anybody out there have any positives/negatives on Boyesen reeds?  how about the level of difficulty in the installation process.  i am mechanically experienced in the automotive world, but have never really dug into an outboard.  would be slapping them in a Merc. 135 if they would really make any difference in the idling and accelerating dept.  thanks for the earlier replys about the "obsolete" trim gauge!

Unless you plan to turn some major rpm, (over 6,800 on those merc reeds) don't waste your time or money. They make the motor idle a little better for the first couple of months (that is if you can get them to lay down to start with), then it actually idles worse than with the steel reeds. Some will swear there is a performance gain but that's just mind games. Any of the experts you talk to as well as many test independent builders have run show there really is no gain. They can't handle any lean spit, the back pressure will blow them right through the reed cages. I've got a couple of 3.0 Johnsons I play with, one I turn at approx 6,500, the other I turn approx 7,000, both make over 300 hp and I still run steel reeds in both. I've tried the Boysen's three different times over the years and they just prove to more trouble than they are worth. Also, I actaully think the motors run better on the steel reeds than the Boysen's.

Now, you will hear all kinds of claims about them, most are from those that think they've mod'd their motor putting them in and think they make a difference, again though, too many of the professional engine builders claim otherwise. The only major benifit they offer is if you break a glass reed, it will usually pass on through the motor and not cause damage like a metal reed will. I've never seen a merc or johnnyrude turned less than 6,500 rpm break a steel reed.

Thank you for the reply, Way2Slow.  Well Put.  I appreciate your knowlegable explanation.  It is great to have a forum to "lean" on when trying to make some decisions.  The experience within this site is invaluable!  If it ain't broke don't fix it, right?  Thanks again

I would have to respectfully disagree as with any product you'll find people of love the product and people who hate the product. I've had nothing but excellent experiences with Boyesen reeds but I will add my experience is with smaller engines 25/75 hp outboards and 125/500 cc dirt bikes.

understood.  experiences and opinions will vary widely.  probably best to let this engine run a season or so to let me get familiar with it before i start to jump in over my head.  always interested in peak performance, though.  thanks for your input as well.