www.shamrockboatownersclub.com/forums/threads/help-velvet-drive-transmission-problems.11870/

www.google.com.au/search?q=marine+velvet+drive+transmission+problems&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=ubuntu&channel=fs&gfe_rd=cr&ei=Is4wVbLlHczu8wfR4oC4Cw&gws_rd=ssl

Just few links that may help Ill keep looking

Thanks for that HGO2.
I have the manual on board but that last link was terrific.
We have isolated it down to either 'pump reversal' (not sure what that is) as mentioned in the manual for no propulsion or a fault in the mechanical connection between the motor and the g/box. The only other option could be a mechanical failure in the box. We have changer g/box oil and checked everything else as far as we know.
It's now time to spend some money.
It will be fun going into east Coast Marina on Monday with just the 3hp outboard on my dinghy for propulsion.
He managed to sail up Canaipa Passage and only got a little bit stuck when we lost the wind and had no steerage and our tiny little 3hp couldnt push us into deeper water. Kedging is so much fun, lol.
Thanks again,
Rick

Yes mate, it's a 71c series with reduction box'
Thanks

Hi HGO2,
Your last links were very helpful. They all were but the last one in particular.
It has lead me to believe that my problems might not be quite as catastrophic as I first thought and that it might be as simple as the clutch.
Not that a clutch in itself is an easy fix on smaller boats with limited access.
Now all I need to do is get into Manly marina and then find someone to do look at it and do the work for me.
Thanks for your help it is much appreciated.

www.google.com.au/search?q=velvet+drive+71c+series+with+reduction+box+no+forward+reverse&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=ubuntu&channel=fs&gfe_rd=cr&ei=Uxg0VeqrFqHu8we6wYHIDg&gws_rd=ssl

above is a link to a few PDF's may help a little Good luck DR Felts <Mission impossible

Its a fluid drive, so it might have two oil sumps. One for the gearbox and One for the coupling.

Hi Yara,
As far as I know it only has one pump. I got some advise and was able to check that the pump was working by loosening a bung at the back of the box.
We think it is the drive plate but wont know till we get the box out.
I am playing the tourist (begrudgingly) in Brisbane/Manly at the moment.

Franrick said..
Just an update.
Mechanic came this morning and we uncoupled the box, slid it back as far as we could and lo and behold, a broken drive plate. We took the broken pieces out and cleaned it up. Sourced a replacement in Brisbane and will be putting it back together on either Thursday or Friday and so will probably use the predicted westerlies to get us moving north again on the weekend.
It will be good to see the water slipping away behind us again.

Thats nice to hear a cheap fix,still boat dollars but a lot less than a gear box over haul . hope you have favorable winds