Jabiru658

Nope, that's what chart plotters are for

No idea, I use it on Android not Apple.

The Navionics app works well, it's $17-99 on the iTunes and Google play stores. https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/marine-australia-newzealand/id442701929?mt=8 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.navionics.singleAppOceania

I'm actually finding it difficult to get a license even though I want to, the last two 'held on the a weekend' one day courses I've booked into have been cancelled due to lack of minimum numbers.

To fit every member of your family perhaps but there are two of my family members who don't fit into XXXL PFDs. A while back both were using imported US sourced 5-6XL PFDs until a water police officer told them that their vests were not approved under an Australian standard (which they weren't they had US Coast Guard standard markings on them) and further that even after they explained that they couldn't buy a non inflatable PFD to fit with Australian standards markings they were in breach of the regulations and that they could fine them (and would if they found them wearing them again). So now they wear inflatable vests because those are the only ones with long enough straps to actually fit them *shrug*.

If I was buying a small 2 stroke for a small roof top tinny or an older 2nd hand tinny and I had to keep the budget down then I'd consider a Parson but personally if it was for a more substantial purchase then I'd avoid them purely for resale reasons. A 2.5 to 6hp 2 stroke used occasionally is IMO likely to be in a different league when it comes to depreciation compared to Parsons new electric tilt/trim 60 to 90 horse range and if it was me I'd be avoiding their larger motors. You 11 footer is sort of in the middle between those two extremes and I guess you could go either way.

Just a point to be aware of, the ferry uses Cowes pier and I'd suggest avoiding fishing around the times it comes and goes because it tends to stuff up the fishing for a little while after it arrives

The Suzuki 70 hp four stroke motor is basically a detuned Suzuki 90 4 stroke and has a much larger cubic capacity than the Yamaha 70 4 stroke (which is a higher tuned derivative of the Yamaha 60). My personal opinion is that the Suzuki 70 would be a better fit due to having higher mid range torque (within the stated limits of 'wanting a 70 horse power 4 stroke') assuming that the extra weight isn't an issue.

I used to have a Polycraft 4.55 but there aren't many of the 4.50 models around. The main differences are that the rear pods on the 4.55 have been shortened, the front compartments under the front deck have improved doors and access, the rear seats have been squared off and and storage is available under them. Pretty much all comments applicable to the 4.55 apply to the 4.50 other than those listed above. Do NOT buy one with 40 horses on the back, polys are heavy boats and the 4.5/4.55 should have a listed minimum power of 50ps, try and get one with a 60 on the back. They are a softer riding and quieter boat than pressed tinnies but not as soft as the best fibre glass hulls in the same length and they tend to throw around the spray a bit in chopped up seas. They are very stable for their length, boast level flotation, have a durability unmatched by either tin or fibre glass and the purchase price is cheaper than many other boats. Fitting accessories isn't as easy as with tinnies and side pockets aren't. Ummm that's all that comes to mind at the moment...