www.iFourWinns.com

Hello all, new guy here. I recently acquired an 87 Santana sport 216. The PO swapped the original engine (not sure what was in her originally.) for a Chevy 350. She has what I've been told is an Alpha 1 out drive. Anyhow, it has a GM HEI distributor and a one wire alternator. The wiring harness is a complete mess, so I'm in the process of rewiring everything. I've read elsewhere that an automotive HEI distributor is a bad idea because of the vacuum advance? Should I just swap it all out for a thunderbolt setup from a Mercuiser 350?

Everything automotive needs to be removed (alternator, ignition, starter, carb) and replaced with USCG rated parts. I wouldn't even attempt to start that boat until that's done, the chances of explosion are very high people die all the time.

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1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

Awesome, that's what I've been leaning towards. She does start and run great on the trailer with a remote starter switch and holding 12 volts on the coil. Thank you so much for your input! I guess I'll go ahead and order the thunderbolt stuff.

Can't go wrong with a Thunderbolt. They're pretty much the best and most reliable you can get.

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1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

Wow, this is crazy trying to figure out the correct setup!