Gould 0738 wrote:

So, my questions to any who care to answer a Is Fred right that the
automotive part is just unsafe and unacceptable?

Absolutely.
Don't go anywhere in that boat until you replace the carb and the
non-marine fuel connections. Better check your alternator, too.

Thanks. Not the answer I wanted, and I'll continue seeking opinions, but it
really sounds to me like I need to dig up another grand. I got the boat
for around $500 under book... sounds like I paid $500 too much.

Thanks for the suggestion about the altenator, too. I'm pretty sure it's
the original part, but I'll check it.

The reason that marine carbs, alternators, etc etc developed over the
years was not because somebody wanted to make a big buck selling
specialized parts. It's because gasoline vapors in an enclosed environment
can be *explosive*. The combination of screwball fuel lines and an
automotive carb has turned your boat into a floating bomb.

That makes a lot of sense.

Shawn.