What would you need in a snowmobile to pull a Fish Trap Voyager around

[Agronomist_at_IA]

I've been thinking about getting a snowmobile or a 4x4 4 wheeler for going ice fishing.

I'm starting to lean more towards a snowmobile figuring with snow it would be easier to get around. I found a 2002 Polaris Pro-X 440 for about $1600 that looks like it is in good shape. I don't know much about snowmobiles. Just would like some input on if this would be big enough to pull a fish trap voyager and have to guys ride it out to the fishing spot.

[Surface Tension]

There isn't a sled made that won't pull out the shack.

2 guys on one sled, if its a long track w/2 up seat not a problem.

2 guys and a non long track sled will be cramped but doable biggest draw back is the weight in the rear.

What happens when you add weight to the back of a sled you decrease the weight on the skies.

Steering decrease and so does balance. Still doable though.

A 440 has plenty of power, more important is how that power is put to the track with clutching and gears.

Two guys towing a sled. If the base on the lake is powder down to glare ice, hookup is poor.

Add a sled with a clutch that engages at high RPMs, the track will dig down and spin in record time.

Still with experience doable.

I've run a Ski Doo 380 Touring long track 2 up and I have never been stuck.

Not to say I couldn't get stuck but there is that experience.

I'll pull heavy loaded sled and a rider and I don't know the rider is back there.

Slush isn't a problem. I like the sled so much a bought another for the kid.

Forget brand, Ideally a long track w/ a 2 up seat. HP is up to you.

440 will work just fine. There is no need for a lot of HP as you'll dig it down to glare ice that much faster.

If your strictly using this for ice fishing, studs are a plus.

[Esox_Magnum]

The Pro X 440 is a race sled,will work but not the best choice. I run a 95 Indy XLT works but again not the best. A long track 2 up would be the best option.

[Jim Almquist]

Do you get enough snow in Iowa to warrant a sled ? A 4X4 wheeler with chains can go a lot of places and might be a lot more versatile plus you can carry stuff on the wheeler so the sled you are towing remains much lighter. The only reason I ask is that I have both and it seems like the 4 wheeler gets more use and I live in northern Mn. My sled is a 2up touring and I will pull my Otter lodge and a Otter cabin with all the gear for 2 people with no problem.

[Jack Peterson]

If I recall, the pro x 440's are fan-cooled.

If that sled is fan-cooled, don't buy it. Buy a liquid cooled sled.

I would suggest a late 90's to early 2000's Polaris RMK. You can pick up the 600's for about $1500 bucks, and up to an 800cc for around $2000. You won't be getting stuck, and they'll have plenty of power to get through or over obstacles.

I tow my ice fishing gear with my 2008 Polaris RMK. Have a long track with 2" lugs, and there's no way I'll be getting stuck.

[Esox_Magnum]

Some years yes some years no, last few years have been alot of snow with alot forcasted this year. I chose the sled for 2 reasons, cheaper and will work with or without snow on the lakes. We dont plow roads here onece the lakes get snow covered travel gets tough. Last year for along time a sled was the best option with 2 feet of snow on the ice and slush under it.

[Jack Peterson]

Some years yes some years no, last few years have been alot of snow with alot forcasted this year. I chose the sled for 2 reasons, cheaper and will work with or without snow on the lakes. We dont plow roads here onece the lakes get snow covered travel gets tough. Last year for along time a sled was the best option with 2 feet of snow on the ice and slush under it.

yeah, ATVs were a "no no" up until the second week of January. Take an ATV out in that slush, and you'll have a heck of a time.

[WTN4ICE]

I run a 95 XLT plenty of power pulling both sleds with a rider.

[pulleye16]

Indy trails 440 plus. Liquid or fan cool will be just fine. Not a huge thing but you'll find electric start and reverse very handy...

[muc33]

There isn't a sled made that won't pull out the shack.

2 guys on one sled, if its a long track w/2 up seat not a problem.

2 guys and a non long track sled will be cramped but doable biggest draw back is the weight in the rear.

What happens when you add weight to the back of a sled you decrease the weight on the skies.

Steering decrease and so does balance. Still doable though.

A 440 has plenty of power, more important is how that power is put to the track with clutching and gears.

Two guys towing a sled. If the base on the lake is powder down to glare ice, hookup is poor.

Add a sled with a clutch that engages at high RPMs, the track will dig down and spin in record time.

Still with experience doable.

I've run a Ski Doo 380 Touring long track 2 up and I have never been stuck.

Not to say I couldn't get stuck but there is that experience.

I'll pull heavy loaded sled and a rider and I don't know the rider is back there.

Slush isn't a problem. I like the sled so much a bought another for the kid.

Forget brand, Ideally a long track w/ a 2 up seat. HP is up to you.

440 will work just fine. There is no need for a lot of HP as you'll dig it down to glare ice that much faster.

If your strictly using this for ice fishing, studs are a plus.

Agreed. Surface and I were fishing together up north and I had a 94 Yamha 570 short track and I spend many minutes and lung power getting myself unstuck pulling my Otter Cabin. I just got smart and bought a 2up 440 Arctic Cat yesterday. I will have no more issues with stuck for weight issues!