Bernie

oops Sorry... Georgian Bay.. Neat pics got me all excited!!

Wow Greenbay, That would be something to see. Hope sometime in my life to see a wild lynx. Seen just about all wildlife around here but the cats- Lynx, bobcat or a cougar.

Ok time to hold a referendum..We also need some better negotiators. :lol:

Congratulations Jen!!!

I was a volunteer firefighter in our community for 20 years. Some young fellas have gotten a start on a full time career here. If you are in an urban area where full time departments are the norm, it would be a good idea to talk to a guy like Lew who may know someone that you could get in touch with. Good luck with it hellfish, it would be an awesome career. It's not easy though. Lots of training involved, teamwork is a key as well so getting along is paramount. Physical condition-better be in good shape

Thank you Hawg

Hi Sonny. In my opinion that would be a huge mistake. 2 stroke technology has come a long way. If you look at the emission testing direct injection actually has lower emissions than some 4 strokes. The technology will even get better. 2 cycle is lighter and has less moving parts therefore requires less energy to push its own weight. Power on every downward motion of the piston reduces the amount of lost energy of piston motion just to push out the exhaust. More fuel efficiency is gained there as well. In the past 2 stroke deserved its bad reputation. Fuel and oil was cheap and no one cared to look to make them efficient. All that has changed but the mindset has not. There are still dirty 2 strokes out there but they are not even close to the way they once were. Hawg hauler. Please dont make statements like that. No offense? It was an offensive statement.

As a kid we never seen the types of birds we see today. I realize that chemical bans have the most to do with it but are there other factors involved? Changes in climate allowing us to see more southern fowl? Why the explosion of population of cormorants for example. Never seen one before they started populating about 15 years ago. Were they this common before? Turkey vultures are as common as ravens here now. Many more examples of this as well.

We have both lines Wayne. Mark likes the Mercs but my pereference is with with my E-tec. Different strokes for different folks. Pooch....Both engines you are thinking about are great products. I think you answered your own question in your opening statement. You just need to look at the differences between them and purchase the one that suits your needs best.

Hey Wayne..You are goading me! Just for that...I will not Mention E-TEC!!!!

Thanks TJ.

To respond to the original question, in all organizations this issue raises its head. Our local gun club and Lions International ( I belong to both) can see the writing on the wall as well. A lot of the young folk have their interests elsewhere today. What is the answer? I cant say for sure but it is a question that is constantly asked I'm sure in all clubs and organizations. TV and internet/computing I'm sure have a big effect and personally cant see it improving in any manner. Sad really. There are more reasons people dont want to get involved in organizations too-lawsuits and risk can keep people away as well. Look at Boyscouts, to be a leader you need to go through personal background checks. Im not saying it's wrong to to that , I'm just saying it does discourage good people from doing it. Just keep plugging away at keeping interested people involved and it will continue, but doubt it will grow in any manner. Congratulations to those that do try!!!

In our area of the South Bay of Lake Nipissing for the past 10 years there has been a nesting pair of bald eagles. Huge bird! There has been several nests of osprey as well and are a very common sight. Amazing to watch catching fish. Last summer watched a heron and an osprey duke it out over a freshly skinned out pickerel. The heron won the battle which did surprise me. Both have become aware of my fishing trips over the years and look for the remains to arrive.

Be cautious on types of gear lube. Some have more anti-foaming agents than others. Synthetic lubes are beneficial for low temperature operation as well.

Very sorry for you hookset. My heart would sink if it happened here as well. I can only imagine how you feel right now. Keep hearing about our area becoming the next Muskoka. Hope its not in my lifetime.

Up until this year my boat has spent most of the summer in the great outdoors. Each spring it sees a generous coat of wax top and bottom. Because it's used most every day the bottom stays relatively clean-even in Nipissing. Good bumpers or dock whips to keep the side of the boat away from the dock like Wayne says. The boat still looks pretty good for a 1996 but there area couple minor battle scars from over the years of hauling groceries, lumber and other building supplies, and of course more than a few fishing excursions. No carpet in my boat, thank goodness. A little care goes a long way for a long life.

It does float. Ultimate fish shack for sure.

Not through hub. Gearcases are not strong enough for the torque that engine developed that year.

What size engine?

Manufacturers spend big money on lubricants to make sure their engines are protected. Specific burn off,low ash deposits and many other attributes are added in for different products. I cannot buy the oils specifically made for Merc or Evinrude direct from manufacturer (Castrol and others) I will go along with Lew and his outlook on this.

Happy Birthday Carole!!! Enjoy yourself and the pampering that goes with it.

Those that know me dont call me a liar Seriously..No claims on engines . O, and by the way, We have been "regional dealers of the year award" several times and for the last 2 consecutive years. Kennyman.We could argue this some more some day and I think we could come to a conclusion at some point..But my fingertips would start to hurt.

We use factory supplied lift rings. Most thread into the end of the crankshaft. Your old bolts if stainless should be ok. Look at the threads to see if they are stretched or cracked. If replacement required see your local marine supplier for some quality stainless bolts. I also agree with Keram on the plywood not crossing but the outside grain should go horizontal.

And I bet you just loved Barney and Dora the Explorer too Gerritt. JK They do look like they would be educational for kids.

Hi Kennyman. Im at the other end of the line. I repair engines and work on them everyday for a living, 4 stroke and 2 stroke. Quality engine oils are heads and tails better than they used to be. Now I do stress quality oils (If an engine is taken apart for any reason you can distinguish if the customer is using quality oils or not.) I dont know how far back you go but in the past a valve job was almost a part of a tune up. A customer that does regular oil changes using quality oils and filters will have little or no engine lubrication issue ever during the lifetime of the engine. 2 stroke oils used to leave carbon residues on pistons and rings that eventually would sieze the rings causing piston and cylinder scuffing. Quality oils will lube better and leave less buildup along with less environmental damage. There is a reason why manufacturers want you to use their brand. Not only do they not like warranty claims but they want happy customers. I wont dispute the fact they also want to sell you their product. The only engine issues I have had in the last 3 years in the automotive end of it were cooling system leaks into the engine oil sump on GM engines. On 2 strokes the major engine problems are created with restricted main jets which lean the mixtures enough to burn holes in the top of the piston and leaking crankshaft seals. This past winter we sold 90 rotax equipped ski doos and not one engine warranty claim. This is a big change from the past history. Sorry this off topic but I felt a response was in order.