!!!!!