[SOLD] Velvet drive transmission 71B - $50 (Sanibel)

[sanibel sailor]

I have a Velvet Drive transmission. It was attached to a 30 HP Diesel engine I bought, do not need or know anything about them. Missing ID tag, so I do not know model or ratio for sure. Housing says 71B, no reduction housing, so I think it is 1:1 ratio. Looks like it had water in the fluid, not sure if it was salt or fresh as the hoses were disconnected. Turns easily and no grinding. Now removed from engine and wire brushed clean. $50 plus shipping.

Velvet drive transmission 71B

[oldcal46skipper]

I rebuild Velvet Drives and just sold a 71-C last week for $1,200.
I started two more today. They are excellent, heavy duty units that will last a very long time if maintained. I have a 71-C in my Cal 46 driven by a Perkins 4.236 85HP that I rebuilt in 1987, now with 3,800 hours.

People coming into my shop ask why I have so many Velvet Drives. My answer is they last longer than many engines.

I don't want anymore, since I am closing shop, but that is a good price for someone.

Tom Vandiver, Bayou Chico, FL

[sanibel sailor]

Thanks OldCal,
Can you give an average cost to rebuild on one of these units?

[oldcal46skipper]

Repair depends on parts required + labor. My labor flat rate for rebuilding a 1-1 redux is $400. Parts may be as little as a new input and output shaft seal and gaskets, less than $100 for parts. That is only the beginning as the gear may have been run low on oil, overheated, over propped, oil not changed regularly etc. So you may require a new oil pump, forward and reverse seals, forward clutch discs, major bearings, etc.

My procedure is to check the oil level, smell it, looks for leaks, try to move input and out put shafts laterally and if all looks ok, I attach my pressure gauge to the fitting on top near the valve, attach my electric drive unit, spin it up to 750 RPM's and observe the pressure. It must be over 100PSI, 150 is better. I observe for leaks, smoothness, strange sounds, shift the gear into forward and reverse and observe output shaft rotation, etc.

If all is within BW specs, the test is $100. Repair/rebuild can range from $400 to $1,400

Tom Vandiver, Pensacola

[sanibel sailor]

Took forever, but finally found this baby a new home.