I run a very similar setup in my 18 footer. I have the same velvet drive, in front of a BBC, coupled to a 12 deg Casale V-drive The powerglide would be a waste, I had one in my last v-drive and first gear was completely useless.
The only draw back to the Velvet is the weight, but in a family ski boat, who cares. It is MUCH heavier (about 100lbs) than a PG or TH400. After this, I would never own another v-drive without neutral and reverse. It makes life so much easier!!
[ January 12, 2003, 07:54 PM: Message edited by: DUCKY ]