When it comes to scopes you need to look at where you will be hunting the vast majority of the time. If you’re in the woods and not making long shots (100+ yards) I would look at the Bushnell Banner 1.5-4.5. This scope is also good for kids and short range hunting because it’s easier to find a deer when the scope is zoomed out and it still gives them a crosshair to put on the deer rather than iron sights. For a good all around a would look at a scope in the 2-7×32 area. Still good in thicker woods and can still make a decent range shot. If you’re hunting a over a large open area look at a 3-9×40. Nikon and Vortex are my go to scope brands. Both have good eye relief. Leupold scopes are typically lighter, but I feel the eye relief isn’t as good. Also have heard great things about Vortex’s customer service if you ever have to deal with them.

Consider mounting the unit on a genz box. I have a lowrance hook 7 and that is what I mounted my unit on. One thing to consider is interference. Not sure how birds are but I know my Lowrance has issues with interference around vexilars and marcums. I also have a fl-12 I bring with when I get around more people. I just started a thread asking about the rod holder and someone showed photos of pvc cut down for rod holders and it looks like it would work pretty well.

What size pvc did you use?

Like everyone else has said it depends on what you mean by a single person house. I personally like a small two man sled house for solo adventures. It allows me to have more room in the sled, it’s light enough to load and unload by myself, and I’m able to use a deadstick rod. House like this would be the otter cottage, clam nanook, and I can’t think of other ones but most companies have one in this size. These houses are also nice if you can’t afford to have a couple different houses because they are still comfortable with two people inside. If you want something smaller I would look at the otter hideout. You’ll have enough room for yourself and heating the house will be fairly easy based on size and insulation.

What is your fishing style? Are you a hole hopper who is punching 100s of holes or are you a permanent or wheelhouse fisherman? The electric augers are going to meet most people’s needs. Gas augers are nice for those who drill hundreds of holes or go back to the same spot and reopen the same holes. Electric is great for the average ice fisherman. With augers like the Strikemaster 40v you’re able to drill more holes on one battery than what you will most likely need. Electric is also a great option for permanent and wheelhouse fisherman looking to reopen old holes. As far as how longevity of the auger I feel gas is the way to go. In the future I can see the electric auger batteries last longer, but as of now it is hard to say how long they last. I run a 2 stroke and love the dependability of it. If you are a guy looking to reopen holes no matter which way to choose to go I would go with chipper style blades. If you’re a hole hopper you’ll definitely enjoy lazer blades to get through the ice quickly.