All I can say Dan is my t handle is 9.5",so even if I am trying to break a old hole ,it can't go down. I don't use a tether,but then again I don't travel iffy ice.It's about 5' tall.
Your skis will be ok,they take alot of abuse as Brian said just getting to the ice. The difference is amazing,just put a bit of wax on every year,not sure if you need that ,but does not hurt.
Great job Dutch,I built mine I think two year ago now. Not a flinch,be careful on clear ice,she'll run into the back of you or try to head south lol. Amazing difference in snow.
Same as my two Roku's,so easy to set up.Other then Netflix it's free for us. Still have a cable bill as well ,but the amount of programing available is unreal.Agreed daily news and things like that,not so good.