Hey Tim and everyone else, I was working in the wisconsin and minnesota areas and with both of there openers already started, the bad stories have been all over my different job sites ive been on. Quite a few people have said with the late start mother nature has given us that lots of accidents have been hapening already. Primarly ice under the water or the good clear ice that blends in with the water. Two of my friends were staying at a cottage and watched two different boats rip there lower units right off there boats. I figured just to mention this to all the die hards that cant wait to get out just like i do. Just keep in mind to be careful and go out slow till you know whats out there. Its no fun having to start out a year fixing your boat or motor.