Thanks for the advice everyone! Last night I hooked up the newly replaced unit straight to the battery and very cautiously (i.e. one hand on the plug) started the engine in the driveway. It seemed to work fine. No flickering or other symptoms that happened right before it blew up last time. On the water tomorrow will be the real test but so far, so good!

Steve, as you might have guessed from the above, I just upgraded from the inflatable. A late 1970's 15' Livingston center console with a single V-Hull and a 30 hp Johnson. Considerably more comfortable than the Avon and not as many strange looks :-) See you on the water!