Wheelhouse - Tips/Tricks

[Zoob]

So, I'm contemplating building a wheelhouse for next year (or converting a shed type structure). I saw some guy move his shack a couple weeks back and left a good chunk of rotted wood frozen in the ice from the frame/rails at the bottom. I've also wondered about powering it, and am curious to any tips or tricks folks might have on their builds.

A couple things I'm looking at doing that seem like good ideas (and previously mentioned in other threads I've read)

1. The wind generator (what a great idea) for power.

2. Ice hole sleeves (or long-necked slushbox type deals) so the shelter doesn't need to be dropped.

3. With the idea of sleeves, I was thinking about something similar to boat-trailer crankwheels (but with pads, not wheels) in the corners for stability - so I never have to drop the shelter down, just crank down the pads and stabilize it.

Can I just start building a basic frame - and how important is insulation? (I'm currently slogging about in a sled-portable, works fine enough; stays warm enough - even over the holiday snap we had).

If you had recommendations for someone starting new on building/converting up a wheelhouse, what would be the advice you could give (can range anywhere from the type of caulking/silicone for seals to insulation to rails construction to lights / windows / doors). Although windows, I figured just plexiglass window panes would work fine.

This is all pie in the sky right now, serious planning and building would happen in the spring and summer.

edit: if this topic has been beat to death by hundreds of other screaming newbies - just ignore it. I'm sitting here having my morning coffee contemplating permanent/wh ideas.

[Bothun]

Use spray foam insulation. Cap the frame with 3/4 inch green treat plywood then flip up the frame and have it foamed underneath.

Use a double pane thermal window. If you just use a single it will be froze up.

Put the windows at a height you can see out of them when sitting down.

Install computer fans at each end to circulate the warm air down to the floor.

Wire it for 120 so you can plug electronics into the wall like a normal home.

Get a bigger heater then you think you need. You can always turn it down.

Get a drop down trailer. Personally I would rather have the house banked than those sleeves. You can still use the sleeves even if you have a dropaway trailer.

Put in a range/stove combo. Kinda nice to be able to eat the same food in the fish house as you do at home.

Put storage in every nook and cranny you can find.

If you have a ATV put in a ramp door so you can drive the wheeler in the back of the house to pull onto the lake for early ice.

This is all i can think of off the top of my head.

[DuckBlind]

I just posted pics of our old 63 Bethany camper that we turned into a fish house...

It doesn't drop, using sleeves and supporting the corners...I will let you know how it goes.

[Zoob]

I just posted pics of our old 63 Bethany camper that we turned into a fish house...

It doesn't drop, using sleeves and supporting the corners...I will let you know how it goes.

Can you point us in the direction of the pics? I'd like to see it - as well as any updates on how well it worked out for you.

edit : I found it, DuckBlind. =)

[BucksnDucks]

IMO those double rear doors are a waste..Unless of course you pull your wheel house to the lake with a car, your always gunna have the box of the pick-up to put the atv into. I've been in many of them and not one yet sealed up tight.

[vman11]

make sure to get a vented heater, a ventless one can be dangerous and it also condenses up the inside of your house

[Bothun]

I was talking a ramp door not a double door. My F150 I can't close the tailgate with the wheeler in the back.