Boysen Reeds

holerunner79

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Dec 14, 2008
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7
I have a 25hp Mercury on a 15ft Aluminum boat that I use for a hole runner in the duck woods. I'm looking to get a little more top end. Some one recommended Boysen Reeds. If I install them would I have to adjust the carb? I'm not a boat mechanic but I can install reeds I just don't know anything about carbs.
 

Laddies

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Sep 10, 2004
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12,218
Re: Boysen Reeds

I don't think you will see any noticeably gain in top end in less you open the reed stops slightly
 

Frank Acampora

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Jan 19, 2007
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12,004
Re: Boysen Reeds

I have repaired a couple of Non-Mercury engines with Boyeson reeds. While a lot of people swear by them, I was simply not impressed.

On an engine that small, any horsepower gained will be so little that your top speed will probably not increase significantly with just a reed replacement. I strongly doubt you would see, for example, 5 MPH more, and let's face it, does 1 or 2 MPH more make a difference?

Before you go about replacing reeds, experiment with engine height on the transom and maybe a couple of different props. If you are using the standard all-purpose prop that usually comes with smaller engines, you might be surprised at what a prop change and raising the engine height could do.

Get the full specs on your boat, engine, and prop, and inquire at the prop forum.
 

holerunner79

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Joined
Dec 14, 2008
Messages
7
Re: Boysen Reeds

I have shimmed the motor up on the transom and that did help a little. We run about 2 1/2 miles so just 2 0r 3 mph faster would put me out in front of everyone before we make it to the woods that we hunt. We have a 25 hp limit and It's an all out race at 4am. So any tips you guys got, let em flow I may have already tried it, but always looking for something else to try.
 

Frank Acampora

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Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: Boysen Reeds

NITRO!

Seriously, how far do you want to go with the engine? I don't know too much about Mercs, but if you are willing to invest time and money, I am sure there are some performance mods to be had. There is a go-fast forum where the guys all use special souped up engines and they would probably have a lot of tips. Dang-- I wish I could remember the name--it is a hydroplane club--Ooh!-ooh! Hydroracer,net.
 

Harker

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Sep 21, 2003
Messages
452
Re: Boysen Reeds

I'm a duck hunter too and I would rather have reliable than 2-3mph faster.
 

holerunner79

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Joined
Dec 14, 2008
Messages
7
Re: Boysen Reeds

I don't know about the duck hunting you do there but here in Arkansas we GOTTA be quick to get to the good spots. I'm always running in top 3 not getting beat by much but I hate it when I do get beat when just 2 or three more mile an hour would've got me in woods first. Just seeing if there's any simple tweaking that I can do.
 

Harker

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 21, 2003
Messages
452
Re: Boysen Reeds

So everyone meets at the ramp and take off on a shotgun start? Leave 25 minutes earlier than everyone else. The 25 Merc is pretty much at the top end of it's performance without super hotrodding it and risking a blow up. I put Boyson reeds in my 30 Johnson and am going to go back the the stock reeds as I don't think it made a difference in power and it seems to drink more gas.
 

holerunner79

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Joined
Dec 14, 2008
Messages
7
Re: Boysen Reeds

25 minutes early is a GREAT idea!!! If it was legal!!!!!!!!!!! No boats before 4 AM. not worried bout it anymore, question answered. Thanks guys
 
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