SeaCatMich

If it was May I'd say head over to Manistee or Ludington and start looking at how other boats are rigged in the marinas. Since that's not really an option but you do have some time before the boat will go in the water, I would head for the two bigger fishing shows that are happening in March -- Flint Steelheaders in Birch Run (March 7/8/9) and the Ultimate Fishing Show in Grand Rapids (March 20-22). You should be able to see and talk to most/all of the main track & rod holder manufactures or their reps. Then you can put together a plan as to how you want to set the boat up. With that list I'd then contact places like Calumet Marine and Big Papa Sportfishing to have them put together a package deal for what you want. If you choose to go with tracks directly mounted to the boat then pricing out the pieces at Northwoods. Fortunately tracks from Bert's, Traxstech, Cannon and others will allow use of parts from any of the other companies. You also mention that you want to replace the fishfinder and GPS. Lots of good units out there but my general recommendation would be to get a fishfinder system that will allow for multiple displays. It is older now, but my Raymarine setup has a black box sounder that allows me to run a helm display and a stern display. Having the helm unit is great when running out to find fish but when fishing, having the one on the stern is really useful. It makes it really easy to adjust the presentation based on what shows on the fish finder -- if I see a fish 40' deeper than my riggers are running, I can quickly move one down to the fish (and you would be surprised how often it will get hit right away). Some of the newer gear will also let you use a tablet as a secondary display using WiFi or Bluetooth to transmit from the main head unit. You also said "If you could buy what ever you wanted to outfit a new boat" and the one thing you don't list is an auto pilot. If the boat doesn't have one it would be high on my list of things to add. Makes fishing a lot more enjoyable when you are not having to worry about keeping the boat straight on course -- also when running in/out or when cruising. Lots of good models out there for this too with Garmin, Simrad, and Raymarine all having excellent units for your size vessel. You won't know until you get the boat out on the water but a pair of trolling bags is another item you may need/want to look at. Not only do they give you more precise trolling speed control but they will reduce the side to side roll in many sea conditions and make the ride more comfortable. Big Papa and Amish Outfitters both have good bags and a call to either will get you a recommendation for the right size.

Calling usually works better than email in getting hold of Traxstech. If Jeff isn't there he will get back to you pretty quick. Where are you located?

I am a big fan of track systems. Have had them on my last two boats and I love the versatility they provide for different fishing situations. My spring, summer, and fall layouts are all slightly different, plus I also setup different for Lake Michigan salmon than I do when the boat gets trailered to Erie for walleye. My tracks are mounted directly to the gunnel and stern. If I were to do it over, I would go to a raised track instead (picture off Traxstech website below). Main reason is it only requires 2 or 3 of the 6" tracks to be mounted to the boat to mount the traclk pedestals too instead of bolt holes every foot for direct mounted track. Most boats have built in flush mount rod holders and a raised track does not require these to be removed or gone around. In the unusual situation where you have to remove the fishing equipment, the whole track assembly can be removed only leaving the 6" tracks that can then have step pads inserts put in. Very clean look but still all of the functionality of a track system. As far as what to put in the tracks, I have a mix of different brands of equipment: Big Jon vertical trees (board rods), Cannon dual axis ratcheting rod holders (divers), and Traxstech downrigger swivel pedestals. Being able to use the equipment you like best in the tracks from many different manufactures is also great -- and if you don't like it, change it or sell it and try something else without having to drill more holes in the boat. Raised track samples: Pic of Honda Cat's World Cat with Traxstech raised track system:

Three fell through in Grand Haven on Saturday 2/15 (http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2014/02/ice_is_not_safe_three_reported.html) Didn't slow down too many though. Check out the video on this FaceBook post: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202012612611556