no reverse - '86 Tri Star

[djbartu]

Well, this past weekend while feeding bluegills, my '86 Mastercraft Tri Star drifted into some pretty thick weeds. When I hit reverse the engine reved but no movement. I guess the weeds were stronger than the tranny.

I'm assuming I destroyed the reverse clutch pack? Correct?? Now, if that is the problem, what is the best way to to get it fixed? It seems like it might be pretty easy to pull the tranny myself (I assume I can do this while the boat is still in the water) and take it to a specialist for a rebuild. Should I look for a boat repair shop to handle the job, or might a good auto transmission shop be able to do it? Should just the reverse parts be replaced, or since the tranny is already out, should the whole thing be rebuilt? Does Discount Inboard Marine offer a complete rebuild kit, or just parts to replace the defective?

The tranny is the Borg Warner Velvet Drive.

Any suggestions you have would be appreciated - it's hot and I want to ski again.

[ski_king]

Maybe try Fantastic Finish (http://www.fantasticfinishmarine.com/skiboattrans.html) .
I think jrandol had his rebuilt there.

[gardja]

I recently bought a 98 Prostar190, great boat...Before the Prostar I had a 1986 American Skier and lost reverse in it. I called the folks at DIM and they sent me all the rebuild parts and also sent me a service manual for that boat. I did the rebuild myself and it took less than a day. The only warning...make certain you reinstall the transmission pump properly or you will have to pull the transmission out twice.

[djbartu]

Hey gardja, you did the rebuild yourself ... did you have any transmission experience before this project? Although I have some experience in engines, I wouldn't attempt a tranny rebuild. However, I assume with the manual a good automotive transmission shop would be able to fix it. I just don't want to drop $1500 for a rebuilt unit. I'm trying to keep this as reasonable as possible. I'll try DIM tomorrow and see what they recommend.

[6ballsisall]

I got a reman'd Transmission with Warranty from Fantastic Finish for $650 shipped. Runs like a charm! Might give them a try, their link is up above

[6ballsisall]

I would definetely not recommend taking it to an auto shop even with instructions for rebuild. If you really want to have yours rebuilt take it to a shop that rebuilds hyrdostatic transmissions for heavy equipment. THose guys know what this is all about. Truthfully I bet you spend as much money that was as going with Fanstastic Finish marine though.

[djbartu]

Thanks for the tip. I just emailed Fantastic Finish to see what they can do. $650 sounds a lot better than $1500!