1987 2001Nautique Velvet Drive

[I24026]

I have a 1987 Nautique 2001 Competition I bought 2 years ago, when we first crank it at the dock it pulls hard until it's warm. I contacted the previous owner, he told me this boat had been used in competitive skiing and the trams had been modified so it would pull lightly when not in gear in order to keep ropes tight until the skier was ready. Does anyone know if this is a common practice or not. I have the trans out and would like for it to be put back stock. Thanks

[Quinner]

BS is common practice and that is what he is feeding you, lol. You may have what is referred to as a "Dirty Neutral" which means the prop spins when idling in neutral, not a mod but a sign of a worn trans. You also mention "pulling hard until warm", likely you are having some slippage, sounds like your trans may be ready for a rebuild. Fantastic Finish Marine in Ohio is one place I know who specializing in trans, give them a call and see what they think.

[DaveNH]

I've never heard that one before, an on purpose dirty neutral adjustment? Sounds nuts to me. Definitely in need of a rebuild. Removal is easy, you just drain the oil and send it away packed in a milk carton crate or heavy box of similar size, it comes back in like new condition. I can't remember what I paid, I last had one done I think 6 years ago.

[I24026]

The replies you guys gave me is what I thought, I have owned several boats before a Larson and a Century and that was 35 years ago, never owned one with this type of drive. The trans is being rebuilt now. I restore cars this is my first boat we are completely redoing it back to original. If the trans has been tricked up it will be back stock. Thanks for you speedy input.

[DaveNH]

Glad to hear you are having it done! Did you send it to Fantastic Finish, or somewhere else? Just curious. There really isn't anything to "trick up" on these, they are just a way to go forward, back, and nowhere, they rob very little power and an rpm input is an rpm output, that's it.

Sounds like you have a fun project going!

[I24026]

Local transmission guy, he has done several before also he is being coached buy a guy in Va that owns a boat shop who has all the parts. Next phase is to have all the chips and cracks repaired and then have it wrapped and relettered back to original. My wife and I are having fun with it. It's a cruiser for us we don't ski anymore toooo old but like to get on the lake and ride. I plan to post pictures when finished.

[joechrom]

I've never heard that one before, an on purpose dirty neutral adjustment? Sounds nuts to me. Definitely in need of a rebuild. Removal is easy, you just drain the oil and send it away packed in a milk carton crate or heavy box of similar size, it comes back in like new condition. I can't remember what I paid, I last had one done I think 6 years ago.

Where did you send it?


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[DaveNH]

Fantastic Finish Marine, as referenced above in earlier posts. When I sent it a guy named Eric Lavine was there, he is one of the best velvet drive repair guys you can find, but he's left there now and I'm not sure where he is. I believe FF is OK now, but I would suggest you call them and ask for a quote and turn-around time and take it from there.