77 SkiTique gasohol carb conundrum

So I found the boat of my dreams last year - '77 SkiTique, Ford 302. Looks like a parade boat and been running great too. Until this weekend. Usually takes a squirt of starting fluid to light, but this weekend no dice.. Crank and crank and just burns the ether and sputters out. Nobody seems to want to work on these. New Jersey ethanol gas is at fault I'm pretty sure. After talking to a bunch of folks, i'm wondering if it's not better to replace the carb with one of these Summit Racing injectors for 800 bucks https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fif-30003?seid=srese1&cm_mmc=pla-google-_-shopping-_-srese1-_-fitech-fuel-injection&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqvvLBRDIARIsAMYuvBGgu485x_L2a7PJ3BUMLwoZL-nmQXPz28wFDoL02dl9QLshqGqfWT0aAmRCEALw_wcB

If so, has anyone had experience doing this? What's the difficulty level and is it something I should be able to do on my own? Pretty handy mechanically, but never done a fuel system teardown before. Thanks all!

Thanks for that very helpful response, Pete! I will try to diagnose it as you suggested. I concluded the gasohol caused the problem, since it was suggested by the CC dealer I bought the boat from. I think I'll need a mobile mechanic to come check it out at my dock, But that's part of the problem since nobody here (NJ coast) seems to want to look at it. BTW - it looks just like yours, with a beautiful new gel coat and upholstery and I really just want to get her back in the water. Good to know about the ether too. I'll stop that pronto.

Thanks, Pete Here are a few Insta shots:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWI5wM1DjOV/?taken-by=franco.american

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGhuf5WTdmi/?taken-by=franco.american

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSzUlBMDzG_/?taken-by=franco.american

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIYqagmjNnB/?taken-by=franco.american

You might want to rule out an ignition problem. If starting fluid isn't firing, probably not a fuel issue IMO.

Thanks, but I think we ruled out ignition since ether would fire and then she starved out, so I'm thinking more fuel.

I live and boat in New Jersey-ALWAYS use startron or sta-bil,when adding fresh gas,I have seen what it does to carbs and gaskets when no additive is used

OK - folks, thanks so much for your kind and generous help. Going to try sleuthing this with a mechanic this weekend. Assuming nothing untoward (no clogs, fuel pump OK, clean lines, etc.), Meanwhile, have any of you guys or gals converted an old carbed engine to EFI? Something like this? https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fif-30003 - says it should only take a few hours to swap from a 4-bbl.

Wow that's a nice price for a turnkey throttle body Fuel injection system--wonder myself if it works! Might be the answer for Protec system failures if you combine it with a DUI distributor/ignition system.

Hopefully you find someone soon.... sucks to be in a spot where you don't have any help on a frustrating problem.     
Carb rebuilds and tuning should be fairly simple for an old school muscle car guy, are there any of those in your area?    Your 302/351 is not going to be strange to a car guy, except for the cooling system and the marinization parts.     If you just want to do a carb rebuild, there is a guy on the Mastercraft team talk site that does Holley rebuilds for about $200 (exchange) if it's a carb problem, that should fix it.   His screen name is ThatsMrMastercraft.   (peter).   most of the inboard boats have similar engine gear in them, so another inboard enthusiast in your area might be able to help as well. Joe in NY comes to mind as someone to talk with to find good help in your area.    He hasn't been around much lately, but is a knowledgeable engine guy, and probably knows other knowledgeable guys to glean from or pay to have your boat repaired.

Folks - just wanted to thank you all for your generous help here. I found a mobile mechanic here on Long Beach Island NJ who was happy to take a trip out to diagnose and fix my problem. He determined that my carb needed a cleanout and fuel pump was failing. Both of the situations were resolved and she's running like a champ once again! Turning about 3850 at full throttle, which on the (obviously inaccurate) speedo is right around 44MPH. Is that where I should be? Thanks again, Francoman.

Thanks a mil @KENO. I will check actual RPM with light and prop to suit (prolly next season as we're rapidly drawing to a close here in the northeast).