Recent switch from points ignition to electronic problems

1986 Seaswirl, GM 4.3 liter v6. Always have had problems with the points ignition system so recently switched to an electronic ignition. Boat runs very well, however will seem to bog down at takeoff and randomly at speed (mostly under load, with skiers, but not always). Idles perfectly, and seems to run great out of gear. Does not die, but will drop to almost idle rpms, sometimes jumps back up to speed but usually have to back it off. Any tips or ideas of what to look for would be great thanks!

Kinda funny that with all of the bad things it does, you say the boat runs well.

What ignition did you install? And how did you set the initial timing?

Ditto the above questions.

Was this by chance a Pertronix conversion, rather than a complete new electronic ignition distributor?

The Pertronix conversion offers nothing to the distributor's advancing system.
If worn, and if not offering the correct progressive advance curve, all we gain is a slightly more accurate means of triggering.


Note that any change to the triggering mechanism (contact points to electronic) creates the need to re-set ignition timing.
Setting BASE is important, but BASE is BASE all day long.
We crank and idle on BASE..... that's about it.
The more important aspect of ignition timing will be the progressive advance that occurs once out of BASE advance.

Point being (no pun intended) is that you may want to check the progressive advance curve, and see if it meets the OEM curve.... including what's refered to as the "Full In" advance and RPM.

Also note that there is a dwell angle with a magnetic electronic system, just as with a mechanical system.
This controls coil saturation duration.
The dwell angle is controlled by the distance between the magnetic unit and the sensor unit.
If this is not within specs, it may cause issues.



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