v-drive question

I took my boat out for the second time today ( 2003 v230) and noticed after surfing behind it for awhile it seems like the drive is slipping. Is there some type of clutch in this type of drive system. What could the possible problems be? any help is much appreciated.

From what I understand is basically an automatic that transfers power through a gearbox to turn the output shaft (Some use torque tubes instead). I know those are the basics of it, but with most of the research I've done in the past, I was never able to really get a clear answer as to if it was an automatic or a manual. Sounds to me like an auto, but I may be mistaken. I am anxious to find out now though

Check your transmission oil level. If you get low on oil, the pressure that holds the plates together will drop and allow it to slip. If this isn't it, it may get more involved.

second the tranny fluid check.. also, take a peek in the bilge for any residue, you could have a splice in the line and it could be leaking.. happened in our first Malibu many years ago with same symptons you mentioned..

I just checked it this morning. Barely on the stick. Im gonna rip some ass at the shop cause they serviced it supposedly after my test drive before I borught it home on tuesday. It may just be a leak too. Thanks for the input guys.

I would check all of the lines, trans cooler and rear seal.

Im taking it back to the shop. I know its used but I was under the impression that everything was gone thru before I bought it. Hopefully they will take care of it for me. Otherwise Ill be learning all about v-drives next week.

How much weight did you have in the back for surfing. I have had enough weight with sacks and people that when you are at that slow of a spead the nose comes up to high and air pockets get in the prop and it feels as though there is a slipping problem.

about #700 in rear locker plus 600# people. It wasnt a problem when we were surfing. The problem was after when I was wakeboarding and just crusing the lake. The fat sac had alreaty been drained and people evened out.

I had 13 people and 850 lbs on one corner of the boat made for a great wake. Ya that does not sound like your problem. I have had a bent prop that also caused the boat to feel like it was slipping. boat would only do 30 mph and was hitting the rev limiter. It would surge coming out of the water also.

from what ive read i think it is the low oil level. Im just hoping the v-drive isnt shot. The dumbass stereo guys diddnt hook the low oil level light back up when they replaced the stereo. It was done at the boat shop tho so It better get taken care of no matter what the problem is.

The light should be for the actual V-drive not the transmission. If it was your transmission that was low on fluid then the light would still not have come on.

Ok. I just talked to the shop owner. He is going to get on it first thing in the morning.

In case anyone wanted to know. It wasnt the v-drive. I had a loose clutch cable. I diddnt even know there was a clutch in my boat. Think im going to get a service manual and do some homework.

There isn't a clutch cable, it's a shift cable. I would still look around for leaks, and keep an eye on the level.

JFYI the V-drive is a separate unit from the transmission, and has its own oil. I've never actually heard of anyone having a problem with their V-drive unit, and the oil change interval on mine is 500 hours(!).

Thanks for the info. When I get back in town im going to go completely thru the boat so I have a better understanding of what does what on this boat