Geoff

I had a 4.2mt tinny , same problem so made a small rocket launcher from timber. It held 4 rods. When I got my new boat transfered the idea & increased the size to 6 as there was more space available. Mounting them on the side of the boat is OK when traveling either on the trailer or on the water but I find access both to remove & replace with a vertical holder is a lot easier & faster during the day when at your fishing spot. Other than a bit of time this cost next to nothing to make Geoff

Further to Ross's question , do you have open days , training sessions , boating programs etc , etc. ie , actual hands on. Can you recommend a web site covering the Coastal Patrol for the B.B. Pt Hacking area Tks Geoff

And DITTO from me , a great day , looking foward to the next one. Thanks to all Geoff

Ray If I recall correctly , Salamanda Bait & Tackle have maps & should be able to asist. They are located in the BP service station next to the Salamanda Shopping Centre. It may also be worth a visit to the 2 tackle stores in Nelson Bay. One is located just up from the Tourist Information Center & the other is in town opposite the main supermarket , I think it is Bi Lo Geoff

OFFICIAL RULES FOR BACK TO THE BAY SOCIAL SUNDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2007 Owing to the large number of boats that will be present , I have expanded our fishing area to include the Georges River and Cooks River , and all tributaries. Ross. With the Kingie social there was a line across Sydney heads. Could you clarify , is there a similar line across BB heads or does the area extend to outside Tks Geoff

The Garmin 72 is worth a look. The other is Magellan eXplorist 100. I think Lowrance also make a hand held unit. I looked at the 72 & 100 at the boat show. Both had similar features , decided on the Magellan , main reason , my old unit is a Magellan & happy with the performance. Price wise , Magellan $225 , Garmin 72 $235. These were show specials. Normally they sell for around $250 Geoff

Peter . Tks for the additional pic's. Certinaly a big difference to when I last visited the area Geoff

danilo Do you have transport , if so have a look around Malabar , La Perouse area. There are a few bays & rock spots along the northern headland. Tackle store Fishfinder are sponsors on Fishraider. Worth a visit as they are in your area. Check out this web site http://fishraider.com.au/Invision/index.php?showtopic=14765 Geoff

Peter , great pic's. Were the waves / surge actually getting up into the small bay area east of the road bridge Geoff

peterS. Great snaps . Have fished out of Tathra on several occusions. It is actually rather amazing how calm the water becomes with in 100mt of the entrance. For the interest of others , here is what it looks like on a calm day Geoff

A friend of mine has a 60 4s & the service book advises every 50 hours. In respect to cost , it depends on where you take it but I understand a basic service can run from the high $200's to the mid $300's Perhaps ring around , most dealers should be able to give you an indication over the phone Geoff

Webby Marine Park maps are available from the local tackle stores or MSB ( Waterways ) office at the marina , next to the Co-Op In respect to LB fishing locations the most popular is the breakwall at the marina. Other spots , breakwall next to the boat ramp at Salamada Bay , the jetty at Little Beach , (note , the eastern side shore line of the Little Beach bay is a protected area) & Tomaree head land. With the exception of the jetty , the other locations are exposed to the tidal flow so better to fish at the top or bottom of the tide. There was a popular LB rock spot at Zenith Beach but this is now a Sanctuary area Geoff

Rod Tks for your comments. I think your pretty close to the money. The unit I have is a Magellan 300. I contacted the local agent & they advised it is in essence a technology issue for that style of unit that was released in the late 90's. The unit receives updates every 1 second but the screen only up dates every 10 sec or so. Went to the boat show & checked out the Garmin 72 & Magellan eXpolrist 100. Both were similar in featuers , price & functionality . Decided on the Magellan. Gave it a test run on Saturday. Very happy with the performance especially the screen updated which now , in essence , instantaneous. Geoff

Yep , organised my gear yesterday & sorted a few things out on the boat. Will hook up tomorrow for a flying start on Saturday. Just checked the weather , 20/30 knots Westerly Should be a reasonable run to the heads going out , perhaps a bit of a challenge coming home. Hope the fish are on the bite close in to the cliffs where it should be reasonably protected otherwise , plan B , along Brighton beach. Geoff

I would like to second Deek's suggestion. Questions / comments on electrical / electronics tend to become lost in the Boating section. Stewy , I note your response but perhaps that was when the membership was much lower. Did a quick count & there are 14 posts on electrics in the boating section since early June. Not a lot but perhaps enough to give an electronics forum another run. Other than that , great site , keep up the good work Regards Geoff

Jim Tks for the information , read the artical & understand how the accuracy has been improved following the change in 2000 but not sure how this effects my unit & the response time. In other words , why or how would a change in Selective Availability effect the response time Is it possible there is a compatability issue between my unit & the data being transmitted since 2000 My knowledge of these things is next to zero so any assistance is appreicated Geoff

When looking at the different brands / models inquire about the time ( response) delay for the unit to display a reading in relation to your actual position. I have a hand held unit , not a brand mentioned above , works OK except for the response time. Example. Say I was heading for 32.45.100. When approaching , slow down & the GPS is reading 32.45.000. Still motering along & the next reading is 32.45.200. Do a U turn , go back to where I think I will be close to 32.45.100 & wait for the GPS to update. It can be rather annoying The GPS is about 7 years old & it has done this from day one. Any one else have this situation ?? Geoff

Tks Ross , your a champion Geoff

Does any one know of & can advise a web site that lists sunrise / sunset times for Sydney , day by day for all or the remainder of 2007 Tks Geoff

Ross Pls add Mottyman ( David) , son Andy & myself Tks Geoff

Most items in this category attract 5% duty + GST on the purchase price. Check out the freight cost. Is it door to door or door to airport. If the latter then there will be cost to clear & deliver the item at this end Geoff

Roddy I'm towing 800kg long distances , Pt Stephens , Bermagui with a VX. Whilst this is about half your weight I think the prinicaple of weight V's speed will apply. I normally cruise on the freeway around 85 - 90 kph , a bit slower up hills. I find there is very little strain on the car , especially the gearbox. Also , the fuel economy is far more respectable than pushing along at 110 kph. Don't forget the "power" button , if that what they still call it. Whenever towing it should be activated so the gearbox changes down gears therfor placing less strain on the motor / gearbox Geoff

Prior to scanning through the local paper in search of a plumber thought I would place this post to see if are any Plumbers in FR that may be interested in a job in the St George area. It entails the instalation of a 250lt HW tank & plumbing to the kitchen , laundry ( 2 outlets) bath , shower & sink. Just to clarify , this is a new instalation in an old house. Access to all points is good , ie , there is no crawling on hands & knees etc Timeing , reasonably flexable , let's say , some time between the 9/7/07 & 14/7/06 If interested or have any questions pls send me a PM Geoff

Admin / Mods . Just checked out the new section on Boat Ramps. Great job team , just look for an area , select & there they are , all so easy to follow This will be of great assistance to those looking to try some where new Geoff

Ross Perhaps print this off & throw darts into the Lows http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDG00074.shtml Geoff