davepen

Jesus, that's awful. If it weren't for the snow, that'd look like hurricane damage.

Not a lot of people there.

The shirts I've seen (in another thread) look great. I would buy one but I don't want anything running down the sleeve. Just my .02

Don't get me wrong--I like it here. I guess I am partly to blame, I don't post all that much.

I visit every couple of days. I use the "View New Content" RSS link when I visit. I'm a little dissappointed at the volume of traffic here.

Put a cover on that thing, what's the matter with youz?

Yes, a virtual machine is indeed an option (there are licensing issues, mind you). I'm not so sure you'd have access the USB port(s) in question by using a VPC and the host operating system, but you can always try. I think you should try, but I'll bet a VPC won't work.

Communication with the DP is implemented via drivers, there are no 64-bit drivers available from Garmin, as you have found out. For the most part, the biggest advantage to a 64-bit operating system is the ability to utilize more than 4GB of memory (it's 3GB really, but there are other issues). If your new laptop has less than 4GB of memory, you might consider reverting to a 32-bit operating system to maintain compatibility. You'd lose a slight amount of performance, however. If you have more than 4GB of memory, you'd be rendering some of that memory "unavailable" by reverting to a 32-bit system. If this doesn't appeal to you, find a cheap laptop on craigslist and run MapSource (and Vista/XP 32-bit) on it. Garmin will eventually come around I imagine, but don't hold your breath.

4WD isn't really a bad thing to have, I do think it's necessity is overstated, especially when it comes to towing a boat. At one ramp I frequent, you are required to turn sharply to the left after your trailer clears the water. This is a bad idea when in 4WD on dry pavement, especially when tugging 7,000 lbs up a grade.

Agreed. It couldn't talk, could it?

Chapman Piloting, under "Lights for Naval Vessels."

Submarines navigating on the surface use a yellow flashing light--in fact, it flashes morse for "S", three dits.

I camp on my boat all the time. I have a small cuddy. It's just like having an RV.

Shrink isn't airtight, and any good installer will include vents and a zippered door. I shrink because I have the following requirements: No debris (e.g. leaves) enter the enclosure. No snow enters the enclosure. The enclosure is highly resistant to high winds and ice (not that this ever happens in MN). Does not require adjustment; and only minimal off-season inspection. If a tarp provides the level of protection you want, then by all means use one. We're not talking about a wood pile, here. Why wouldn't you want maximum protection (and piece of mind) for your boat in the off-season? I think I'll stick with shrink.

The dog. You can replace the other stuff.

So, if I were able to come alongside and take control of this boat, would it be mine?

I must be getting old at 43... That was one of the more idiotic things I've seen in a while.

My (older) Raymarine chartplotter uses the C-Map NT+ chips. The chip I have for the Great Lakes is very good. The chip I have for the Upper Mississippi is just okay. C-Map is owned by Jeppesen (now a Boeing company). There is an interesting comparison of electronic chart formats here: http://www.bluewaterweb.com/electronicchar...omparePlans.asp

Okay, I'm in for the solo system, Mercruiser Toggle-switch type. Thanks.

What does this mean? If this is a Shakespeare antenna, it likely has a "captive" coaxial cable (permanently attached to the antenna) that terminates with a PL-259 connector (that you, or your installer, installed). This, of course, is connected to the SO-239 connector on the back of the radio. Most, if not all, marine VHF antennas will read open on a continuity test. As skunked_again pointed out, "dead short" means nothing. What, exactly, is the problem?

Good for you. I like to see folks learning early.

I was impressed until I got to the ridiculous sink.

Will these work with the toggle-type switches?

You're in Florida, so I will asume you have a Florida "Concealed Weapon or Firearm License?" Did they ask to see it? In the future, tell them you have a weapon because you have a valid Florida license to do so and the 2nd Amendment affirms your individual right to own a firearm. No further elaboration is required.

I remember having asked for this several times on the old forum. I don't think Wiley likes us sweetwater boaters much.