Obviously I'm missing something

[two cups]

I also had a hard time justifying a wheel house. Mainly because if I had a choice I would be fishing outside without a portable even. But when the bite is good on lake of the woods or some where try and find a room to stay in. Also there were alot of lakes that I wanted to fish for pan fish but when I go for one day I fish walleyes. Now that I have a wheel house I can go to these lakes and spend the weekend and fish for everything that I want to. Also since I live upnorth I leave it on a local lake and fish crappies after work. It is easy to do and I can be fishing after work by 4:00 and on my way home by 6:oo. It did cost alot less than my boat or camper and it gives me enjoyment in the winter time. I also think it is alot cheaper than other winter sports like snowmobiling. Now if only the crappies would start biteing. Rick

[paceman]

There are lots of great deals on wheel houses. You don't have to spend 10 grand. I bought a 7 x 12 on wheels for 1500 a few years ago. It has been awesome. It is great for fishing with the kids, friends, family.... With weather we will have this week, the holes prob. won't freeze up in the house. We can show up, turn the heater on and be warm and comfy in minutes. Even when it was 30 below. If the fishing is poor we will play board, card games. I can move it in minutes, pull it with a 4 wheeler for early ice. And it doubles as a storage shed in the off season. Money well spent. IMO

[Walterwontfalter]

People spend just as much, and often more for their summer fishing boats and they only use them during the summer and have to store them for the winter... I can use the wheelhouse all year round... It's like my boat for the ice!

[zamboni]

I don't mind seeing some people shell out tons of cash for RVs, boats, and other toys. Can't take it with you when you go, might as well spend it. My dad is tighter than all get out, which is good for us kids, our inheiritance someday will be very good, but whats the point?? Spend it and enjoy life, thats what you have worked hard for.

[Breu18061]

I am with n minnbow hunter . I got a 2010 8x16 for 3200 and have 4500 or so into it. i could easily sell it for 7000.you just got to spend time looking for a good deal. go to [Note From Admin: Please read forum policy please. Thank you.]

[Breu18061]

I hope its ok to write that HSOforum on here if not Sorry.

[T.O.W]

Is it economical? Fair question. Just estimates below. Please no sharpshooters on the numbers; many variables.

Let's take a pre-made $15,000 house, sleeps four/stove/inside toilet, should last 15 years easy.

Add $500 a year for insurance, tabs, maintenance, bait, propane and pro-rated generator.

That's 1,500 a year for four guys to go ice fishing anywhere in the state with lots of ice time in extreme comfort.

Estimated price for renting a sleeper fishhouse is $75 a day per person, times four guys, times three days equals $900.

So in just two average trips it more than pays for itself every year, hands down IMO. And this is not counting all the other summer uses you see in numerous comments above. I think buzbunni has it right, depending on use, probably about five years of use to pay for itself.

Perhaps not economical if it's just one person using it but this would be rare though, most people go with a couple guys or their family. And for the guys with the time and skills to build or those that find good deals then they are even farther ahead when it comes to the numbers.

So guys, work the numbers for your situation and make a proposal to the misses. It's a wise investment and will save money over time.

[Down2Earth]

I checked out that nivi manufacturing site and the last 3 auctions they have had that yellow one. They just keep bidding all the fish houses up themselves. No deals to be had there. Might as well call them and ask them what the price is to buy it. They should just have a reserve price and post it. Save a bunch of people a lot of time. Plus there fish houses have angle iron frames.

[hdspringer]

I think a wheel house is a great investment, especially if you consider using it in the summer. Try take a family of 5 fishing for a weekend in any portable or rental and you will see what I mean. I dont care how great of deal I get on renting a house, nothing beats hooking up to the trailer already loaded with all our gear and hitting the lake for the weekend with the family. Not to mention they cost a fraction of the price of a good bass boat. As far as maintenance and break downs, its like anything else, if you keep it maintained and dont do anything stupid they will take care of you.