mudflat

Jax "Bob's Fish Holder" also available from A-TOM-MIK, in his catalog under Miscellaneous

Chowder See the Swivel & Knot post under Tackle and Techniques, all the info is there

The quality of your rod holder makes a big difference, some are meant just for rods. When I used the Perko rod holders that came on my boat I had a lot of movement, they weren't built to take the stress that riggers put on them. I went to a set of Smith's that were designed for downriggers and it's a lot better now. Whatever you use make sure you thru bolt them with a good backer, no screws, riggers don't float well. I also use shorter arms on the riggers and keep them mounted low to minimize the leverage. I'll test them out this year, going from 10 to 15 lb weights. A track system is probably better but these have worked for me so far.

I think you're looking for Jim at BOE byownerelectronics.com

Asked A-TOM-MIK yesterday and he said the launch was open but the long docks aren't in yet. He saw one boat in the harbor and two trailers in the lot, no fishing reports yet.

Yankee, I also have a 225 4s that is very quiet when trolling and enjoy the humm of the rigger cables, that's probably why I notice the AP noise more. The noise comes from the hydraulic pump only when it is running, it will turn on and off briefly each time it needs to make a course adjustment. It is a med-low pitch "buzzing" noise probably around 75 decibels. The pump comes with 18" hoses which T into the back of the steering box and on my CC I had to mount the pump underneath the console where it is only covered by a plastic shroud. I insulated it and the lines with 1" foam rubber which helped. I searched on THT before I purchased the S1000 and comments there indicated that all AP's with hydraulic steering make similar noise. I've gotten used to the "buzz" and hardly notice it when I'm at the back of the boat. I was thinking of trying some more sound deadening foam under the cover and maybe lowering the sensitivity of the AP so it doesn't make as many course corrections. When I am running with the wind there are less course corrections needed so it is quieter. It isn't bad enough that I shut it off and I would buy the same unit again. Hope this helps Mudflat

Ken, I have had a S1000 for about a year on a 21' and what Yankee Clipper said is right on the mark. Mine holds ok below 2mph but you do need to be over 2.5 to get it to engage. When they first came out they would shut off at low speeds but then Raymarine updated the software to work down to about 1.25. I understand that you can have the older units updated if you send in the brain. Installation is pretty easy. My only complaint would be that the pump is fairly noisy even after insulating it. Still quiieter than having the wife steer. Mudflat

Fish307 has 200' of 150lb test - $29.99