Transmission Problem

[Stoneman]

I have a 2002 20i Direct Drive with the Velvet Drive transmission. While out at the river yesterday, I noticed that the boat started to crep forward while in Neutral. As the day went on it began to move faster and faster while in Neutral (at about 5-8 rpm's) to th epoint where I basically had no Neutral. Next thing I know, I lost Reverse also. If I tried to shift into Reverse, I could hear what I assumed was the transmission clanging and then the engine would stall.

I checked the cable/linkage and it was fine. I noticed a little bit of Automatic Transmission Fluid in the bilge area, so I checked the fluid level and it was in fact low. I filled it up, but the problems did not go away.

Has anybody experienced this? Did I fry my clutch? Transmission? Any idea on the cost to repair? Thanks.

[Stoneman]

Wow...47 views and not even one response...somebody must have an opinion or an idea??? The boats going into the shop tomorrow, so I guess I'll have to wait until then...

[talltigeguy]

I am as clueless as the other 56 people who have read your thread so far. I think it needs to go to the shop.

Let us know what they say.

[Stoneman]

OK, boats in the shop and it's not looking good. Seems the entire transmission is shot. Clutch, gears, bearings, etc. all seized up. We're in the process of determining just what might have happened and what my options are for repair (rebuild versus new). Good news is, my insurance company will more than likely cover the costs ($2000 +) after I take care of the deductible. Somebody remind me how much fun these boats are "supposed" to be?????

[NICKYPOO]

Yeeouch! Please let us know what you guys find out as the cause. Those things a fairly bulletproof and seems to me it would have to be something pretty drastic to cause a complete failure. Are you sure you didn't throw it into reverse while at WOT?

[lee]

Was it a Merc engine?

[teachercop]

It is always something!!

Sorry to hear about your situation.

Your boat insurance covers such a misfortune?

Questions for discussion and maybe for future prevention for others...

How frequently was the trans fluid changed?
How many hours on the boat?
What type (Synthetic vs mineral) ATF used?

[Leroy]

Could just be general failure, but I would guess low fluid or contaminated fluid. Will be interesting to hear what caused it.

[gman]

stoneman,
go to yahoo and type in velvet transmission failures.
I have heard some horror stories about it and others say its great.

[gman]

stoneman, How many hrs on this transmission?

[snoopy]

how do you check your tranny fluid??

[EZ-DZ]

Never had a single problem with a velvet drive tranny -- they are the premium tranny made and are probably a little more $ than the foreign crap but tige tried the foreign trannys for a littl while and then switched back.

Be curious to know what happened. Did you get any water in the oil? Any shifts at high speed?