Merc Sportmaster Lower unit "Fat Shaft" use a thrust washer or Not?

**weebz69** · 05-29-2012, 01:43 AM

Hey guys,
I bought a 95 Obsession with a Merc 300x on the back had a Sportmaster lower unit on it that used a "Fat Shaft" the 19 tooth shaft. Used it all last year then cracked my prop went to take it off and it had no thrust washer. Ran good from what I could tell. 93.9 mph all day long. I thought maybe I missed placed it or something but whatever money was short so I decided had a good year and stored it. This year I sent the new props off to the lab before I take it out 1st time this year. I just want to make sure do these 'Fat Shafts" use thrust washer or not. I have read articles that they don't because they load the prop from the rear un like the others loading from the front. So I was about 90% sure they don't then I was on the water last weekend (not in my boat) and here a guy was running a 225merc with a sportmaster lower "fat shaft" so he said and he was using a thrust washer. Now I'm confused. Do they use a thrust washer or not??????