High-performance two-stroke outboard builds like the Mercury Racing 225X, 280 ROS, 300 Drag, S3000, and the 240HP SportJet Jet Boat motor have consistently demanded intake efficiency, durability, and responsiveness enhancements.
 
One critical component in this performance chain is the reed valve assembly. The Mercury 5-petal rubberized reed cage, Mercury OEM part number 840805T1, has long served as a reliable base for reed petal integration. Advances in composite material engineering have enabled the development of upgraded carbon fiber reeds that significantly outperform legacy factory materials in high-RPM marine racing applications.
 
Advanced Carbon Fiber Construction
 
The precision-cut carbon fiber reed petals from Buckshot Racing #77 are specifically designed to be drop-in replacements for the Mercury (840805) 5-petal reed cage. These upgraded reeds are manufactured using high modulus aerospace-grade carbon fiber laminates with directional weave orientation optimized for both flexibility and fracture resistance.
 
Unlike traditional fiberglass reeds or early-generation composite composites, these advanced reeds provide a superior balance of stiffness and resilience, allowing for faster reed response during intake pulse cycles while minimizing flutter at high engine speeds.
 
The resin matrix in these reeds is formulated to withstand the hydrocarbon-rich and thermally unstable environment of high-performance two-stroke outboards. Thermal degradation, delamination, and premature fatigue are significantly reduced compared to OEM fiberglass alternatives, especially when operating in the 7,000 to 10,000 RPM range typical of Mercury Racing platforms.
 
Their precision lay-up also ensures uniform reed tension across all five petals in the cage, contributing to better cylinder-to-cylinder airflow balance and more predictable throttle response.
 
Performance Implications in Mercury Racing Powerheads
 
Race-tuned 225X, 280 ROS, 300 Drag, S3000 motors rely heavily on precise air/fuel metering and intake velocity. Carbon fiber reeds, when used in conjunction with the OEM rubberized reed cages, help maintain optimal intake charge velocity while reducing reversion, a common issue in high-overlap port timing configurations.
 
This translates to improved midrange acceleration, sharper throttle engagement, and in some cases, a measurable gain in peak horsepower, particularly when used with tuned exhaust systems and reprogrammed ECU fuel curves.
 
Mercury's S3000 and 300 Drag engines, often used in competitive drag boat racing and tunnel hull applications, are particularly sensitive to any intake turbulence or inconsistent reed flutter. By replacing stock or aged fiberglass reeds with Buckshot Racing's carbon fiber upgrade, racers have reported more consistent trap speeds and improved launch stability, especially when transitioning from idle to WOT (wide-open throttle) under load.
 
Compatibility and Installation
 
These carbon fiber reed petals are precision-cut to fit seamlessly into the Mercury 840805T1 5-petal reed cages without requiring modification to the cage or crankcase. This preserves the integrity of the OEM intake geometry and ensures full compatibility with both legacy and current Mercury Racing crankcase configurations.
 
Furthermore, the carbon fiber reeds are compatible with a wide range of two-stroke Mercury Racing applications, from the high-RPM 280 ROS and 300 Drag to the torque-focused 240HP SportJet engines used in recreational and competitive jet boat platforms. This makes them a versatile upgrade for performance enthusiasts seeking enhanced engine responsiveness and long-term reliability.
 
The introduction of advanced carbon fiber reed technology from Boyesen into Mercury's 5-petal rubberized reed cage architecture represents a meaningful performance enhancement for high-output two-stroke outboard and SportJet motors.
 
For technical support, contact Mike Hill at +1-714-697-1716 or mike@buckshotracing77.com