Question based on the last weekend out, my port Velvet Drive was slow to engage into forward once warmed up... When leaving the dock it seemed fine, but after cruising and taking off again, I had to bump the throttle-RPMs up a few hundred then it shifted into gear. No loud noises or anything but could tell it wasn't engaged when it finally shifted a little high, reverse was still working fine at normal RPM. Was just rebuilt a few years ago... Once in gear, ran fine to plane out and run at cruising speed. I do know at least the prop is still when in neutral. Since the rebuilds I've been very ginger and smooth shifting!

I guess normal answers are check fluid, and make sure it's going fully into gear by the selector switch? Didn't have much time when leaving the lake this weekend.

How often do most of you all change your fluid?

Thanks!

Sounds like it may be low on fluid. You have to run the transmission then quickly check before the fluid runs out to the cooler etc. Reverse is closest to the pump so if it’s low, it’ll take more to build pressure for the forward clutches to engage. The pump needs to build 140-150 psi to clamp the clutches. Check/change the fluid and give it a go.