icefisherman

HI gUYS, Never done it before but was encouraged by your posts and went searching for fiddleheads today along the local river. Much to my own surprise I found them...just to make sure I didn't pick the wrong ones (some one said there are some types that are bad and cancerogen). So here are few shots of what I picked up...would appreciate someone more experienced to confirm they are the "good ones". There were many of them in different stages of growth....left 2-3 per each old plant so they can still sustain themselves. What would be best way to cook them or should I try different ways? Here are the shots: Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Heey Jedi, Your posts have been really informative and the truth always comes out of arguments...so I greatly appreciate your input. With numbers to back up your points...love such discussions. Yes I do love Japaneese vehicles in general (and hate american;-) and if I could find a good deal on Highlander it'll be on my driveway by the weekend....I don't have a single objection aainst it just a matter of fitting in into the budget. P.S. Just to provoke you to post again ;-)) what about Honda Ridgeline? No one mentioned it so far but it seems capable towing vehicle...again fuel economy aside Cheers, Ice Fisherman

I wish I had made up my mind...but isn't it the purpose of this (and any other similar discoussion) precisely that - the asking person to make up his mind?!? Making up one's mind doesn't mean agreeing with any particular opinion...just considering them in the process. Not ignoring any points, just trying to compare all options fully....not just the towing capacity and not just the economy....but all of the various characteristics. It is obvious more powerful vehicles have much worse economy....and the economical ones suffer with the towing parameters....so finding the golden middle for ME will mean I have then made up my mind Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Fish4Eyes, I have a feeling most people when talking about RAV4 are making comments based on what they've seen or know of the 4 cyl version....heck many don't even know it comes with V6 as well....and may have never seen one on the road....not that ,many of them really....night and day difference in size, power, towing everything....in most cases people driving on the road see a car from the back...and you can not tell easily if it is a 4 or 6 cyl. RAV4 only looking at the back....at the front it has a small V6 attached to the radiator grill area...and it does look bigger but it may not be easily seen from the road. Definately has a lof of room compared to the 4 cyl one....If you Google it and read some reviews you'll see nothing but great reviews of the V6 version....extremely high resale value too...I think most people commenting against it here might be suprised when they see me towing my Lund with it.... ;-)) By the way I was loading the Lund with camping stuff even when using the Pathfinder to tow it with ;-) I've suffered so much at the gas pumps in the last 5-6 years with the PATHFINDER that if anything I am ready to error on the side of the fuel economy this time....paying $200 for a trip for Erie eyes is simply unsustainable.... Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Thanks for your extremely valuable contribution to this thread. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Lot of people have said good words about the towing capabilities of Toyota Tacoma, but none of them has said anything about its fuel economy....and I am afraid they cannot say lots of good things about that? Possibly as bad as my old Pathfinder , i.e.gas hog big time....lots of vehicles out there have huge towing capabilities, my problem is almost ALL of them are terrible on gas unfortunately though... So we need to compare fully all characteristics not just one.... with gas soon to be $1.50/l I am not sure what I value more....couple thousand lbs towing capacity that maybe ovekill considering infrequent and short haul use on my side, or much much better gas mileage that keeps money in my pocket weekly....different priorities, I guess.... Cheers, Ice Fisherman

John you are the first one here reporting of actually owning one of those (in my opinion) fantastic machines...is hers the V6 version? If so what mileage is she getting out of it realisticaly? Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Did it all by myself with Berts...have one Cannon MAG1O HS, on Berts swivelt/rathet base, 2 rathet Berts rod holders and one cannon ball holder per side.... Love the product zero problems with Berts ....one of my rod holder plastic cap fall in the lake last year caller Berts and they've sent me 2 new caps for free... Make sure you put some aluminum supporting plates under the gunnels. Chers, Ice Fisherman

Very very good food for thoughts...but raising more questions than answers... If you are right and those numbers are correct it in fact makes my point even more important....are you saying that the 3500 lbs towing capacity RAV4 V6 has is a bogus number and someone at Toyota is out to purposfuly mislead the public? If that is not what you are saying then what really is the meaning of the "towing capacity of 3500 lbs" ?!? It is obvious to me that one of the two numbers is wrong.... a) the towing capacity is not 3500 lbs... or b ) the GCWR is not 5000 lbs they cannot be both right... which one is it?!?! P.S. Out of curiosity could you please post the same numbers compariosn for the 1999 Nissan Pathfinder I've been towing with for the past 5 years or so. Let's see if similar comparison will make any sense there as it clearly makes NO sense with the RAV4 Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Very good discussion so far...by the way my point remains...when the licensing body certifies a vehicle for 3500 lbs towing capacity I logically assume such vehicle can and should be able to tow up to that much. Under all normal road conditions and those include rain and snow... And organizations who certify them must be considering towing includes stopping as well....otherwise it doesn't make any sense...why would a vehicle be rated for 3500 lbs if it cannot tow that much or cannot stop with trailer behind that is that heavy. All I am trying to say is RAV4 V6 rated at 3500 lbs by the authorities MUST be able to tow AND stop with such weight behind. And I am sure it is certified to do it in rain and snow (not that I'll be towing the boat in the snow;-) or slippery roads. Yes frequency of towing is the only thing that cannot be calculated in advance but as I said I don't do it that often or that far... Jedimaster, RAV4 V6 trully is an amazing vehicle from what I've been reading about it over the last 5 years. It actually has that option. What Toyota calls Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC). Here is a quote I just found: ...this compact crossover come available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with a locking center differential. The optional all-wheel-drive system uses electronic control to send power rearward when slippage in front is detected, and it offers a lock that fixes the front/rear torque split at 50/50. This last feature should score the RAV4 high marks with the four-wheeling crowd as well as some true capability in slush, snow, and mud. Its improved stability (from its wider track) and smoother ride (from its longer wheelbase) make it, once again, top of its class, thanks to an all-new suspension and stiffer chassis.

All good points Johnny. But they are not new to me as I've done it for years with the same boat and the Pathfinder. Should have mentioned tow use is average of once a week for say 6-7 months/year...most towing is 25km/25 min from home to Lake O.....maybe 7-8 longer trips per year of say 300 km round trip average. Hardly anything too exsessive that will kill any vehicle. I know stopping is something to consider ...again have plenty of experience and know how to stop with the trailer behind...done it zillions times, nothing super special there really...just take it easy on the brake pedal and think well ahead, keep distance etc. By the way...246 lb-ft of torque for the RAV4 V6 vs. 196 lb·ft for the Pathfinder....so 25% higher than the Pathfinder in that department. And I have seen RAV4 V6 coming originally wth included heavy duty towing package... You wouldn't believe how often I see people towing bigger boats than mine launching at Port Credit behind a sedan like Toyota Camry, Suburus, etc. ;-))) Best thing is to hear/read someone who owns one of those RAV4 V6 beauties to see how he likes towing with it....

Is your friend's RAV4 the 4 or 6 cyl version? I am confused a bit here guys...if a vehicle is rated officialy for 3500 lbs towing and I am about 15-20% less than that...I cannot understadn why it will not be able to tow it? Yes we all wish we have double of tripple towing capacity but it is not always possible nor in the cards for many reasons. Again my Pathfinder is 3500lbs as well and I remember many many people telling me how it's pushing it with my 2800 lbs boat/trailer combo but I've personally done if for last 5 years not one issue ever. So now I am looking at considerably more powerful vehicle (100 HP more than the Pathfinder) and certified to tow 3500 lbs...so really don't see why it can't do it, what are those tow rating for then?!?....if anything I'd expect to do it bestter/easier than the Pathfinder...and save me ton of money in the process on mileage. It may not tow as powerful as some V8 engine but sure enough it should not have any issues with meager 2800 Lbs. behind itself ;-) We are not talking here about some 25 feet fiberglass boat that weights tripple than mine guys ;-) Anyone here who owns a RAV4 V6 Version using it to tow who can share personal experience on it?

Well guye appreciate all the input and opinions here...so far based on your suggestions and on my list of requirements it seems the three top choices are: 1) Toyota RAV4 V6 - no one has said anything bad about it. Glowing reviews everywhere. And I have been following this vehicle ever since it came out in 2006. Amazing top quality engine, 269 hp, and 246 lb-ft of torque. Very economical too...with about the same mileage (19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway) the 4 cyl has, but much much more powerful. Very good look (wife should be happy;-) 4WD so no problem pulling the boat at any ramp under any conditions. By the way I have never had issue with the Pathfinder in that department. With that motor and 35oo Lbs towing capacity I should be laughing pulling my boat and I bet it'll have much better economy than the Pathfinder. Only if I can find a good deal on one. Maybe from the US....as they seem much cheaper there though made next door in Woodstock. 2) Toyota Tacoma. Most of the above applies here as well. Very highly regarded vehicle...never had a truck before but if any this maybe the one I feel good about. Towing shouldn't be a problem with 5000 lbs towing capacity. And again I am sure the millage will be better than Pathfinder. Same applies here though - good finding a good deal on one. 3) May have to consider going back to Pathfinder or XTerra mainly because of the lower prices...hope they have improved their economy in the last 10 years though.... I have heard some horror stories about the Jeeps...good things about the Ford Trucks but it'll be a huge jump for me to go to that kind of a vehicle, not to mentioned it is US made...which is not that big of an attractant in my books...so...not much other choice left really.... Cheers, Ice Fisherman

I would love the Tacoma but am scared of the price tag even for a used one... Couple years ago I almost bought the new (then) RAV4 6 cyl version...this is trully my dream SUV love the look of it....super sexy ;-))...amazing engine, great economy both loaded and not, perfect for in town....perfect for me all around....but those damn things NEVER EVER seem to go down in price even 2007 or 2008 are still well over $10K...but yes if I manage to find one of those at a good deal I'll be set for a looooong while ;-) Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Well I weighted it twice and it showed about 1200 something kgs...so I round it up to 1300kg....this is with main motor, kicker, trolling, full of gas, all fishing gear, riggers, etc. It could be slightly higher but not by much as I wanted to actually completely disconnect trailer from the truck and then weight it but the scale people didn't let me do that. 1300 kg = 2860 Lbs My pathfinder was rated to 3500 Lbs and was pulling fine for 5-6 years though a bit slow at the big hills...I believe many 6 cyl. SUV's are rated at 3500 Lbs so those should fit the bill, no?

Well my trusted Pathfinder has finally given up on me....won't be easy to replace it as I need something that: a) Can tow my Lund 1700 Pro Sport and trailer - combined weight on one of those highway scales without disconnecting it from the truck is about 1300 kg Be more economical than the Pathfinder. It was killing me on the gas bill....from home to Lake Erie and Back - 1 tank of gas and at today's prices ....don't want to think about it. c) to be able to fit me, the wife and 2 kids when going camping with the boat. So SUV preferred. d) Not too big so it can be used in town as a second car (rare occasions and very few km's) e) Better to be import as I am not big believer in US made ones. f) Did I mention not to be too expensive... g) fairly recent year/low km's so I can use it for few more years....say 3-4 years old or thereabout h) no the color doesn't matter ;-)) I know....not an easy combination...but seeing the boat in the garage right when the salmon season is about to start is not a happy picture as you all can imagine. Appreciate all your advice as always. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Agree with you about the clutch...it is logical based on what I saw in the gear box today.... Stonefish, just went and swaped the washers from the "good" rigger to the "bad" one....no improvement on the "bad" one....still slipping.... this thing is a real puzzle for sure.... Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Well I'll try... When tightening the knob as hard as possible the spool is still turning although it shouldn't do that...at the same time I can also see the axle is spinning as well i.e. they are spinning together....George had me checked that to make sure the small screw located in the bottom of the spool has not come loose...By the way the knob is not turning at all when the spool/axle is.... Under the same conditions and with much less tightening force my other rigger is not turning at all....so there is an obvious problem , just can't find where it is....hope this gives you better idea... Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Well, spoke to George from North Bay Distributors today....several times in fact....he said the problem with slipping is not due to the washers on the knob side....suggested maybe the clutch pad...opened the whole gear/motor assembly...jammed with grease in there....got to the clutch pad...nothing wrong with it...sent pictures to George he agreed...told me to clean and scratch with sand paper the two stainless washers and the clutch pad...did that...put it all back together...no difference, same problem again...he suggested sending it to him....bulky/heavy and expensive to ship and I'll need to pay both ways shipping, or take it to Short Wave in Mississauga. Been there before but didn't know Bill repairs Cannon riggers...I guess he does though not officially as authorized Cannon service centre....soooooooo.....not sure what to do now....both places have out 2 weeks backlog...but if it goes to North Bay it'll be another 10 days in shipping on top of it.,...When I saw what is inside there is nothing really that complicated to be causing this much of a problem so can't figure out what they can do differently.... Does anyone know if Bill at Short Wave is really good with repairing those riggers? I may take it there tomorrow morning and see what he says before deciding to leave it there and take my chances or to ship it to George in North Bay and wait longer/pay more... Any suggestions?

That is how I started and learned the bad habit Wayne. Used to have manuals for a while and kept doing it the same way on the way down with electrics...I'd say get some extra washers just in case as it is matter of time before you'll need them based on what I see with mine. I'll order few sets of washers from North Bay tomorrow. Pretty smart setup actually as I think about it, since washers are cheap to replace and avoid any major repairs that way. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

I may have caused much of that wear on the washers as I always lower my rigger manually, thinking I am saving my battery that way....may start using the motors for the lowering as well from now on. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

You guys are priceless, seriously...yet to see a problem I have that someone here could not help resolving. I went unscreweded the knob...not one, not two but three washers came out...with middle one looking interesting, it is a red one hardened plastic with bearing balls mounted on the perifery...see thhe photos bellow. You can clearly see the deep groves formed on the metal washers on the second photo. Obviously those will need replacement. But can I not turn the metal washer around and use them that way while waiting for the new ones to arrive? Also do I order just the two metal washers or the red one with the bearing balls as well? By the way I've checked my other rigger as well and although not as bad as this one it has also formed groves just not as deep yet. So this must be normal wear and tear I guess and regular washer replacement required? Looking at this link (thanks for it): http://www.fish307.com/productimages/cannon/parts/Mag10HSdia_lg.jpg I guess I'll need to order parts: 40 and 41, right? Thanks for your help guys! Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Hi Guys, I have two of the MAG10HS electric riggers on my boat for the past 4 years or so and have been very happy with them so far...just noticed one of them having some clutch issue though. When lowering the weight to the desired depth manually and then trying to tight the clutch knob the spool slips a bit until I tie it very hard...wondering if there is a way to adjust the clutch tension myself without having to send the rigger all the way to North Bay (this is where Cannon's service center is located)...it won't be cheap for this massive thing, fast nor practical considering the down time...much prefer to fix it myself if at all possible. Would appreciate some step by step instructions on how to do it if someone has done it before? Thanks, Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Here is my first SPRING stealheading report (despite what the calendar says it was spring today with 15 degrees and full sun, though a bit windy). Lots of fresh stealhead ready and willing to play...5/9 was the score today...lost couple large fish but oh well still got to fight them so it all counts ;-) Almost dropped my cell phone in the water while taking one of the shots... I smell a lot of nice fishing days coming soon with this beautiful weather in the background... Here are the photos for your viewing pleasure: Cheers, Ice Fisherman

That is the one I was hoping to clear first as it is the most convenient for me....oh well...hope this warm temps this week will help...not much time left until the 15-th though.... Cheers, Ice Fisherman