OEM Vs. Afternmarket

Fairly new to boating but know engines and my question is although I know you really always want OEM equipment when possible, it is always crazily more expensive. I have an inboard carbureted 5.0 liter Mercruiser and I would like to replace the Distributor and Coil along with the fuel pump. I'm curious to see if the recommendation is OEM or if there is anyone that makes quality aftermarket products for these parts? I see Quicksilver mentioned quite a bit and have seen some things to stay away from Sierra products. Welcome any and all thoughts please and thanks very much for your time!

I would not go with the OEM components myself on a 20 year old mercruiser. Marine grade is important though. I would lean more to the Delco Voyager EST ignition kit for the distributor replacement. Pretty simple and the whole package can be purchased for less the ignition module alone with mercruiser. Assume you have an electric fuel pump in 2001? If mechanical, make sure it has the drain back to carb in the event it's diaphragm fails.

The only thing I would def go OEM is if you ever do manifolds and risers and Sea water pump..