Bob F

Hi Chaps, I'm considering some mods to Splash-Out to fit a couple of pilot seats. Appreciate any comments on my plan. The first problem I have is that the box that the pilot sits on is too close the the wheel so it is difficult to stand up with my size 11 feet. So. I want to move the box back. This is the current set up.

It looks like you've hooked the bottom again, Kam. If it is you, that is.

Hi Tom You've set yourself up here matey... But seriously, here's some constructive critism. First impressions. I don't know how it displays on other peoples computers but the area of the page is only about a half of the available display space. Would prefer to see it fully expanded. Its all a bit small. Photos are ok but small. Photos don't show you the complete boat inside and out. Would also like to be able to see a plan diagram of the boats so you can study the layout. People new to Jeanneau will not know one model from another, so just having the model name and numbers in the pull down menu means you have to open up each one to see if its what you are intersted in. Would be nicer to show a photo of each model as you pass your mouse over it. Not sure I'd have second hand boats on the opening page. It doesn't invite you into the new boats. Should be using your arty photos on the front page. On the plus side, the site loads quickly. I'll have a more thorough look later. BF

...and isn't that Kam on page 60????

We had them round, too, Mike. I think you must've misheard. It was a humour survey. They were asking if you could show them you're fun. They must've thought you had a weird sense of humour. Wonder what they put on the survey.

What a bummer!!!

Two old men sitting in a retirement home chatting... "I'm full of aches and pains today, Alf. How do you feel"? Alf replies, "Like a new born baby, Fred". "Really", says Fred, "a new born baby"? "Yep, no hair, no teeth, and I've just messed myself"!

You've got my vote! Go for it!! People Power!!!

What's the old saying...you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it...???

...all bribes gratefully accepted.

Steve, Yes, I believe that both the 250 and the 160C can be used with either a single beam 200KHz transducer. The 160C has a nice feature of being able to select a narrow or wide beam. This could like wreck location a little easier. BF

Mark, I don't believe so. I assume you have a pre-programmed data card (rather than a CD with your map data on it). In this case I believe you will have to send the data card back to Garmin to upgrade it or exchange it. The newer models, like the 172C, are MarineUpate compatible, in which case you would be able to download upgrades from the web if you have a USB card reader and the Marine Update software. Your unit (GPSMAP182C) is not MarineUpdate compatible. This page explains what MarineUpdate is. http://www.garmin.com/products/marineupdater/ On this page (on the right) you can enter your model number and see if it is MarineUpdate compatible. http://www.garmin.com/products/marineupdater/ However, you can update the 182C's operating software. There was a new release in Jan 2006. I'd suggest that you only install this if the software revision on your unit is below version 5.90. See here: http://www.garmin.com/support/collection.j...ct=010-00259-00 Let me know if you have any questions. BF

You can also advertise in Boat Fishing Monthly free of charge. BF

Correction. You can enter the waypoints in decimal. Just found the setup option. Doh!!

Lowrance and Eagle have updated their GPS Data Manager software. Version 6 is available on their websites for free download. Includes proper support for USB card readers. It's used for entering/editing waypoints and routes, etc. The software still limits you to entering data in degrees, minutes and seconds, so you cannot enter data in decimal. BF

Mark B (Loyal Royal) used to have one. He then moved up to a bigger Quick Silver (640?) but had a few problems with it. He's now got a Warrior 165. Nice boats but you need to be a bit careful of manufacturing defects in the hull. I once went to see one and the deck had started to ripple and sag in one area. Otherwise, good boats. BF

Here's another one for Weymouth. Again, the numbers are a mix of WSG84 and OSG36. http://www.weymouthdiving.co.uk/wrecks.htm BF

Take care to check the datums that they use for EACH wreck. They vary. I haven't found the numbers to be too accurate. BF

priceless!!!

Definitely fixed before handhand, but having both is ideal. If you're ever in an emergency sitution you want your broadcast to go as far as possible. In Poole Bay a fixed VHF can be heard by both Solant and Portand coast guards. As the others have said, the external aerial on a fixed unit is mounted higher which will give you more range (although you could connect a hand-held to the external aerial if it has a connector). But the fixed unit also has a much higher power output than the hand-helds (25W compared to 2-5W), which will also gives you greater range. As your confidence builds you will venture further out, especially in the company of other club boats. Ask Paul D. Modern fixed units are easy to disconnect after each trip. We all do it. BF

Tough one this. 160C # new model with new technoogy is a plus # colour screen, so much easier to see in daylight is a big plus # 120x120 resolution is a minus # dual beam, not bothered. # 150W power is lower but is supposed to give 900ft depth (yeah, right) # 4.5 inch screen is the same size 250 B&W # 320 x 320 screen resolution is a plus # 500w power is a plus # B&W screen is a big minus # dual beam, not bothered # 4.5 inch screen is the same If you just want to be able to see the coarse bottom contours to find your mark, or watch a wreck come up on the screen as you dirft over it, then screen resolution isn't critical. I think its more important to be able to see the damn screen in daylight, especially when you are standing away from the FF during drifts. If you're into seeing the detail of wrecks or want to be able to see individual fish, then the higher resolution is the one to go for. I'd have to go and see them both together and make sure I was happy with the lower resolution on the 160C, but in the end I would go for the colour screen because they are so much easier to see in daylight. A higher resolution screen will not catch any more fish. You'll also get more money for the 160C if you decide to upgrade later. (is your existing plotter/sounder a dual beam, also?) BF

Steve, Do you have some more details on the antenna's you are referring to? If they are the Gilsson make, they are supposed to have a good reputation and alegedly perform better than Garmins own. The Garmin antenna is amplified (as is the Gilsson) so one of the most important specs will be the signal gain. This will be given in dB's, and the higher the number, the better. So, check that it is at least as high as the Garmin antenna (I think the Garmins are around 16dB but don't quote me). There should be no problem sending the GPS data to both your FF and DSC VHF. Just make sure you connect the in's and out's correctly, and don't cross the polarities (eg accidently use the earth as the signal line). Give me some more info an the antenna and I will look into it. BF

Horses for coarses. For small boat electronics Navman has some nice features and good local support. For VHF's you should also look at ICOM and Standard Horizon. DSC is obviously a must, so don't buy anything second-hand without DSC. For FF, don't put a priority on dual frequency. We only need 200KHz for the depth of water we fish in. Navman, Garmin and Lowrance/Eagle are popular choises. If your budget can take it, go for colour display, not just for the better target definition, but also because the screens are much easier to see in daylight. But if the budget is tight, a good resolution B&W is ok. Better to put more of the budget on a colour chart plotter in my opinion. Go for a chart plotter, rather than a standard GPS plotter, if possible. Again, Garmin, Navman, Lowrance/Eagle and Standard Horizon are all good choices. Take a good look at the different chart software (bluechart, C-Map, Navionic Gold) and determine which best suits your needs. Why a chart plotter? You sound a bit of a techie, so you'll be able to use it's features and get a bit of fun from it. And if you're ever get caught in the fog, you'll appreaciate having a map to guide you and give some reassurance. For a chart plotter, colour is a must. Don't bother with B&W. It's important that your GPS can talk to your VHF DSC, so make sure they are compatible. Separate units are preferable to combo units in many ways. If you want to be able to make sonar recordings of your marks along with GPS coordinates you will need a recordable combo unit from Lowrance or Eagle. As long as the screen size is 6" or bigger, a combo unit is fine. I have the Eagle Seachamp 2000C combo, and I'm dead chuffed with it. The high-end Eagle units are basically last seasons Lowrance Units at a lower price. Take your time, do the research, go out and play with some sets and then make your choice. cheers BF

Kim, Do you want to give a price guide? BF

Welcome to the forum, Simon. And to the club in the near future. You'll find plenty of us to tag along with out of Mudeford. cheers BF