The HP is over 14, probably 95% of my driving is cruising 45 mph, towing skiers and tubing. I ran the first 2 seasons trouble free 3rd season broke the Teague vert shaft, since then I haven't made it a season. Shortest time on gears was 4 hours. A couple of times per season I run it up into the 130s, I take it easy until I go to Alum, or one of the other local shootouts. Even at the shootout I only make a couple of passes. I know I'm over powering the drive, I really don't expect the gears to live, I'm hoping the XPower Drive hits the market soon, and it's as good as they say.

As vinny said, the way the drive was assembled is probably the most important aspect of the drive. More important than how you drive it. If the backlash is not correct on the gears, they will not live.Period. The same holds true for the bearing preload. If the rolling torque is not right, the bearings will start to go and take out the gears.
With the power you have, if you drive it like an animal it won't live. It doesn't sound like you do. But if it's not put together right, it won't live no matter how you drive it.
Eddie

The guy that did your drive put trim tabs on a v bottom I had a few years back and put them on backwards. Also did other things wrong with the install.

Nice to see he's consistant.

Vert shaft nut should not come loose on it's own without the vert shaft itself being broken or damaged in some way. You need to find a new drive guy,Smitty
Is this the same guy who built you a drive you couldn't turn over by hand a few years ago that had to go back?

I haven't been able to find anyone in western Pa. that's how I ended up in Ohio, obviously I made the wrong choice. There is no damage to the vert shaft, no sign of loctite, he didn't even bend the lock tab on the retainer. It's a pain in the butt shipping this stuff around the country, sure wish one of you guys would just move closer. This whole thing makes me wonder how many sets of gears were wasted due to poor workmanship.

Next time try this guy.

http://www.simmonsmarine.com/index.htm

Ive had one imco do it looked like blue,also one bravo shop one,both of these were in the 90's

Gary,
You are correct there is no loctite on that shaft! Give me a call if you decide to, when you are ready.. Thanks!
Dick

If my choices were to ship the drive and get it repaired/rebuilt propery and actually have it last more than 4 hours or have my local guy, who I know sucks, screw it up again, I would ship it. There are some real reputable drive guys right here on OSO that are capable. Dick, myself, Smitty, just to name a few.