The overall rundown on Velvet Drives?

[WalleyeSniper]

I have researched quite a bit, only to be even more confused than when I started when it comes to V drives. I have only rebuilt outdrives and had alternative boats, so this is my first full inboard. A 1981 Sportcraft 270 with a straight inboard to where the engine is tilted back it seems.

Anyways, the Velvet Drive sticker and info is in the photo, but I'm unsure exactly what Im looking at and how well these drives hold up and if there's anything particular to watch for or know about this drive. Maybe buy a rebuild kit and refresh the drive while it's out? Just trying to learn what I have and get a better understanding of the overall scoop on Velvet Drives and the types, problems, and good things about them.


This is the model and type, but I'm not sure if it's the 71, 72, or if the model with the 10-18-006 is important? I'm just not familiar at all with these V-drives, anyone care to school me a little on them or have some good resources?

 

[alldodge]

Its a 72 see page 5
As far as a rebuild, that's your call. They last a long time with proper care, but many folks don't pay any attention to them until something goes wrong. Once out check the oil to see if its telling anything

 

[Scott Danforth]

as AD alluded to, service life is directly proportional to PMs and care. properly maintained and serviced, many of these drives can last a really long time.

 

[dubs283]

They last a long time with proper care, but many folks don't pay any attention to them until something goes wrong.

this

i've found velvet drive to be the best overall straight inboard transmission. be sure to check/change the fluid regularly it will aid in shifting and noise reduction. dexron 3 atf is recommended

fyi when you say "V - drive" it makes me think of a completely different transmission/drive system

 

[Grub54891]

There are lots of them out there that hold up well. In 15 years of servicing them I've only seen two that were broke from lack of service.

 

[WalleyeSniper]

Its a 72 see page 5
As far as a rebuild, that's your call. They last a long time with proper care, but many folks don't pay any attention to them until something goes wrong. Once out check the oil to see if its telling anything

Yeah, that seems to be the issue with most things mechanical anymore, especially marine related. I've ran into so many outdrives that are normally rock solid, but most don't pay attention or service until catastrophic failure.

I really appreciate the help and manual! Thank you!

 

[WalleyeSniper]

this

i've found velvet drive to be the best overall straight inboard transmission. be sure to check/change the fluid regularly it will aid in shifting and noise reduction. dexron 3 atf is recommended

fyi when you say "V - drive" it makes me think of a completely different transmission/drive system

I just now am learning that a "V drive" is actually a thing. I see exactly what you mean. Thanks for the terminology correction and help. It's greatly appreciated.

 

[WalleyeSniper]

There are lots of them out there that hold up well. In 15 years of servicing them I've only seen two that were broke from lack of service.

Well that is a sigh of relief. Especially given how the consensus from most of what I've been seeing, seems to be of the opinion that velvet drives are one of the best inboard drives for normal boating purposes and etc.

With that said, I'm definitely going to more than likely rebuild it just for peace of mind, and since I plan on putting a little more beefed up 350 in place of the 305 that was in the 27' Sportcraft. I'd rather go miles out KNOWING I have a good unit that's not gonna leave me stranded, rather than just hoping previous maintenance was done (I highly doubt they gave two sh*ts about it, considering everything else was only addressed when catastrophic failure happened).

Thanks for the heads up though! How difficult/pain in the rear is a rebuild on one of these units? I've rebuilt many Volvo Penta AQ series outdrives, rebuilt many Alphas and Bravos, and am rather handy and mechanically inclined so to speak. Is this something that is doable for the average mechanic to figure out and walk through with the manual, or something that takes someone with a little more specialty knowledge in Automatic transmissions and etc?

Sorry if these sound like straight noobie questions. I'm just kinda oblivious to the whole 'inboard drives' thing, as out of the 8 or 9 last boats I've had, they've all been sterns or OB's. It appears full inboards look a little more straight forward to my ill informed mind. But I know looks can be deceiving and I definitely don't want to fall into the Dunning Krueger mindset of being overconfident walking into this.

 

[Grub54891]

Well that is a sigh of relief. Especially given how the consensus from most of what I've been seeing, seems to be of the opinion that velvet drives are one of the best inboard drives for normal boating purposes and etc.

With that said, I'm definitely going to more than likely rebuild it just for peace of mind, and since I plan on putting a little more beefed up 350 in place of the 305 that was in the 27' Sportcraft. I'd rather go miles out KNOWING I have a good unit that's not gonna leave me stranded, rather than just hoping previous maintenance was done (I highly doubt they gave two sh*ts about it, considering everything else was only addressed when catastrophic failure happened).

Thanks for the heads up though! How difficult/pain in the rear is a rebuild on one of these units? I've rebuilt many Volvo Penta AQ series outdrives, rebuilt many Alphas and Bravos, and am rather handy and mechanically inclined so to speak. Is this something that is doable for the average mechanic to figure out and walk through with the manual, or something that takes someone with a little more specialty knowledge in Automatic transmissions and etc?

Sorry if these sound like straight noobie questions. I'm just kinda oblivious to the whole 'inboard drives' thing, as out of the 8 or 9 last boats I've had, they've all been sterns or OB's. It appears full inboards look a little more straight forward to my ill informed mind. But I know looks can be deceiving and I definitely don't want to fall into the Dunning Krueger mindset of being overconfident walking into this.

Well, I know how to rebuild automatic transmissions, manual transmissions, Alpha sterndrives, and others. But have never tore into a velvet drive. I've wanted to but the marina I work at don't do that kind of work. We send them to a local shop that does them. Someday I'll find a scrap one just to break down and see how it works.