85, 185, 190 Seaboy Reel Specs
REEL INFO: 85 Seaboy - A fishermen's favorite for salt water and inland river fishing thanks to it's rugged construction at a modest cost. Has free spool action, star drag, sliding click. Reinforced plastic spool model.(1983 Penn Catalog)
190 Bay-Star reel (NOT a Seaboy) - Ideal reel for light tackle bay fishing. Capacity 100 years #9 Line. Reel seat fits fresh and salt water rods. the spiral cut gears are triple multiplying for speedy action. Free spool clutch is operated by a snap lever on rim. Spool end play can be taken up by an adjustable bearing. A sliding click provides for arresting spool. Reel can be lubricated from the outside. Metal Parts are nickel-plated. The small streamlined end plates are beautifully engraved and 2 ¾" in diameter. (1950 Penn Catalog)
HISTORY:
190 Bay-Star reel (NOT a Seaboy) originally had options for bakelite spool w/two stand types.
190 (for baitcasting rods with offset reel seats) and 190S (Long Stand for Saltwater Rods).
190M and 190MS were the same stands with Metal Spool.
The first Sea Boy general purpose reel, the 190 original was a very basic reel. The longest running of the series was model #85 which was designed and manufactured before 1941 and wasn't discontinued until the late 80's. All external parts of that reel were made of solid brass and corrosion resistant, with a plastic spool.
MysticParts.com NOTE: We have the 190 Bay-Star cross listed in the Seaboy specs only to denote that they are not the same reel/series in case someone thinks their baystar is a seaboy due to the 190 part number being re-used by Penn.
DESIGN CHANGE IN THE GEARS FOR LOWER GEAR RATIO
"185 and 190 Seaboy (1990s) - The next generation of the famous seaboy reels feature newly styled high strength side plates, a lightweight black anodized aluminum spool and a powerful 3.5:1 Gear "
THIS IS THE CHANGE: (This is the first/early run of the reels per the Penn 2004 catalog and confirmed by photo of an early box and the number of teeth on that early run reel. Final gear ratio in later runs of the reel is 3.1:1 by tooth count on gears. ~MizMo)
"Equipped with powerful gears, these USA-made reels are the reels to wind up with, whether you're drifting, chumming, working a wreck or bottom fishing. Great for fish like flounder, cod, sea bass, and even large catfish. The Penn Seaboy® was upgraded in 2004 for even better performance and durability. New features include a larger handle, machined-aluminum spool, stainless steel pinion, and improved free spool.(2004 Penn Catalog)
Discussion thread in Alan Tani Forums:
Post 90 Seaboy 185 and 190
Name/Series: Seaboy, Light Bay Tackle Reel
Construction:
- 190 Bay-Star: This is a direct drive version of the reel, unlike it's modern model, this has no drags or drag star and no anti-reverse.
- 1940s models began with plastic spool then changed to 29M Chrome plated brass spool that provided strength and better line capacity. 1990s models used black aluminum spool.
- 1940s Early models had bakelite plates. 1990s models had Graphite sides
- Solid brass, corrosion resistant side plates.
- Reinforced plastic spool action.
- One-shot lubrication.
- Free spool action.
- HT-100 multi-disc star drag system.
- Loud, durable, clicker.
- 1940s Early models used dual knob or single knob handle. 1990s models have large oversized handle.
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