Is there really a big deal?????

[j_k_bisson]

Is there really a big difference when changing out factory reeds and putting in Boyesen power reeds?????

Don't know nothing about this subject and looking to learn. I will be rebuilding a 1987 200hp V6 Evinrude looper. So I could swap out the factory reeds when playing with it this winter.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Is there really a big deal?????

Big deal? I was never really impressed with them. You will gain a little power but remember, It will take about 40-50 horsepower to gain 5 MPH. So I doubt you will see that.

The big plus is if you break a reed, they are plastic and will pass through the engine without doing harm. On the negative, Boyeson claims a specific lifespan for them and they supposedly need periodic replacement.

But, as with any post, you will get some guys that swear by them and some that swear at them. BUT: If they were so good, wouldn't the factory install them stock?

Personally, I save my money and put it into other engine improvements.

 

[mr 88]

Re: Is there really a big deal?????

Having raced two stroke motorcycles for years I can say just about every racer had switched to aftermarket reeds. What they give you is a quicker response time, not top end, and as noted they will fray on the tips over time and were replaced once a year. Even aftermarket pipes worked the same way, the carb can only deliver so much gas to the engine, which can only work within its limits.I would notice the difference when throwing in a piston and ring kit after every 15 hours of operation,got that down to a 1 hour job. This is not feasible for most boaters. Want more speed? Buy a larger motor. prop it correctly with a performance unit and lose as much weight as you can from the hull.

 

[j_k_bisson]

Re: Is there really a big deal?????

So basically inspect the factory ones while I'm in there, but not worth the money replacing them if not needed. My boat is only a fishing boat. I'm looking for dependability. How about age on factory reeds. Should they be replaced after a length of time. Do they get age hardened and crack like aluminum boats?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Is there really a big deal?????

Reed petals are usually spring steel and generally have opening stops on them. Not too sure about "Rudes" though. The reeds don't flex enough to work harden and break. Oh, occasionally one will break and pass through the engine, causing varying degrees of damage, but it is generally uncommon. There is an excellent chance that the original reeds will last the life of the engine. Much more likely are problems with fuel and ignition systems.

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Is there really a big deal?????

optimize your HP

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Is there really a big deal?????

Depending on what motor we're talking about there could be gains and/or reasons to change or not. Let's concentrate on your motor so we can be very specific. What works or dosent work on one type motor may not have anything to do with your motor. We'll assume your motor is idling and running correctly now. Some people mistakenly think Boyesen reeds will somehow correct a running issue.

On a small bore V6 looper you will see some idle quality improvements. The transition from one rpm band to another will be slightly improved. Your motor should accelerate fairly smoothly as produced.

The steel reeds in your motor will work well to about 7000 rpm. A stock stator with the rev limiter bypassed will start to give up about then anyway. If you are going to modify the motor for higher rpm you'll want the Boyesens.

If we are talking about your motor at stock rpm (up to 6700 depending on which rev limiter you have) you'll see a little smoother acceleration and better idle. Personally I like them.

About the only thing that hurts them is if the motor spits back at idle. That will burn the tips. If the stock reed stops are left on the reeds will break. We ran a set in a V6 looper that was capable of 9000+ rpm for several years with no issues. We ran them in a V4 looper at 8200 for several years with no issues.