Ice shanty - What to buy?

[PirateMike]

Ok, what is a good two man shanty/hut to buy and where to buy on line? I also would like to purchase one of those sleds with covers that you haul with a sled/ATV, what type/brand is best for Lake Erie and small lakes?

I saw a lot of guys dragging the sleds but wondered what type of shanty they had to be able to fit it all in?

[PDnaz]

I have had both a Clam & Eskimo 2 man. The Eskimo seemed to be better quality and more roomy. You have a bunch of choices on size, insulated, depending on how much you want to spend. I have one suggestion that I recently did. I made a "smitty sled." both were hard to pull in the snow and the smitty sled is a great option. I have used it on lake erie. Google Smitty Sled and see the pics.

[KRAMHAYS]

Otter has the best sled base and square tube frame if your looking for a flip over. Check with Frank's in Linwood MI. Vast knowledge

[PirateMike]

Thanks, I read the Otter but it says they only ship to certain states. If anyone has pics of rig set and not set I would like to see. Not worried about this year but want to have something for next year.

[jiginitis69]

Keep in mind that if your hauling a set up with atv or snowmobile to prepare for the worst. They tip over (shanty's) when pulled. Or your gonna go slow, very slow and even then????? Gotta button everything down. I put fir strips under lips and put 3/8' eye bolts through and secure with wratchet straps. My buddy keeps his poles in a pole holder on his back. maded a rack for auger & milk crates to hold buckets which in turn hold bait. Its a process of improvement as you go. LOL

[Madd Matt]

I really like the Eskimo brand. I pull my Eskimo behind a quad and also behind a 6x6 Polaris ranger. This last week we went out 4 days, about 6-8 miles each day, we moved a couple times, and my GPS shows my speed between 18-28 MPH. I hit some pretty big shoves that I didn't see in time that I thought for sure were going damage or flip the sled... I have never had my sled flip. I do have the 3 man sled & shanty and it has a little larger base than most 2 man. However, the Eskimo FlipMo 2 Inferno (Inferno means its insulated) has the same size sled and same footprint as the 3 man, and the seats swivel! I have already ordered the Eskimo FlipMo 2 Inferno for next year. They aren't shipping until August this year. The shanty is attached to the sled (as with most any brand you buy "Clam" "FraBil" etc...) from the time I pull up to my spot until the shanty is fully set up on the ice is less than 1 minute (this will also be the case with any good brand flip system).

The seats you see are permanently installed, but they flip down. I fit 4 - 5 gal. buckets in the sled, plus a 20lb propane tank with heater (seen in pic) That all fits behind the seats. I then put all my rods under the seats from the front, and I have a TON! of room left in the shanty sled to travel. The only thing that I do not put in the shanty is the auger. The shovel and everything else all fit in the shanty for towing. The nice thing is that you can set the shanty up without having to move or unload any gear... you can do that once it is set up and the heat is on!

The Eskimo is a great product and amazing customer support should you ever have a problem. I had a crack in one of the plastic windows.. they answered the phone right away, asked me the model & serial #, and shipped me a new one.

[Time4one]

Ok, what is a good two man shanty/hut to buy and where to buy on line? I also would like to purchase one of those sleds with covers that you haul with a sled/ATV, what type/brand is best for Lake Erie and small lakes?

I saw a lot of guys dragging the sleds but wondered what type of shanty they had to be able to fit it all in?

I don't want to hijack your tread, but if you're interested in the Otter sled/shanty, I have an Otter "Cabin" model with all the add ons. (hitch, cover, one seat, and hyfax runners installed.) Used it one time. New, over $600. I'd sell it for $375.00.

[BigDan]

Iam interrested in your otter my BigDan

[Time4one]

BigDan, sent you a PM.