Bob F

Yes, I'll see if Mark A wants to go. Bob F.

The 172C has a CSTN display, which is short for color super-twist nematic, an LCD technology developed by Sharp Electronics Corporation. Unlike TFT (like on the 182C), CSTN is based on a passive matrix, which is less expensive to produce. The original CSTN displays developed in the early 90's suffered from slow response times and ghosting. Recent advances in the technology, however, have made CSTN a viable alternative to active-matrix display (like on the 182C). New CSTN displays offer 100ms response times, a 140 degree viewing angle, and high-quality color rivaling TFT displays (like on the 182C)- all at about half the cost. However, the TFT technology (182C) provides the best resolution of all the flat-panel techniques, amd is daylight viewable, but it is the most expensive. TFT has an active matrix type of flat-panel display in which the screen is refreshed more frequently than in conventional passive-matrix displays. The two terms, active matrix and TFT, are often used interchangeably. So, the way I see it, the 172C has a smaller, less expensive display which may be more difficult to see in day light. The 172C display needs an adjustable backlight to allow you to manually alter the display so you can see it in sunlight. The big advantage of the 182C is that the dislplay is daylight viewable, meaning you can see it at all times without having to make any adjustments. I haven't seen the 172C display side by side with the 182C, but my guess is that the 182C will be better, but you really need to see them in sunlight to show how much better the 182C is. The 172C has 256 colours versus 16 colours on the 182C but I don't think this is much of an advantage for the 172C because the charts don't use more than 16 colours, anyway. Having said all of this, the CSTN technology has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, so they might be a lot closer to the 182C. Another difference I noticed was that the 172C has 10,000 tracklog points compared to 2,500 on the 182C. This isn't a real big deal, but it will mean you will use up the tracklog memory on the 182C quicker, and so have to clear it more often. Again, this isn't a big deal unless you do a lot of high resolution tracking. Bob F.

Adam, I'd be up for the Sole trip, too. Bob F.

Good man. That's a date. Hoping to wet a line this week, but it doesn't look good. Bob F.

Prefer Sunday. It's Karen's birthday on Saturday. Bob F.

Dave, was that the last trip before the new toy arrives? Paul, and I was going to ask you for a trip in your dinghy...glad you did the shake down trial first. Shame about that lost bass. Was it from the same spot that you got your other big bass? Bob F.

Thanks for the tips, Mike. Bob F.

...but you don't like conger, Martin??? Or has James got your juices flowing? Bob F

Paul, I agree with Mike. Rather than going through the trouble of altering the manual tilt on your engine, try moving someone well forward and back in the boat to see where the best trim (and thus speed) is obtained whilst you're on the plane. Once you find the spot you can alter the manual engine tilt to produce the same result with the crew in their normal seated positions. Yes, I too get a smoother ride in rough seas with the wings. Bob F.

Yep, I will be there. Splash-Out + 1 crew. Bob F

Picture the scene...man poised ballerina-like on tippy toes with water up to the top of his test waders, lungs fully inhaled, and preying like mad that no one disturbs the water...goes by the name of King Canute!

Cheers Coddy. Are there Bonefish around the Keys? Ever tried for them?? I wonder how much a spot of Tarpon fishing would cost with a guide in a small dinghy?? Bob F.

Have haven't built one of these, but my take on this is: 1) Why do you want bubbles and air (like a venturi)? You will be pumping in fresh sea water which is already fully oxygenated???? 2) The bilge pumps are pretty powerful and so I don't think they will struggle to "push" the head of water you are talking about. One problem you might have is that the water will back flow through the bottom entry when the pump is turned off. A cheap or home made one-way valve would cure this. Bob F.

Launching early means we miss all the traffic in the morning. We'll probably have to suffer the traffic when we come in, but it will be worth it.

Am I jealous or what? Beats my best blonde, Adam. Good on yer!

Nice one, me boy!

Now there's a fine, uhh...Tope!

We're intending to spend a week around Miami next year, before we drive up to Orlando for the Theme Parks. Hope to wet a line or two. What's best to do? Hire a small dinghy for a day or go out in a charter boat? Pros and cons for both I suppose. Bob F.

Prefer Pandora's myself. All you can eat for $6.

Have fun.

Unless someone has a brilliant idea, I think I will give it a miss this weekend. Gotta take the kids to Thorpe Park tomorrow to throw up on the roller coasters, and so I don't fancy a Force 6-8 on Sunday to throw up again!! The only things I can suggest is mullet fishing in Christchurch Harbour, or perhaps the Solent will have a sheltered spot IF the wind is SSE?? Bob F.

Anyone seen or tried on of the Eddystone Tatler Liveboat kits that are being advertised in the mags (this months Total SF, page 97 and 98)? Looks ideal for a small boat. One version looks like it is colapsable so can be stored out of the way. 12 litre (so too small for live mackerel????) and a 2 speed, 12v pump.

...oooh you big tease, you!!

...but don't let this stop you all going out on Saturday. Go for the best day, weather wise. Bob F

Adam, Dave, I can only do Sunday. Bob F.