2005 Air Nautique 216 SE

[RichB]

Thanks all for the info.

[vvfdfirefighter]

True with some older motor caps for sure, spark arrestor screen being one example.

Do tell what the GM cap on the Excal uses for spark suppression/flame arresting or how it is Marine specific. I and my GM mechanic looked very closely at the factory original cap and did a side by side comparison with a genuine GM cap and we could not find anything?? Thanks!!

What may not be known (and may be very difficult to determine) is that the marine rated distributor cap might be identical to the automobile rated distributor cap. In other words, they may physically be one and the same part. Generally speaking though, they are made of a higher grade material and have ignition protection and spark arrestors in place to keep things from going boom in and enclosed engine environment.

What's the difference then you ask? Certification. One is certified as being compliant for marine use and one is not.

In the marine engine world there are some parts that are known to be identical to automotive parts. They come from the same manufacturer and carry the same part number. The only difference is that one is certified for use in marine environments (Costly certification) and the other is not. The price difference being charged (which can be substantial) is for the certification that approves the use of the part in the marine environment.
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Enclosed gasoline engines in boats are governed by FEDERAL law. These are not suggestions, comments, or hearsay. Part 183, Chapter 33, spells out the requirements for ignition systems, fuel systems, ventilation plus the parts used in them. If by chance your boat catches on fire, your insurance company is going to try their hardest to prove you used non-marine approved equipment in one of these systems so they don't have to pay out the insurance claim and or any injury claim associated as such.

I understand "Marine" labeled parts are sometimes double, if not more, that OEM vehicle parts. However, when it comes down to parts used on the ignition system, except for spark plugs possibly, I wouldn't skimp. The odds of something catastrophic happening are rare, yes. However if something were to happen to you or your boat you would make yourself liable for using those non approved parts.

When it comes down to internal parts, gaskets, water pumps, etc you can get away with usually using automotive parts. However, everyone will do as they please and this is just my .02 cents worth.

[tlarocque]

I had a 2008 216 LE last summer before I moved away from WA. I thought it was a great all-around boat (maybe not for surfing). In fact, I am trying to buy it back from the guy I sold it to. We used it to ski and board and found it was plenty powerful and tracked well even with heavy riders. If you are going to use it on Tahoe, I think you want at least a 21' boat. Donner is also a nice lake to ski.