I need a marine distributor for my boat. Do these need a coil? Is there a wire harness needed?http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT

yes it still needs a coil of some sort to provide the energy for the spark. A distributor is just that...for distribution of spark energy from the coil. That one looks like it may have been used on an EFI system from the looks of the plugs so you would need a harness..but you could modify it to use other components...

I cant tell from the pics what it is. I wouldn't trust that it works or that you would get a complete setup. BTW a 95 would probably a Gun V motor, and changing because it's an "older boat" makes no sense.
Not knowimng what motor you've got, I'll assume a Merc SBC or BBC, you've got a few options. The most practical are listed below.
Any marine old points type distributor. Get the cap with it. You'll need a standard GM coil for external balast resistor.
Get a complete Merc Tbolt IV setup, distributor, timing module, and short harness. You'll also need a GM type coil with that.
Get a marine HEI (DUI) from Performance Distributors. This is the easiest, one wire hookup.

I have a good working auto distributor on my motor now. Can it be converted over to a marine with parts?

the only basic difference in the "marine" version distributor is that is has screens on the vents to prevent any fumes from igniting due to the spark jumping around inside the distributor cap.

Insurance issues if boat goes up in smoke.
Coast Guard issues if they see it is not marine.

After reading several articles on this issue, I even notify my insurance company when I repower.

I'm going with a marine set up. Just short on cash. I had to spend the $2 thousand I had for engine on a trailer.Ok Thanks. Mike.

I have a Thunderbolt IV distributor, Accell coil and a V6 ignition module you can have for $100.

can u post a picture? will it work on a 94 chevy 454?

Yep, ask your insurance agent what their attitude would be if there was a fire due to your knowing use of an automotive carb, fuel pump, fuel lines, distributor, alternator...etc.
And if someone gets hurt....
See my earlier options.
First option can be had under $100 (used/rebuilt), second option for $100 (see Sledge post), third for about $250.
Much better than worrying every time you turn the key.