89 tristar trans velvet drive 1:1 problems?
 

I took my tristar out to the lake today. I noticed that under a good hole shot attempt that the trans felt like it slipped then catch the gear. the only time i could get it to do this was pulling a ski or wakeboard from a stop. i usually try to baby my stuff but with bigger guys behind the boat i try to give it a little more to get them up quicker. any thoughts or advise would be appreciated thanks.

If the fluid level is good, and the fluid is good, then it may be slipping. That requires a rebuild. The parts run about $300 if you do it yourself. Another indicator is if the driveshaft spins while in neutral.