Upgrade your Mercury V6 vertical reed engine with Boyesen B265V Dual-Stage Power Reeds. Fits many 2.0L and 2.4L Mercury and Mariner 150 HP and 175 HP vertical reed outboards. Improve throttle response, idle quality, acceleration, and reliability.
Our kit includes everything you need to rebuild 6 complete reed cages, including dual-stage reeds, reed stays (rev strips), screws, instructions, and a decal.
Why Upgrade to Boyesen Power Reeds?
The reed valves are one of the most important airflow components in any Mercury two-stroke outboard. Every time the pistons move upward, the reeds open to allow the air/fuel mixture into the crankcase. As the pistons travel downward, the reeds close instantly to prevent the mixture from flowing back toward the carburetors.
Their ability to seal quickly and consistently has a direct effect on starting, idle quality, throttle response, acceleration, fuel efficiency, and overall engine performance.
The Boyesen B265V Power Reeds replace the factory steel reeds used in many Mercury and Mariner 2.0L and 2.4L V6 vertical reed block engines. Unlike conventional single-stage steel reeds, Boyesen's patented dual-stage fiberglass reed design uses a thin primary reed for low engine speeds and a second stiffer reed that progressively supports airflow as RPM increases.
This allows the engine to respond more efficiently throughout the entire operating range rather than only at higher RPM.
Improved Throttle Response and Acceleration
One of the first improvements most boaters notice after installing Boyesen B265V reeds is sharper throttle response. The lightweight primary reed opens with less crankcase pressure than the factory steel reeds, allowing the engine to respond more quickly during idle, hole shot, and mid-range acceleration.
The result is cleaner throttle transition, stronger acceleration onto plane, and a broader, more usable powerband. Rather than producing horsepower only near peak RPM, the engine feels more responsive throughout the entire operating range.
Better Idle Quality and Reliability
Factory steel reeds can fatigue over time, developing small gaps that reduce crankcase sealing. Poor sealing can contribute to difficult starting, rough idle, poor fuel atomization, and fuel stand-off through the carburetors.
The Boyesen dual-stage reeds maintain excellent sealing across a wide range of crankcase pressures, improving idle stability while reducing fuel reversion. Many owners also notice easier cold starting and smoother low-speed operation after replacing worn factory reeds.
Designed for Mercury Vertical Reed Engines
The Boyesen B265V fits Mercury and Mariner vertical reed block V6 engines commonly found on 2.0L and 2.4L outboards, including many 150 HP XR2, XR4, Magnum, Marathon, and 175 HP carbureted models equipped with the early five-petal vertical reed cages.
Because Mercury produced several intake designs during these years, engine serial number verification is recommended before ordering.
These reeds are an excellent upgrade during a complete powerhead rebuild, reed cage service, intake restoration, or carburetor overhaul.
Installation Tips
Successful reed installation begins with properly prepared reed cages. Clean all gasket surfaces thoroughly, inspect the cages for burrs or damage, and verify that each reed petal lays perfectly flat against the cage before reassembly.
New intake and reed cage gaskets are recommended whenever the intake system is disassembled. After installation, verify carburetor synchronization and ensure the idle fuel system is properly adjusted before placing the engine back into service. A lean idle condition can damage any new reed installation.
Buckshot Racing #77 Tech Tip
New reeds not only allow the engine to operate more efficiently but also help avoid a 30 year old steel chip or break off into your engine which can cause severe damage.
Other benefits are improved crankcase sealing, faster airflow response, cleaner throttle transition, stronger mid-range acceleration, and more consistent performance across the entire RPM range.
On older Mercury V6 engines, replacing fatigued factory steel reeds is one of the most worthwhile reliability and performance upgrades you can make.
Final Thoughts30-year-old
Whether you're restoring a classic Mercury XR2, rebuilding a 2.4L Magnum, maintaining a Marathon work engine, or refreshing a weekend performance boat, the Boyesen B265V Dual-Stage Power Reeds provide a proven upgrade over aging factory steel reeds.
Their race-proven design delivers quicker throttle response, smoother idle, improved crankcase sealing, and dependable performance that has made Boyesen one of the most respected names in two-stroke induction technology for decades.
Contact Mike Hill with any technical questions at 714-697-1716.