DanD

Skipper Your advice makes good sense for us that have learned to use our mirrors. But I’ve been a passenger in a few tow vehicles where the only time the driver uses their mirror is to check whether they’ve parted their hair on the proper side that morning. As for depth perception in the mirror; dam I know people who don’t have it looking strait ahead through the windshield. I had to tie a tennis ball to a lenght of string and then attach the string to the ceiling of the mother in-laws garage. Now when she pulls into the garage, she knows to stop when the tennis ball touches her windshield. Before that it was the wall that told her. LOL Dan.

When are trailer manufactures going to realize that its 2012; not the turn of the last century and start using sealed wheel bearings/hub assemblies? There are so many advantages with them over a tapered roller bearing; no more repacking with grease, being sealed no more worries about water intrusion. The bearings themselves can be properly rated for the weight the trailer's designed to carry and for the wheel speed that the tire (12” wheel VS 15”) is going to spin them. The ease of replacement, one centre bolt/nut and they slide off and again with no grease to worry about. Because of the bearing’s size (usually larger then tapered) even when they would fail, it would not be as catastrophic a failure; if you couldn’t feel or here one of these bearings beginning to fail you shouldn’t be pulling a trailer. They would howl and wobble the wheel a lot before blowing apart. As for durability sealed wheel bearings have been used for a number of decades in the automotive industry; on anything from mom’s grocery getter, 1 ton pick ups and larger. With the number of vehicles out there using them, compared to bearing failures; I’d say the percentages are pretty good. The one disadvantage is the cost; but I’d gladly pay $2-300.00 more for a trailer with them and never have to repack another bearing. Dan.

Have a look at Horseshoe Island Camp; I think it would fit the bill quite nicely for you; competitive pricing for a basic boat to camp and probably 6-7 hours from Barrie. The camp itself is on the only part of the Montreal River system that flows north and is more or less the head waters of the Montreal River. Hydro has that section of the system dammed off, making Lake Mistinicon; after the dam the river makes a hair pin turn and flows South down through Matachewan and further South East to places like Latchford. There are no towns before Lake Mistinicon to dump their waste into the river. If you’re looking for numbers and the occasional 30-40 inch pike, you likely won’t be disappointed. As for pickerel, once you find where they are hiding that day, you won’t get board, there are tons to be had; but they’re like a fart in the wind, you won't know where the stinkers are going. Everything at the camp (lighting, fridge and hot water tank) runs on propane, which can make the cottage a bit warm at night for sleeping; but the cottages are clean and well screened. The running water for the cottages comes from a water tank positioned up a fairly high hill and gravity fed to the cottages. The tank is/was filled twice a day from the lake; we only ran out of water once in the three summers we went there; someone forgot to fill the pumps gas tank. There’s no hydro at the camp, so bring a battery operated radio, if you want some noise and a good flash light; I don’t think I’ve ever really seen dark until I spent my first night there. As for boating on this lake; we were never chased off by the wind; it never really got rough enough not to go out or worry about. I’ll stop here before someone calls spam on me; but it’s a decent place for the money. Google them for their web site and more info. You’ll see adds that the camp is for sale; but I was going to book with them again this summer and was told that even if it does sell the place will be open for business. We decided on a fly-in this year and that's the reason I didn’t book with them. Attawapiskat here we come!!! Dan.

Anyone running carbureted motors, I also do not see the need for a water separator. But with injected engines especially a direct injected engines, where internal tolerances of the injectors are very close; I would have a separator installed. With the temperatures the direct injected injectors are exposed to it wouldn’t take much moister to etch the injector pintail causing it to stick or leak. Dan.

Bernie I hear yea, I’m not that much of a wheeler dealer myself; when I get something I like, I hang on to it, just in case. If by chance you do find something to put that drive train in and you need the PCM tweaked, let me know. My Son is getting the software, so that he can go in and change programming of the PCM; rather than just dealing with GM’s per-written parameters. If you want a different timing curve, more fuel, less fuel, turning certain emissions devices off (not that we’d do that); this software should do this. It cost us a couple hundred for a guy to do this for us on the Mazda/LS1 and now that we’re adding a few more ponies, it’ll need changing again. With our own software we’ll be able to tailor programming to the car’s needs, while on the road or dyno and our foot into the throttle, while under load. Just ask an we’ll deal with logistics and of course it’ll be on an OFC/OFC deal. Sorry for the hijack and going back to the thread; that MOPAR; is going to turn some heads for sure. Just the thought of the snake pushing that vintage down the road warrants an acknowledgment of respect. Dan.

You’d be very surprised at how well the car candles a road track; this little car just loves the extra weight of the all aluminum V8 and the power; well if a car could smile it be from headlight too headlight. Also with the engine almost back touching the firewall and the length of the six speed; the front to rear weight distribution is pretty good. Looking at the rake of the car, other then a bit lower (2-2.5 inch front and rear) it looks stock. All I know is stick her nose deep into a corner from the outside and plant your boot; she just squats and grabs for asphalt with very little push, too correct for. Dan.

Are you willing to sell the LS1; if so how much? I have a customer that might be interested in it for his 64 Impala. The car has already had a drivetrain swop; so stuffing one of these in would bring back some of its value. We’ve installed a LS1 in an 87 Mazda RX7 with a manual six speed. The car was originally turbo charged, which meant it came factory with a 4:10 posi differential. Talk about the best of both worlds; low 11’s with shinny (No traction) 60 series street tires and then approx 35 miles to the gallon, doing a buck 20 on the 401. We haven’t found what the top end is yet; but at 280Kph in 5th gear, we pulled the foot out of the throttle. This year there’s a cam, 6lt heads and some valvetrain work to be done; which should take us up another 100hp. After that the roll cage and some body mods, so we can stuff some decent rubber under her. The most common remark we hear from people is “that don’t sound like no rotary”. LOL It's still an ugly duckling now; but wanting to finish off the power train and then cosmetics. Trying to keep her looking as stock as possible; the factory hood closes right on top of the LS1. Don't want too many knowing what’s pushing her down the road, not until the right time anyway. Dan.

Do as you please with regards to the foam flotation; you won’t be breaking any laws by removing it. But have you put enough thought into not having this foam and then happen to become swamped? The foam is there originally to stop the boat from sinking any further then the gunnels. Without it she’ll be heading for the bottom; taking away whatever protection you still had from the storm that just swamped you. Storage is great in a small boat; but floating is way better, in my opinion? Dan.

May 25th was the date that Eddie first offered us; but regretfully had to ask for another. I'm still kicking myself for not being able to go that week; not that there's anything special that week But my daughter’s law school graduation is being held on June 3rd at 9:30 in the morning in Ottawa There was no way we’d be able to get from the camp, back to TB for a flight to Ottawa and make it in time. Can you imagine pissing off a 26 year old female lawyer and then try living with her; I'd have to walk around like one of these guys. Joking aside there's no way I would even think of missing that; she’s worked so hard for it and she’s the first in our family to become a Laywer; can ya tell I’m proud Most of the arrangements have been booked for our July 14th trip. WestJet from TO to TB, a rental car at the airport, pick up our fishing gear and dry goods at Fedex, the night’s stay in Nakina at Twin Lakes and then we’re in Eddie’s hands for the week. A room for the Saturday night at Best Western on our return to TB; where they have agreed to hold our fishing gear for Fedex pick up on the Monday; Fedex is not open on the weekends. Then we fly out Sunday at 3:45.pm back to TO. Why Fedex, we’re only allowed 50lbs weight on the WestJet flight; so we’re sending the gear ahead of time; they have a pick up terminal right at the airport. Cheaper then paying extra weight or over sized luggage rates (rod cases) to the airlines and my wife gets a discount rate from her work for Fedex. Would have been an extra $200 each to fly out of London and then still have a stop and change planes in Toronto; one of our wives will drive us to YYZ. The car rental will be around $200. for the week (before taxes); saving about $125. by using my vehicles insurance company, rather then taking the rental companies insurance. Just need to get a letter from my insurance company stating they know what we’re doing. Can anyone copy this map, mark where Eddie’s camp is and then repost it for me? Dan.

Again what can I say other then Thank You!!!! I will email and get that order in and let you know what our potential plans are for getting to and from Nakina. As soon as I confirm our flights; then the rest should fall in place. You’ve done so much already with the dates at your camp; that it’s time we stepped up ourselves and get things done. Maybe I'll be able to haul something up from Thunder Bay for you? Dan.

Thanks that seems like all I'm saying; everyone's been so helpful. Promise I'll give back wherever I can. Dan.

Hey Brian. Thanks for the offer and I may take you up on it. I have a transducer from an old portable that might work, with your unit? I was looking at a portable (can’t remember what breed right now) it came with a carrying case, jell battery, charger and suction cup for the transducer. It went for something like $250; I know not the best of units but it’ll give us depths and structure. Morris would likely go half on the unit and I was thinking of giving it to Eddie at the end of the trip. He’s done so much for us that I feel I owe him something extra. I’ll give you the details on that the next time you’re at the shop; quit being a stranger. You know you’re always welcome for a Bull session; even if you haven’t broken one of your vehicles. As far as the guys looking after the shop; it’s not a worry; I think? Besides, they know I have friends like you and that I’ll hear about it if they’re butt warming the benches; instead of cleaning my shop when there’s little work. I know you’re also busy with the trucking and everything; but stop in when you get a chance. Dan.

Larry. I really appreciate the leg work you’ve done for us and it won’t be forgotten; just ask if I can do for you. Right or wrong expense wise, I think we’re going to rent a car and be done with it. That way we’ll be on our own schedule and not commercial providers (after the flight to Thunder Bay); I’m just trying to take a few bends out of the road getting to Nakina. That doesn’t mean I’m not willing too look at other suggestions; so far we like the idea of the freedom of our own wheels. Thanks again. Dan.

Thank you. And that's for two reasons; I get to go shopping for equipment now. Dan.

Thanks guys. I checked on-line for bus service (Gray Hound) and there doesn’t seem to be a route that goes into Nakina? There is train service to Nakina but Via hasn’t been going to Thunder Bay since 1989; something about a right of way dispute with CP rail and Via said we’re out of here? Morris is coming over tonight and we’re going to sit down and hash out what we’re doing. I like nofish4me’s attitude and he’s right, we’ve blown more then the rental car’s cost on things and never thought twice about it. It is a bit of a kick in the pants to have a rental car for a week and only actually use it for 10 – 12 hours; but the ease of having it will likely make up for the costs. Tjsa very generous offer; talk to you over in the PM area. Mike or anyone else that’s been to Edie’s camp; is there graphs in his boats or should I bring a portable if I wanted the use of one? Dan.

Your input is always welcome Wayne. I’ve pretty much made my mind up; one more talk with Morris and I’ll try and get actual bookings and see how much info/costs are not shown on the airline’s Web sites? Thanks everybody!!!! Dan.

Shows you what I know I thought Twin Lakes was the motel? I didn’t actually check; I saw a phone number on Eddie’s site as recommended accommodations, assuming that it was the motel. What’s the saying, making assumptions makes a something something????? Glad you posted Mike. Wayne yea your right; I wanted to see if anyone had a good reason for not flying. And I guess I’m still old school, with the mind set that if you can drive there why fly; but this time it’s making more and more sense too? Pikeslayer. I know what you’re saying; but this isn’t our first trip together. We been going for years; but never so far and he hasn’t been ill. We thought last year was our last trip (Temagami); but the Doc says go for it while he’s in remission. Morris my brother says he doesn’t care how we get there, as long as we’re going. But I know him, by the 6th or 7th hour in the truck; he’ll be half stoned from the perc’s that he’s popped for the pain. Dan.

Thanks for the replies; I'm not going to do the quote thing with responses to the posts; all great replies, they will help. - Yes we would be flying out of TO but that’s just a little over an hour and ¼ from my home. Non international flights, you only need too check in an hour before take off. Yea the flight leaves at 8:45 and lands at 10:30; but I do agree there will be wait times before and after the actual flights. - West Jet or Air Canada only allows 50lbs free luggage; Eddie allows 100lbs on the flight to the camp. - Yea Eddie will pre fly extra weight (with in reason); pop, beer or whatever; if there is room on flights before yours. - Mike, Eddie has done so much in trying to accommodate us the only extra thing I may ask, is to pre-fly our hooch in. Well my hooch and my brother’s pop. Yea the cheap styrofoam coolers idea I got from you the last time we talked, on another thread. Thanks and don’t worry I’ll PM you if there are any of those oh crap questions that might pop up. When I go too book our Friday night stay in Nakina; I was going to ask the owners of the motel, if they were willing or knew someone that would drive us for some sort of cash deal? Thanks guys and please, anyone feel free too comment on the idea of drive or fly. The only thing I can think of that I cannot prepare for is if Mother Nature grounds us? It’s mid July when we’re going so I’m hoping she won’t kick up to much of a fuss at that time of year? Dan.

Just confirmed our trip with Eddie, for our week up at Beteau Lake this July; I can’t believe we’re actually going. My one brother and I have always talked about a fly-in and with him being diagnosed with terminal cancer; which has for now gone into a form of remission; it’s now or possibly never. My reason for posting is; I’d like to hear the pros and cons of driving all the way to Nakina or flying to Thunder Bay, renting an econo-box and driving the last 4 hours? Here’s my thinking; it’s a 32-34 hours round trip drive for us; that’s allowing for pit stops. My brother’s health will likely only allow us 8 hours max at a time; meaning 2 motel rooms along the way @ approx $75-90 each. I drive an Avalanche and figure it’ll take 5-6 tanks of fuel @ approx $130 each. Add that up and it comes to around 950 bucks. If we fly into Thunder Bay, the round trip flight is $320. each; a rental car for the week is approx $350 with 1920Klm included, gas maybe a $80-100, these prices are tax in. This adds up to around $1100. 150 bucks more, but less then ¼ of the traveling time. The flights that I checked we’d land in Thunder Bay at 10:30am; we’d pick up the car at the airport. Head to the nearest Crappy tire or wherever and grab a couple of disposable coolers, hit up a grocery store for our supplies (only allowed 50lbs with Air Canada or West jet meaning cloths and fishing gear only) and then off to Nikina for a nights stay, before we fly out Saturday morning for Eddie’s camp? So tell me what have I missed and why I should or should not fly? Dan.

It already is; the boat was the last to go and the cash from it went into a new gas cook stove and fireplace. What's the saying; what's mine is her's and what's her's is her's? Dan.

I agree with Bondy 100%; if you advertize cheap, you’re going to get cheap clients; it’s like that in all service industries. I use to run specials here at the shop; I don’t anymore. 90% of the people that took advantage of the special were a one time customer that disappeared after the special was over. You couldn’t up sell free air to these people; they were just looking for the cheapest price and then complain, no matter how hard you tried to satisfy them. Yes I understand that automotive isn’t guiding; one is a necessity the other is recreation but they’re both service oriented. Charge a competitive price and you’ll get better quality/less thrifty people and if you’re any good at your job, they’ll see the value in your services. What I would suggest as a start up promotion for something like this; would be some form of rebate system; no fish, client only pays the operating costs or something along those lines? Dan.

No just scrap it if you've bought a replacement. Thanks for asking. Dan.

I’m the one that sold the boat to Dontcryformejanhrdina and yea I want him to register the boat in his name and out of mine. I’m not saying he’s going to do anything wrong while using the boat; but if by chance he did; let’s say for example causes some form accident or is illegally doing something and leaves the scene. A witness to whatever calls the registration numbers into the cops. Then the cops come looking for me; am I going to be a happy camper; not likely. Dan.

If it’s going to be a private sale, ask the seller for two recites; one for the value of the trailer and one for the boat. That way the provincial and federal governments won’t be so tempted to double dip on the taxes. Yes it is all HST now but the moneys are collected by different people. It will also be much more believable if the values are questioned by either hand of the tax man. If the rig you buy is from a dealer; quiz them on what and where the tax money they’re collecting from you is going; especially if they’re going to plate the trailer and register the boat for you. The last thing is keep all your documents; (bill of sale, tax recites) in a safe place. That’s so you can provide those documents, if and or when the tax man wants to have a look see; which could be a couple of years down the road. Dan.