Re: High Thrust Prop for Merc 7.5?
Problem solved !
I traded emails and a phone call with Marc Feinman, the US marketing rep for Solas Science and Engineering. He came up with the correct Solas part number (1113-100-07) which is a 4-blade, high-thrust, 7-pitch prop to fit the old 8-spline prop shaft on the Merc 7.5 OB. No special hub sleeve needed. Retail is about $92.00 US. Our store can source it through Coast Distributors.
Marc is a great guy, very knowledgeable and quite helpful. I can't say enough about how he handled my customer service request. He's in their Tampa, Florida office. Bottom line is that he knows the applications very well. The prop selector charts didn't help me much. Most OB and prop manufacturers concentrate on the faster, bigger and newer motors, and go-fast boats. They tend to ignore sail applications. The correct part is in fact available for most small OB's -- IF you get Marc to help find it.
I know from experience that these props are excellent for sailboats -- I have one on my boat. I was able to downsize from 15 hp to 9.8 hp, and still get better thrust, especially in reverse. Anyone who wants to improve the low-speed thrust on their outboard-aux sailboat may want to investigate these high-thrust Solas props.