I'm sure this has been asked here before, but I like to start new conversations.
What are the pros and cons of snowmobiles and 4 wheelers for ice fishing on the big pond? I don't have either right now, but am searching for something now.
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I'm sure this has been asked here before, but I like to start new conversations.
What are the pros and cons of snowmobiles and 4 wheelers for ice fishing on the big pond? I don't have either right now, but am searching for something now.
In my opinion quads are the star when there is no snow on the ice. I personally run a group of sleds, mainly because they tend to handle cracks and shoves with a bit more ease. I only run fan cooled sleds on the ice, so when there is little to no snow they wont overheat. Days when the snow is slim to none I carry dish soap to lube the slides on the track. No issues thus far. Another important thing to have on the sled is some studs and a good set of carbides, especially when the snow is not of plenty. My favorite sled that I have owned in the last 10 years is my 2000 Arctic Cat Bearcat 2 up. 440 fan motor, studded, and that thing will pull like a workhorse. Hope some of this info helps you out.
This picture was taken today.
Obviously we just had snow. However, even on a day when there are good packed down trails (which are necessary for quads and ATVs) to get out on, if there is wind then there are drifts. Many times people go out on ATVs with no problem only to find that the snow has drifted across the paths and they have a really hard time getting back in.
As mlSmith said, when there is a crack like last week that is 12" wide of open water, the snowmobiles went right across without even thinking about it.. Those with quads had to find another way around or across... Not devestating when there is no snow, but if there had been snow and no access roads already packed down by the snowmobiles then the ATVs would have had issues.
Last year I was on a 6x6 Ranger Side by Side with chains on 2 of the rear tires and the front tires. We managed, but we struggled a lot and those on sleds had to wait for us.
In my mind, there is no question that there are days that quads will be just fine, but there will be plenty (like right now and this weekend) where you will literally be sunk and stuck. ATVs won't be going anywhere this weekend unless they stay on the beaten paths.
The other thing is that the snowmobiles are much safer in regards to not going through the ice.
I have both and use both. But if I had to chose to just have 1 or the other then it would be a sled, hands down.
-Matt
(Photo is from 2/2/2015) the guy had to be pulled out of the snow with an airboat
All my ice buddies started with quads years ago but now all own sleds. I would take a sled anyday on the ice.
Thanks, that really helps a lot. Been shopping around, and have seen a lot of good prices on older sleds. ATV"s are another story. I think I'll get serious about a sled.
sleds for sure!
A polaris 550 touring 2 up is another great worker. I have a switchback 800 liquid right now , but have scratchers for it. Studs are a must.
And friend and I will be down the last week of the month on two quads. Will this be a problem?
MLSMITH83 is right, get a FAN COOLED 2 up sled (likely pre 2001) with REVERSE...ideally push button electronic reverse. Liquid cooled sleds need to throw snow up into a radiator like part that is above the track. No snow, no cooling the liquid running through that radiator back into the engine. Light array of studs is good idea too.
I like his idea of the dish soap to keep the slides cooler when no snow, will adopt that one.
Madd Matt is right. Last Saturday my fishing bud & I had to ride double on a quad because of lack of snow...instead of taking two liquid cooled sleds. On the way back in to Camp Perry we found several 12" cracks with only about 4" thickness of ice at the edges! My friend drove across without me on the quad but pulling 2 Clam shelters with our stuff. Guess what? As he went across a piece of ice from the edge broke off! Piece was about 3' wide and 6' long! Well needless to say I tried to pick a spot down the crack to jump across. Did that with great anxiety, and the thought of never going out there with any kind of SOUTH WIND (wind was SW). I had a throw rope bag clipped to my backpack I was wearing, but stupid me did not think to throwing the line over to my fishing bud before jumping that crack! So there is an idea......take a throw bag/rope with you and use it in a situation like I was in. (they sell an orange bag with a rope stuffed in it for just that purpose) CLAM makes one but you can make your own too. Just make sure the rope is wrapped such that it won't get tangled when tossed.
Yep, she pulls like a horse! Great ice sledQuote:
Originally Posted by BossHogg
Many, many people use quads. If there is deep snow (more than 4-5") on the ice then it is very slow going and when you hit drifts you better have a shovel.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mckaax
However, with the amount of traffic out there right now you can stay on the "roads" leaving the main areas and are generally just fine.
If you have chains put them on.
-Matt
I just bought 400 studs for my tires
I use to own 2 Kawasaki 4 wheelers and I have to admit they are a blast in the snow. and can be used all year long. mine was a 650 and a 700 prairie and went good in snow. but erie is a different story. if I just wanted something for ice fishing it would be a sled. but if I had the money for both and was fishing erie it would be on a sled. a sled is just more practical and much safer on water. if I didn't do a lot of riding my 4 wheeler all year long and I could only choose one it would be a sled. but a sled can only be used on ice and snow and I ride all year and I would get a big 4 wheeler and use studs.
I don't have my 4x4,s any more and don't ice fish up on erie. so im just giving my opinion on common sense. a sled just makes more sense on erie. but a 4x4 will work and you can find trails all over the country for riding in the summer. if you have no plans to ride all year then you should by all means get a good sled.
I am thinking about bringing my 2014 side by side but am scared to death it's gonna fall through. I've never been on the ice without a guide so I feel more comfortable on my $1000 pos quad. Is this good thinking or should I feel comfortable on my brand new machine it doesn't have insurance
Don't think I'd go out with NO insurance!Quote:
Originally Posted by Mckaax
I have not been able to find insurance for an ATV or snowmobile that covers loss through ice. Most policies have an exclusion that says that as soon as you leave land and venture onto frozen water that you are un-insured.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bggeary
If anyone has a policy that covers loss through ice I know I would be very interested and so would many people in here.
Too many people find out the hard way that they don't have coverage while ice fishing and they thought that they did.
-Matt
My state farm policy covers loss through the ice and dnr fees for it sitting on the bottom for both my atv and snowmobile. I specifically asked that before getting those policies
I now have a atv policy. Geico too said they cover through ice. I will double check but I asked clearly to make sure and he said yes. We will see. I will check ice levels before I leave and make a decision then. What do you guys recommend the ice levels before a large side by side
That is awesome news! I have progressive, a few years ago I was looking around and getting nowhere. I don't remember all that I checked, but a few of them where: Farmers Insurance, Nationwide and Geico.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mckaax
At the time none of them covered you once on the ice. Then there was a discussion in here that someone said that no insurance company covered you once you where on ice. I guess I stopped asking and just accepted that as the truth and never asked again.
I'm going to be switching before this weekend since I'll have 4 sleds and a Polaris 800 ATV on the ice!
Thanks a TON!
-Matt
Well, I went and done it. Got a '99 Ski Doo Formula 500. Fan cooled. Pretty nice sled. Not a 2 up (which I wanted) but couldn't pass it up for 900.00. No studs either. How much trouble am I looking at until I can get some? Should be a fair amount of snow out there now shouldn't there?
I'll have to read the policy as I could tell the quoter was really pushing the sale.
My option would be a sled, as it's more agile on the snow. Wonder which option did you choose for yourself.