icefisherman

When buying boat from the US, how do you arrange for insurance coverage of the boat/trailer from the seller location to the Canadian border? Or do you just drive it few hours without insurance and cover it after it enters Canada on your house insurance? I know the dealer can provide 30 days temp. permit so the trailer is legally towed back here but could not find much on the insurance issue. When I called my house insurance company they said they can cover it after it enters Canada. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Well, As some of you know we are expecting second child soon. Didn't do it for the first one, but am seriously considering this option for the second one. Wondering if any of you have gone down this path and could share experience/opinion on it? It is quite pricey but maybe good insurance policy for the future? Here is a short list of places in Canada that do this kind of stuff: http://parentsguidecordblood.org/content/u...istcanada.shtml Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Waooo, Steve this is what I call "someone who never gives up" Good for you Bud. Glad you got the upper hand on it. What might those "symptoms" be? Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Well my garage is not that "tight" or I used to think so until recently as it is double car garage. My problems comes from having two "separate" doors and a column in between. Each door's opening is 8'. Where one of the doors is I have 20' length but it is less then that where the other door is as the back of the garage is not s straight line and I have stairs there too. The wall that allows me 20' garage length is only about 3'. I can extend that a bit by playing with my stairs but not by much. Should be enough to put the trailer tongue in there though (if not the back of the motor). I don't mind the tongue sticking out of the door when it is half closed during the summer but would like to be able to close completely the garage during winter. And since all options are not easy I was hoping to maybe swap the trailer for a foot or so shorter one. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Well Wayne you maybe jocking but I've seriously considered just that...and not only that.... I was even considering taking the boat off the trailer by jacking it up and putting it on blocks for the winter storage only, while lifting one wheel of the trailer with few neighbours just enough to pass through my back yard gate and leaving it there during the winter motnhs. But the trailer itself is solid and I am sure heavier then normal. Then in the spring back the same way...jacking up the boat and putting it on the trailer....I was told by someone who has done this type of work for living *delivering boats) it takes about an hour for this exersise....but would prefer not to do it if I can avoid it. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Doug, What I meant to say is that after all the cutting and moving the boat forward a bit and all is done I am still about 5" too long. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Teryy how are Bud? I did speak to that same dealer yesterday as he was recommended to me by others. Well let me tell you - he almost eat me alive over the phone line. The guy was extremely upset and unhappy with "people like me who buy their boats from the US". I've told him if he had the same pre-owned boat I am looking for on his lot for the same price I'll be there to buy it TODAY! He kept saying how he has dropped his prices on new boats but agreed he doesn't have what I want in used boats. So needless to say he wasn't much help. This is why I've decided to ask here as I am sure (as it happened in the past) someone will be able to help. Thanks, Ice Fisherman

Hi guys, As you know I've been working hard trying to find myself a newer boat. What do you think about the Crestliner Superhawk 1800? I am looking at one and it sits on a trailer that is a bit too long for my garage. Will it be possible to buy the boat and do trailer swap with a dealer or individual? The trailer the boat comes with is almost new and very solid. It can probably handle larger boat then 18'. Very nice solid trailer ....but too big for me. 5 inches too long for my 20’ garage. The width is just right with about ½” left available for squeezing on each side ha ha ha It should be worth good money. Do I have a chance to find something a bit shorter but still able to carry the 18' Crestliner without having to pay additional money (even better to get some money back ;-)? Also what is your general opinion about Crestliner Superhawk boats 2000 and newer? It comes with 115HP motor and 9.9 kicker. It looks nice but I'd like your opinions as this will be my first aluminum boat and a new subject matter to me ;-) Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Well I went to the same auction at the same place about a month ago..........total waste of time...all junk boats and they sold one very old Lund tiller for.....$7000?!!? The buyer must have been out of his mind! Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Well unfortunately you are right...almost no seelection in Canada and very limited one in US as I've found out myself on the type of boat I am looking for. Hope it changes in the next few weeks as weather gets colder. Good luck with your search. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Noce pictures and very good looking weel equiped boat Wayne. Hey I can always try to copy some of your ideas until you patent them Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Thanks Wayne Vance and Tracker. Link is great, but it only works 8am-8pm........?!!? And I was hoping there is online database to search the motor year of manufacturing as I will not have time to do it tomorrow morning afer 8am.... Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Apologize for the capital letters, just wanted to call your attention as I need the advice of all you boat experts out there. As many of you know I've been looking to buy me a newer boat for the past few weeks. I went to see one I liked tonight and am seriously considering buying it tomorrow. It is quite a bit of money so I want to make sure I don't take a wrong step or something. Most importantly how can I make sure the boat is free and clear? The seller looks decent guy but I'd like to be sure. Can you do a lien check for boats/trailer/motor/ similar to the one we all do for cars when buying them? If so can it be done on line as my time is very short.... I am going to have more questions as soon as I put my thoughts together but this is the most important one and I wanted to ask you all ASAP as it is getting late and I need to know TONIGHT or very first thing tomorrow morning... Also how can I check the year when the main motor was manufacturered by the Serial number I have? Can I do it online as well? Thank you very much to all who can help me out. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Brian, Nice picture and good decision on changing direction from SE going to the NW ;-) Now if I knoew you are going for Muskie or even to Erie for eyes I may have considered your kind offer ;-) Oh well maybe next Frida? ;-) Cheers, Ice Fisherman

My neighbour down the street has a new 2 year old Tracker in his garage. I went and measure his boat and garage tonight. The boat (back of the boat to tip of the bow) is 16'8". His garage is 18'8" long. And his total package length is about the same 18'8". He has the boat on a slight angle (single garage door on a double car garage) and his tong if folded. Now ....simple arithmetic....if I get 18' long boat and it has approximately the same position on the trailer and it is with foldable tong everything in the above numbers should be increased by 1'4". This equals EXACTLY 20' total package length. I can always put the boat under slight angle or cut a bit from the drywall...much easier then to change the garage doors. Not to mention if I make the tong foldable myself I could make it even shorter then my neighbours by couple inches or so. Sure I'll have to be very careful and measure well the boat/trailer before buying it but I think I have very good fighting chance on fitting 18' boat inside....And it the boat is 17' or 17'6" it'll be much easier. This is why I MUST stay with boat length not more then 18' no mater what. And it doesn't make sense to me if I am moving in size from 16' to move to less then 17'. So it has to be between 17 and 18' which I hope will make a big difference to what I am used to ride on the big lakes. As far as the width it should be smaller problem as most boats I've seen in the 17'-18' range have width of 92" or less. Again my neighbour's boat has it's widest part on the boat's beam not on the trailer. So with 8' wide garage I should have no problems fitting it in. It maybe tight but it is DOABLE I believe. Certainly much better then having to rent storage space for it. Many people have told me if I run the boat hard in 3+ feet waves it is better to get fiberglas...hope I can find one for the right price. My PATHFINDER is rated for 5500 lbs towing capacity and can tow two boats of that size easily. So it should have no problems what so ever with 17-18' boat no matter aluminium of fiberglas with or without trailer brakes. 17’ or 18’ aluminium boat will probably weight LESS then my 16’ fibreglass. And 17’-18’ fibreglass should not be that much heavier then my 16’ fibreglass therefore my Pathfinder should be laughing at it ;-)). I am sure fiberglas will feel heavier towing it but I'll feel better as it'll not leak(riveted aluminium) or crack (welded aluminium) as I was warned by many more knowledgeable boater here. Something like Markus' fiberglas boat listed here should fit perfectly in my garage and serve me very well on the Big lakes with its 17.5'. Well only if he drops his price a bit ;-)) Things are slowly crystallizing here and that’s great. I do love this forum and am grateful for all the good advice given. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Waooo guys, I really appreciate your discussion you've had today. Let me try tio clarify more my boat intentions based on what I've learned from your posts and PM's over the last few days....... 1) It does look more and more it'll be a fiberglas boat as I'll be using it more on the Great Lakes (Ontario and Erie) and as you know I need to be ready for 3-6' waves with it. Everyone said fiberglas is better in the waves on the Great Lakes then aluminium. Add to that I was told I drive it too hard and the picture is clear..... Besides I am too used to not a drop of water in my boat until now and am a bit concerned about having to run my bilge pump all day as many aluminium boats do. 2) I MUST stay between 17' and 18'. Hope closer to 18 if I could but I MUST be able to put it in my garage even if I have to pay extra to modify the tong in to foldable one. Someone told me Cabelas sells kits for $100 which is not bad. My garage is 20' long and about 8' wide. It is double car garage but with separate doors. 3) Based on your advices it'll probably be inboard - as I was told those are easier to take care especially with late season fishing I often do. 4) I must have two motors (main and kicker) or buy kicker later but I've decided not to go on the Big lakes with a single motor any more. It'll be nice both to be 4 strokes but if the main one is two stroke and the kicker is 4 stroke that works for me too. 5)Anyone knows of good US internet sites to see if I could find a boat there? 6) I gathered from your opinions decent and not super expensive boats will be Wilker, Grew and Starcraft in fiberglas, and Sylvan, Lowe, Starcraft and Alumacraft in Aluminium. I guess those are some of my main points that have crystallized for me in the last few days. Really enjoy and benefit from your discussion so please keep it going. Cheers and thank you. Ice Fisherman

Thanks to all who have contributed positively to this post. Your opinions and links have helped me a great deal. Please keep them coming, as I need to finalize my new boat purchase this fall. They are well appreciated. As for the Fishmaster's comments....I'll make sure I personally email him picture of my new $10,000 “canoe” as soon as I get it. I guess the old saying: "When you don't have anything good to say, say nothing" - must be valid. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

I did see his add and know him from another board. Nice boat and nice guy...it's a bit more expensive/newer then what I budgeted for though. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Well, it looks like fixing my motor will cost me too much and will not be worth it, Considering I was planning on getting larger/newer boat anyways, this maybe the right time to do it. I am listing some of the main questions I have on this: 1) Any good Canadian web sites for boat sales? 2) Aluminium vs. Fiberglas? 3) If aluminium Welded vs. riveted? 4) Any recommended brand names? 5) Two vs. 4 strokes? 6) If anyone knows about boat for sale that fits the basic requirements bellow please PM me. I'll be using the boat for trolling the great lakes and taking it to some larger inland lakes (Simcoe, Temagami, etc.). It should be able to fit comfortably me and my familyt (two adults and two kids) on pleasure trips and a friend or two while fishing with all the fishing/trolling gear. I'd like to get a boat 17-18 feet long with swing/folding tong so it can fit in my double car garage. I've seen some newer boats like that, hope to find some older model with the same option, or be able to do that after purchase. Powerful enough main and kicker motor. Full windshield and bowride style. All the covers, safety gear, etc. Want something newer then 1990. Will be towing it with Nissan Pathfinder, so I’ll have plenty of towing power. Considering the season is right for buyers what kind of price should I expect? I hope to be able to find something decent under $10,000. Those are just my main requirements. I'm sure they'll get refined as this discussion and your comments progress. Thanks to all who can give me their input. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Uncle Buck me and my 2 year old son went to close the lake Erie season yesterday. What a closure it was...we got WAY more then what we bargained for. Started about 4pm and ended up with 8 very good size eyes, 2 nice rainbows and one silver bass. Not counting 7-8 sheepheads I dragged on the 10 colors from way back. Spoon bites mostly. Uncle Buck got some eyes and his rainbow on Ripling Redfin tipped with worm. It was a bit bumpy in the begining got a bit wet while trying to navigate that terrible channel at Port Burwell and touched bottom 3-4 times on the way in. Fished 62-66 fow 50 - 60 feet down. So fishing paert was great....unfortunately it was not the only "part" of our adventure yesterday. About 7:40pm westart making our way back to Port. Full speed back...kept going for about 15-20 min when suddenly the motor just died on us. First time this ever happened on my boat. We were 16 km South West of Port Burwell. Quick inspection showed us not any obvious reason...a short starter cable was loos and we tight is up....tried starting the motor with the rope...no luck it was hard moving the big flying wheen on the top...then it became IMPOSSIBLE to move it....when engaged in gear I couldn't rotate the propeller at all. While speculating about the reason for our problems we've tried calling for help/tow back to port some of the other 4-5 boats that were out......guess what....they have all disappeared of the radar screen...noone answered... as they've evaporated. Mind you we had a 2 year old child on board it was pass 8pm getting dark and wind was picking up slightly. No clouds...lots of stars on the sky... After we figured we are not getting help from other fisherman in the area we've made several cell phone calls to friends and to OPP and coast guard. We've only had hand held VHF with us (Thanks Goran for that) and it was working but with poor reception at times. We were told that there is no cost guard vestle close by and we have to wait for an auxilaty vestle to come from Port Stenley. And the waiting time would be about 3 hours?!? In the meantime my son after asking couple hundred questions on what's happening and why are we sitting like ducks in the middle of the lake fall aslep. What a tropper he was all the time yesterday!!! We we in distress in 58 fow and wind was from East-South/East about 10-15 km/h slowly but surely increasing as ig got late. We were advised to drop the ancor (it hold well), gave the cost guard our GPS coordinates and....started enjoying the sky/shore view while discussing how come it takes them 3 hours knowing there is small child on board it's windy and dark...oh well....to wait is an art as someone has said... Turns out they have miscalculated their ATA ...VHF connection with the Sarnia Cost guard station was spotty and with the resque vestle non-existant. By about 10:30 pm we were told the resque vestle is 5-6 miles from us but we couldn't see it although it was clear night and one could see tents of miles away....we were flashing lights until finally we did see them......when they got about 1 mile or so from us we were finally able to communicate with them directly on the VHF...they've approached us, told us all the formalities, got permission from the cost guard and from us and hooked us up....by this time waves were getting in the 3 feet range and wind was also picking up from the SE. They tow us with 7 miles/hour back to.......Port Bruce as they've refused going in to Port Burwell because of the condition of the channel there...Turns out later they told us the've rescued another vestle on Saturday but they towed them only to right in front of Port Burwell and let them paddle from there while watching they get their safely, but it was earlier time of the day. And that same day they have rescued the crew of the boats that went on the rocks at Port Burrwell as well... Any how...we arrived at Port Bruce about 12:45 with big waves slamming us and the rescue vestle and making it near impossible to enter the harbour...the resque vestle was in constanc communication with the Sarnia Cost guard and us advising us they may have to abort and go to Port Stanley instead as it was too ricky and dangerous to slam us in to the wall with the waves heading us in the back...they've shortened the rope to only 10 feet or so and ever so slowly (and professionaly) took the chance and got us in the channel...boy was it close few times...we were with the paddles trying to asist them and puss ourselves back away from the wall should we get pushed there by the wind... Had to paddle the last 150 feet as the resque vestle could not get us right to the ramp, it was hallow and tight there... There were the rescue vestle owner (John) and his wife(Path) and three crew mambers. The rescue vestle was called "Maverick". Huge nice boat, well equiped with ALL necessary rescue equipment. Despite the conditions and taking those people from their dinner table they were VERY PROFESSIONAL and FRIENDLY! Path has offered to take me back with my son to Port Burwell to get my truck and trailer. We did that while Goran waited at the ramp in Port Bruce,c hatting with the marina owner and his wife. By 2 am or so I was back, we loaded the boat and stuff and were ready to go by 3am...The marina owner's wife refused us paying them for anything....I offered to pay to the ramp use but the answer was NO. She offered sandwitch for my son and gave us ice for the fish (again refused accepting any money for anything). Dropped Goran by his car and we were home by 5am. What a day/nigh it was!!! Few words inconclusion....While we were a bit concerned with the later arrival of Maveric we realized later after talking to them under the conditions (weather and otherwise) they did the best they could. Turns out Maveric is normally docket in Port Bruce but was taken to Port Stanley a day before. The distress call found John and Path at the dinner table (in Port Burewell), they've quickly assembeled the rest of the crew and drove to Port Stanley to launch and come back to us at Port Burwell. So, it was a late night for them as well. They were extremely friendly and professional together with the falks at the marina in Port Bruce. I know I am repeating myself but they do deserve our thanks. We were told the whole operation does not cost us anything although I've asked what can we pay. Was I ever happy (for the first time about the taxes I pay). So a bad situation resolved in a late night and tons of food for thoughts for me. 1) Must always have VHF on board 2) Hand held ones caould work but a stationary one is really a MUST! 3) Second kicker motor is a MUST 4) Cell phones on the boast are a MUST (despite how much I hate them in my daily life) 5) It pays to have all your safety equipment in working order 6) Panicking definetly does NOT help 7) Helping your fellow fisherman/boater is of FIRST Priority and have little/none respect for people who hear distress signal on the radion and do not respond. With my small boat I have towed other larger boats twise before as I could never think of leaving people helpless in the middle of the lake, but others do... 8) Paying taxes is NOT always a bad thing 9) Having a good buddy in the boat with you while fishing and a nice calm kid does help 10)Having a good battery is a must- ours lasted with all the lights on for 6 hrs last night. 11) patientce is VITRUE!! So, no the boat will go to my boat mechanic later today he'll look at it tomorrow afternoon to see if the motor has seized up or isit transmission problem as he was thinking on the phone while telling him about the problem. The motor can not be turned at all with the gear engaged. Ther trottle lever can not be moved in the reverse position, only forward and neutral. I've been worned I maybe be in for a HUGE bill for motor repair of replacement but will see what the mechanic says....then I'll decide on boat/motor alternatives. Sorry no pictures of the fish or the rest of the troubles as it was dark and Goran's camera/battery died and my cell phone would not get any picture in the dark without flash. This was the story and I am now thinking I maybe out few thousand dollars after all is set and done but we got home safe an it could have been much worse. Hope this read helps others to prevent (or in) similar situation. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Looks good Brian;-) Did you leave some for me too? Still need to make few more trips to Lake O. and atleast one to Lake Erie this season. Very good pictures. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Dan, any time Bud. Just send me PM when the ice comes...hope for an earlier one then last years and we;ll do it. Those whities and lakers on Simcoe had a loooooooong vacation from me so by January it'll be time to say "hi" to them ;-) Cheers, Ice Fisherman

------------------------------------------------ Part 2: We did have good time in Temagami but got good amount of rain too…it rained the last night and we were all wet moving to Algonquin…got settled on Opeongo at my favourite site with large private bay and beach and all amenities and then we got more rain that night….then the night after…and the day and night after as well….but fishing was great in between: Some Opeongo bass: Pretty good ones too. Here is a huge 6.5 Lbs one I got while trolling for lakers: And speaking of lakers…what a fishing it was….10-20 fish caught daily….couple per day kept, the rest released with the exception of the last day when we kept few more fillets for the way home: Here are few action pictures: With my boat captain: All smiles: Even during the rain: Another big bass: And more trout action: What a day a smile like that makes ….. And when it didn’t rain…it was beach play time for all: Our site with the view of the private bay/beach: Few evening bass waiting cleaning: And here is an interesting trout: It was marked by MNR and we took the tag to the guy at the MNR station and am waiting on him to send me this fish history: Strange thing was it had much whiter meat then the rest of the trout we caught: Last four days wives came to join us and the weather became great ;-) No surprise here ha ha ha Last catch: It was rough and windy the last morning: Opeongo – what a beauty…we’ll come again next year: And well-deserved breakfast before heading back home: Few words in conclusion – fishing was GREAT AGAIN like last year….got some personal best….19 Lbs 15 Oz laker at Temagami and 6 Lbs small mouth at Opeongo. We got more rain then last year but hey…it’s part of the game …and we did get some great weather last 5-6 days. My usual lures performed great on Opeongo – small #3 and #4 Meps and Blue Fox in Chartuse. Lakers were shallow just like last year. The ones that were biting anyways. There were plenty of fish deep but they were not interested in our presentation at all. All the active fish were between 20 and 30 feet down in 45-75 fow despite what most Algonquin “experts” will tell you about summer fishing there. Temagami…….what a strange lake for fishing,….never hit the bottom so often in my life with the cannon balls….the bottom was all over the vertical….even with all the maps it was a challenge to stay on course…20 feet from shore it was 80 feet deep…….we were trolling at time is 110 fow only for find out 30 seconds later it was 30 fow and the balls were dragging the bottom…and it was rocks, rocks,….and more and ONLY rocks there…never seen so many rocks before ;-)….but fishing was great….nice bass in the evening and huge lakers during the day…here they were all deep…80 feet down in 100 fow was the magic. And larger spoons mostly silver/blue combination….even some smaller Williams in blue/silver got us fish. So, now that this trip is over we are all relaxed let’s make some money and do some local fishing…here I come Lake O. and Lake Erie….while waiting the ice on Simcoe;-) Hope you’ve enjoyed the read as we’ve enjoyed the time and feel free to ask/PM me any specific questions you want to ask. Cheers, Ice Fisherman

Just came back from my annual fishing/camping trip up North. This year it consisted of 6 nights in Temagami (my first trip there) and 11 nights in Algonquin (North and East Arm of Opeongo). First to thank all those who gave me useful info before the trip. This “detailed” report is full of high resolution pictures (dial up be aware) and is mostly fishing then camping as I consider myself more fisherman then camper. So here we go: Left home at midnight August 16 and arrived in Temagami bright and early in the morning about an hour before Dad’s store opened up. This gave us enough time to walk around the small town, look at the airplane docked in the lake etc. Got tons of useful info from Jim Krech from Dad’s. What a super nice guy…bought the shoal map and two dept maps from him, some last minute fishing gear and worms and he gave us the deal of the century. Could not believe it. I love those people up North (North of Huntsville). Launched our wayyyy overloaded boat at the end of the Temagami access road trying to beat the rain. Well it started while trying to find a site. Most were taken by others. Finally found a decent one at Racoon point (the one to the west of the point). Then the rain really came down on us big time. Several times pouring cats and dogs. Everything got wet and took us days to dry it out. With two kids (2 and 3) this was quite a start of out vacation. Despite the less then perfect weather our mood was in high gear supported by some of those treats ;-) In a ready form: And close ups of the second night dinner: Filet minion in Temagami…..mmmmmmm…. During the day while fishing some of us needed a rest: While others were quite active and fishing hard ;-) Or enjoying driving the boat around: And answering nature calls as well from time to time ;-) And the remaining team member in action: With his first ever lake trout: Quite happy too: Here is my new Personal Best Lake trout at 19 Lbs 15 Oz on electronic scale. I gave it to our neighbour – old couple who were quite happy to have it: Not many things in this world are better then fire baked trout: Play time: For every one… And some fried trout too:

Great idea Bud. Don't know why I didn't think of it. I do use photobucket but provide direct links and it shows here on the board as the pictures themselves instead of the links to them. Anyhow....I'll try splitting the report in two...hope it goes this way. Cheers, Ice Fisherman