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Rich, A warm to the site. Someone will chime in.

I don't normally trailer that far but I put 8 rods across the back of my boat in downrigger holders and other fixed holders. I also put 4 rods on the gunwales in some BigJon holders. I can carry 8 more in some inexpensive plastic holders along the cab area of my Hardtop Islander. I usually take 18 rods with me for a four person crew. Extra rods come in handy when tangles or other unforeseen things happen. Try and keep the rod tips under 14' up from the ground and watch for trees along the way and at the ramp.

These Toughbooks cost thousands when new. This one is in exceptionally nice condition. So many uses on and off the water. These were built to withstand all the elements and rough service. The Chartplotter's functions are so easy to do. Most can be done with a key stroke.

A smaller sonar will do fine but I'd never want to go back to a small screen Chart Plotter GPS. You all know what a big screen Chartplotter GPS from the big players cost.

Terry, I'm glad ya sold her. I knew deep down ya was a hardtop man.

Al, I'll be sending you an email this afternoon. Thanks again for your sponsorship and good information.

I have another one next to me now that I'm getting ready for a friend. It's down in my basement maintaining a good GPS signal. This never loses signal outside on the pond. The ones I have are in very good condition. They can take a bump or a drop or a splash. No additional chips to buy and all of NOAA GLs charts are loaded. You can also load any chart using the included Map Cal. It's not for everyone but it works well for me. I can dim the screen to night mode in less than a second. The same with zoom in or out or a dozen or so many other things.

Here is another program I sometimes run with a different kind of chart. No chips to buy and this device is maintaining a good signal in my basement right now.

Every season has it's special beauty.

That is the big one in our area. A lot of Saginaw Bay fishermen will be there.

How many times in recent history has someone ran up on Ludington's or Manistee's South Breakwall?? Nothing takes the place of an experienced helmsman but with the proper tools The helmsman can be better in low visibility conditions. With your boat shown in real time and a picture like this coming up I think you'd stand a fair chance at steering around the break wall. The toughbook has a 13.3" square screen. Anyone desiring a demonstration of this system it can probably be arranged. Anyone that wants a screen shot of a particular area let me know. This is what Ludington's S. Breakwall looks like. Of course you'd be seeing it even bigger on the toughbook. The USB GPS receiver that I use with this is better than any GPS I have seen maintaining positions even inside a building.

The Toughbook is in great shape.

Byron, A warm to this site. Just holler if you need any help. You are right there is a lot of information here. The site is kept light and friendly. I'm looking forward to reading your first report.

Larry, I'm sending you an email. I'd be a Buyer and Seller. Maybe I could split a table with someone. It all depends on when.

I'm mailing out another one tomorrow. This one is still for sale

Jeff, A warm to our area. I live in the Au Gres Tawas area and fish the Saginaw Bay a lot. Give me a shout.

Matt, Thanks for posting this.

Keep the reports coming. I always enjoy them.

I have a Panasonic Toughbook in great condition upgraded to Windows 7 Pro with COA. This is loaded with all the Great Lake's charts and software. I have been running this system for 5 years and will continue to do so. If you have never experienced a set up like this you will be amazed. The Toughbook is all that the name implies. It's built to military specs and can take most anything you can dish out including a drop or a splash of water. It comes with an AC charger, DC charger, GPS receiver, and personal instructions. $400 Of course this has WIFI and can be used on and off the boat. It's also a great planning tool. Looking at it it you'd think it was new. Thanks for viewing this.

Gordy, I'm glad you checked back in. I missed your pics.

I'll be listing another one soon.

Done Deal Ted I'll give you a call tonight. I'd also be happy to ride on your boat or you could come on mine for a first hand demonstration. Thank You Very Much. This one is SOLD to Ted.

I have been retired for 15 yrs. I run a 86 SC Islander Hardtop.