SlowPoke

I moved my console ahead about an inch. More than that and I would have had to replace the livewell hoses and travel cover. Steering and control cables may have given me six more inches before upsizing. This boat also had the flip seat from factory on some models but there's no mounting evidence on mine; it came to me with a pedestal. I considered the flip bench but then decided against it for a few reasons. Limited access under the console (kicker tank lives there), I usually sit sideways, facing port and deck space. Underseat storage would have been nice but too many sacrifices. Depending on the day/species, I will remove the drivers seat and put it up front. I also have plans to build a removable rear casting deck; same height as the front deck and will be a 30 second removal. I mostly troll but this boat will greatly benefit from a rear deck for those casting days. Plus, more storage! I tend to run with a lot of gear, as JJ pointed out above! If I enjoy it as much as I think I will, the next upgrade might be a new motor. I'd love to see a 90-115 Yamaha on the back so I can pass Percher to the salmon grounds

Thanks Dave. I've had it a few years now and its been good to me apart from an electrical/motor problem incurred from helping someone start their plane. I have a 75 on it; good for 34mph loaded or empty. A 90 would be nicer Since you're familier with the boat you probably know where the old casting deck ends (ahead of the new tank), the new deck will be two feet longer (behind the new tank) allowing for a lot more storage.

Thanks Lew, me too! It never made it to the water last year but thanks to; Percher, MrEh, memart, icefisherman and a few others outside OFC, I still had some good times on the water. I'll be working on it in style at the new house and won't be so dependent on weather.

Nice camera! The fish look as if they just jump off the screen! Toys are fun. Enjoy.

18' Starcraft Mariner CC Renovations Finishing the basement Finally! No more red cans to trip over. Last time I have to do a floor in this boat! The floor is done. I just have to build the casting deck and refurbish the console with new gauges & switches; AM/FM/XM & VHF Radios, LMS 522&525, Trollmaster and cupholders!

It should be less than an hour from your place, worth the drive. There isn't much they don't have but it never hurts to call first and see if Jos is working.

That was great; I couldn't not laugh, as hard as I tried.

I would have been all over that deal, my loss! I don't need a lathe right now but eventually would like one. At that price I would have found a use for it LOL!!

I'm wondering about those. I've seen a couple brands using them, one of which is Steel City. I wouldn't mind checking it out but I don't think they have any distibutors near London. I'm not a big fan of auctions. I'm sure there are deals to be had but I always seem to walk away empty handed. The hook has been set for a long time, too long! With our move in date just 18 days away, I thought I'd start putting the feelers out for equipment. I think once I get settled in I'm going to set my Delta bench saw on fire! I have my eye on a Milwaukee 12" slider. I have a 10" and an 8" cordless as well as a chop saw. Convincing my wife I need another miter saw might be a chore when she thinks they're all the same! I'm going to pass on Princess Auto clamps. As much as I like that store and the service, their tools tend lack in quality. I will keep an open mind about Rigid. They changed the landscape in cordless tools and it looks like they're trying to do the same with big iron. I've been eyeballing the jointer that somehow sneaks into your photos. Big Rigid deals coming up in February. If I haven't scooped up some deals on used, I might go orange.

So as not to hijack Dara's thread... I will be doing a lot more woodworking in the new house; build the shop 30x18ish, purchasing and upgrading tools etc. I will be looking for; (prefer General/GI/Delta) Table saw - cabinet or hybrid Jointer - 6" minimum Planer - 12-15" Drill Press - floor standing, capable of 6" cuts Shaper - 1-3hp (wishlist) Clamps & other necessities also needed I've been scouring the web for good local used equipment without much luck. If you guys see anything I might be interested in, please pass it on. There is no budget in mind; if its a great value, I will consider it. The closer to London the better but I will drive a couple hours.

Nice work Dara. May I ask what the motivation was for the different stain colour on the drawers and their layout? It looks as though you could have stacked the large drawers and had 3 small ones together. Layout and colour for character?

It never used to be this bad. In the old days, Boxing Day sales were on Boxing Day. Now you have the Pre Boxing Day sale; Boxing Week sale, Boxing Week sale "Held Over". Where is a guy going to find a decent parking lot to whack a few 'nuts? I say he was acting very responsibly by not taking it to the streets.

Someone probably bought them at the Lindsey CTC and returned them in Chatham.

I would agree; give him a chance to right the wrong before spreading the word. Some kind of follow up is deserved! I don't think Jos is taking a rep hit here. Most know he's a stand-up guy and he'll get it sorted out. I'm looking forward to eloquently written, glowing endorsement of good customer service; not so much as an apology.

There is no doubt in my mind that Jos will look after this for you.

I'd be more concerned about how the boat was stored; winter and summer. If the boat has a typical small leak, its not a big deal if it has a chance to dry out between uses. Where you run into trouble is if the boat does not get drained regularly or is stored outside. Flotation foam becomes saturated and ineffective. Worse yet, it holds moisture and rots the floor. To check for foam saturation, try to access near the transom. If it's wet or frozen solid, it's saturated. If it's dry and moderately plyable, it's likely in good shape. A frozen floor can feel pretty solid too. If there is no flex in it at all, it could be saturated and frozen solid! Another spot to check but is often inaccessable is under the casting deck area. This is the lowest point of the hull when sitting level and water will collect there. When I refurbed my boat, this foam was wetter than the transom area and I felt it was worth replacing when I did the floor. I don't think I would buy an aluminium boat that was moored in a slip all summer and I would be apprehensive about buying one that was stored outdoors year 'round. If 'this is the boat for you', you'll have to ask the right questions and be very observant. I wouldn't sweat the leak issue as much as the condition of the boat. Nearly everyone I know with an aluminium boat takes on some water.

Cranking right/right for me, cast with either arm. Back in the old days, I was the guy with the spinning reel upside down to retrieve. The very first time I saw a spinning reel with left/right handle I rushed out and bought it. Oddly enough, I rarely use one now. Baitcast 80%+ for me.

I haven't seen that set in person so I won't comment on it, but... 2001 Audio/Video has it on sale for $1298 and will add a Samsung Blu-Ray for $99 more. Have an eye out for other value package deals; you might find a store including an HD tuner, stereo/surround sound system or other goodies for just a little more. Warranty. Love 'em or hate 'em.... some stores are now offering extended warranty plans with a rebate if you don't make a claim on them. For instance, I bought a plasma from Strathroy Audio Video and would have forgone the extended warranty except that if I don't need to make a claim, I get 100% back in a store credit. I just bought appliances from Bad Boy and will get 50% back if claim free. It kind of eases the pain of 'throwing your money away'. Pay close attention to your viewing distance when choosing a flat screen size. I suspect you'll be fine based on your pictures but bigger is not always better with flat screens.

I would pay to have that done; if they're footing the bill, it's a no-brainer. While rebuilding my boat this summer I could have forgone replacing the foam and nobody would know. Except me. I spent an extra $350 and countless hours for peace of mind.

Well done Lew! We're counting down the days until we move into our new place. I know what you're feeling right now and it only gets worse!

I can't wait for hard water; it means salmon season is just around the corner.

One million dollars doesn't go as far as one might think. I'd probably blow half of it on frivolous crap and then invest the rest wisely on boats and fishing gear. But seriously; We already bought our 'dream home', I would furnish it accordingly and finish the basement. 24'-28' walk around for Lake Ontario docked at Bronte 20' North River for Lake St. Clair docked at Thames River An F115 Yamaha for my 18' Starcraft to keep in the garage A new Suburban for myself An E350 for my Wife (Mercedes, not an Econoline van!) 2 week family vacation Bank the rest for education and retirement

Can you go ahead and make the changes while I'm away Dec 26-27? That'd be great. Thanks in advance.

They'd need to call in reinforcements for downtown London! Zero tolerance = zero thinking. These "DRAVIS" officers have been reduced to bylaw enforcement offices and might as well be patroling parking meters for 'troublesome' cars as well. Sad.

I bought a case of PB from the US before it was available in Canada; still have 3 cans left and lots of straws! PB Blaster is the ULTIMATE penetrating oil. I won't waste my time with anything else. As far as I know, it is now available at Fastenal and maybe CTC but not sure. As for a spray lube, "E4 Lube" is the best I've come across and it smells nice. This is good for lubing hinges in the car and house. Good luck finding it however; I get mine from an overhead door company in Ottawa. Hmmm, good to know.