SlowPoke

I left my interior lights on over the Christmas holiday and when I went to start my Suburban, absolutely nothing. Even the computer reset and I lost all my radio presets. Thinking my CTEK would take a day to revive this battery, I connected my regular charger. It wouldn't even start the charge; it would only display "check battery". With nothing to lose, I connected the CTEK and went out for breakfast in the van. An hour and a half later when I returned home I tried to start it thinking if it just rolls over, I can take it for a good run. Not only did it roll over, it started as if it had a full charge! I suspected loose terminal at first thinking the CTEK couldn't possible work that fast but all my connections were good. When I removed the CTEK; it was warm, no where near what I would describe as hot. I think I would be inclined to have the battery checked and/or return the CTEK for another one.

You really can't go wrong with Scotty, Cannon, Walker or Big Jon. All have their quirks but, all will last many many years. Scotty and Walker are made in Canada if that has any influance on your spending. The perfect downrigger for me would have a Big Jon footprint and aluminium rod holders, the power of a Scotty, the auto-off from the Cannon, the switch and weight retriever from the Walkers and swivels from Bert's.

Queenston-Lewiston was a 15 minute backup on Thursday at 11AM, 30 minutes tops at 2PM

Queenston-Lewiston has been badly backed up this week. I think it's due to shopping and heightened security. When I crossed today they had 8 car booths open and 2 truck booths. Backup was halfway across the bridge. Monday was worse. Also today I noticed after clearing the booth they had Officers spot checking and referring at random to xray/dogs. If you're set on going, I would look into another bridge. I'll be there again tomorrow; shoot me a PM if you want an update in case I forget to post back here.

I can't afford a map to the place let alone property! I'll pass on your comments; it sounds ideal. They're covered tax-wise. He's a CPA and it's currently thier principle residence. The offer exceeds thier projected value after the planned reno. They'll be on the hook for some deposits but the dwelling has not underwent any work at this point. It's a once in a lifetime situation really. Thier neighbour's brother sold his farm to retire and wants THAT property at (almost) any cost. Kawartha's are a no-go for them. They want to be along the 400/11 corridor.

As I mentioned, this is where HE wants to go but SHE doesn't. Not sure why. Based on location, this might offer them as much seclusion as they're going to find so close to Toronto and for that reason alone, maybe she can be convinced. I've suggested not rushing into anything and renting some cottages on different lakes to get a feel for the surroundings. I'm betting she would like it. Lots of tourneys will be a turn off for them but I like your thought process! Thanks, I'll look into it more. What is it you like so much about Otter Lake? Sadly, they won't venture over into the Kawartha side. Cameron would be ideal and I'm sure they would enjoy it. He did mention Gloucester Pool however! I don't think they'll want to do any shopping with Bernice. She's the one that's "taking my cottage away from me" as Frances said. LOL!!! She likened it to a hostile takeover. I reminded her that she is not only the CEO but an equal partner. If she didn't want to sell, she wouldn't have!

He mentioned Lake of Bays, she's not so fond of it. I don't know enough about the area to offer an opinion. If you have any more input, I'd like to hear it and pass it on. They must have been playing the same lottery as your buddy. It is a bummer but they'll fall in love with a new place, somewhere. They're not ruling out Simcoe and mentioned they would like to explore Shanty Bay on the north shore of K-Bay. Lake Muskoka is also a consideration. I know Lake Muskoka is a nice address but never spent any time there. Why would you recommend it?

LOL!! I'm just glad they didn't tow it.

Classic fight but it always burned me that Hex was quick to drop his gloves but not his helmet. 99, 66, 19, 4

Thank you for doing the right thing and I'll gladly pay that ticket for you. It's not worth fighting but you shouldn't be out the dough. PM me your address and I'll send you the money.

I'll defer to your experience but ask you this; would you hang over the side of a boat holding onto the other half of a 14' hammer head's lunch? Some of us were born with balls, others with brains. And then there's me; I'd be stupid enough to think about it but not brave enough to do it!

That might be a little harsh but not far off. I think the value in this package is in the trailer and if I was looking for a small closed bow fiberglass tri-hull with a boat anchor for a motor, I'd pay $600-$800 tops. It's not that it won't get you out on the water and might be a decent boat for someone but there's no value in anything sitting above the bunks on the trailer.

First the bad news. Every year we attend a family Christmas get-together at my wife's Aunt & Uncle's cottage on Lake Simcoe. It's a 100 years old; more of a resort than a cottage and on a huge property. This year our get-together was held in Burlington because they were planning on doing a $400k reno and the shovels have already broken ground for geo-thermal heating. So, that doesn't sound too bad. We were gathered around for an announcment. They were approched by "Bernice"; a well known real estate agent in the area and were presented an offer to sell the place. The wheels are in motion but the deal hasn't finalized. It will be sad to see it sell because it's one of my favourite places to be but at the same time I can understand the decision. The good news. They were presented with a very generous offer; well above value from my understanding and no selling fees. Now the search is on. They will be looking for another cottage property and I have some of the criteria but location is the first step. If anyone has any leads, please bring them to my attention and I'll pass it on. * Off the 400/11 corridor as far north to Honey Harbour or Lake Muskoka * 150'+ lake frontage... NO SWAMPS. Sand preferred, rock is okay. * At least 3' draft at the dock for the boats. Double boathouse preferred but sheltered bay with dock/lift is okay. * Arts and Crafts design preferred but not essential. 4-7 bedrooms. Single level or main floor master. * Sloped grade to water is okay, no cliffs/stairs. * Good fishing and sailing with light boat traffic. * Year round access with ammenities close by (15-20 minutes) * No Islands The obvious question is price range. They didn't really pin down a price but I think for the right place, 7 figures is not out of the question. For the right property, I think they would consider a reno but would prefer a move-in condition purchase.

I can't help but wonder if there isn't some 'good ole boys' wathing ice fishing videos thinking the same of us!

Obviously a truck accident is more likely to involve a road closure than a car accident. No, trucks do not require snow tires in Quebec. Back to the topic... I would not recommend Motomaster SE. I had SE's and LE's on two different vehicles and I wouldn't waste my money on them again. For that matter, I wouldn't risk my money on any Motomaster tires. Poor wet/snow traction and suffered from shifted belts on both brands. I've had good luck with Cooper A/S as a low value tire on the van. On my Suburban, I switched from Michelin's to Toyo Open Country's and while the traction is good, extremely poor fuel economy and wandering is a major turn off. I regret not staying with Michelins I wish I could offer a brand/model specific to your application but it's been a while since we had a small-midsize car. I would look for something on tirerack.com with excellent wet weather reviews. Tread clearing be it water or snow is the key to good traction. You don't necessarily need an aggresive tread pattern to achieve this.

Another 6" of snow overnight.... ho hum

Well, not sure if the wind will cooperate for Sunday. Hopefully the forcast will swing in our favour. We'll keep in touch.

I need to let mine out for a swim! You wanna hook up Saturday, Mike? I've got some goodies for you also. If we don't hook up, I'll drop 'em in the mail for ya.

This is what happens when you move to a tiller server.

I almost wet myself with that one! I doubt his opinions are forcing retirement; he may be retiring so he can say what's really on his mind! He's a very polarizing figure and love him or hate him, he's done a lot for our pasttime and I wish him good health and happiness in his retirement. I suspect this won't be the last we hear from him.

Lew, you'd be hard pressed to beat a CTEK charger for regualr charging and maintaining batteries. It revived mine and I told Emil about it. He bought one and it revived his battery as well; it bought him at least one extra season from his 5+ year old ones. The CTEK can be left on 24/7 and it does more than just charge, it desul[phates amoung other stuff I don't understand! They go on sale at CTC frequently for $54, reg. price is $89. You can also buy additional plug ends (not at CTC) that will allow you to permanently mount to your battery and simply blug the charger into it.

I use lower unit as well. I can't risk my $300 motor that is 25 years out of warranty over a few bucks. LOL Billy Bob, DO NOT read any further! Wayne; I now throw those "expensive" pumps away after each use after losing the first few and spending hours looking for them. When I moved in January, I found three of them from God knows when and I don't remember where I put them either! Picked up another at Princess Auto yesterday. It's sitting on the passanger seat of the car until I use it.

Very nice, Rick but where's the aquaview and beer fridge?

Nice idea, thanks for posting. I splurged for the ice-ducer to rid myself of the extra 18' of cable but that would have been handy last winter.

They work!! Good enough to win the Belle River 2010 Opener Derby!