Yetti vs Ice Castle??

[BLACKJACK]

Took a road trip last weekend and looked at some Yetti's and Ice Castles, looking at the 6.5 x 16 or 6.5 x 14's. Concerned about the aluminum frames and axels on the Yetti's, how are they holding up for you? People complain about the quality of the Ice Castles but the price is right, my line of thinking is that its kind of like a boat, I can always upgrade in a few years, this would get me started.

If you own either, give me some pro's and con's.

Thanks!!

[IamZombie]

I don't think aluminum should be an issue, unless you like paying for gas.

[randerson]

I owned a Lodge I considered a Ice Castle but there was really no comparison in quality when looking at frames I have heard nothing but good news about the Yetti When I bought my Lodge I knew it was only going to have it for 3 yrs or so after 4 I sold it and I didn't have any issues with it at all and never felt that the next owner was going to have any problems with it either. Yes it was alot more than a Ice Castle but you do get what you pay for and piece of mind of a quality unit was just that. I have seen many Castle stranded on the ice with broken axels and even frames. I have seen there new frames and I must say they are a big improvement over the ones I looked at in 05

[Rockin Randy]

I have an '09 6.5x14,Castle. The biggest complaint is the is the paint job on the frame. I don't think they let it cure, you just look at it and the paint falls off. Of course they specificly point out in the warranty that the frame paint is not covered. Sloppy job on caulking too,but then I'm probably too critical.

[LightningBG]

Those yetti's look nice, but man, $6K for a shell is pricey.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

$6k for a shell isn't too bad, IMO. If you were to spend $2500 for the frame, $300 for the door, $200 for running lights, $200/each for windows, $70/sheet for siding & roof, $400+ for 3M VHB, plus the aluminum studs, floor plywood, insulation, labor, etc. It adds up in a real hurry.

[LightningBG]

$6k for a shell isn't too bad, IMO. If you were to spend $2500 for the frame, $300 for the door, $200 for running lights, $200/each for windows, $70/sheet for siding & roof, $400+ for 3M VHB, plus the aluminum studs, floor plywood, insulation, labor, etc. It adds up in a real hurry.

You're right. I don't mean to sound like it isn't justified. It's just a lot of money in general. I guess its the price we pay to have fun.

[hookjunior]

Just to clear one thing up, the Yetti frame is aluminum but the axles and arms are steel. I don't own one but have seen them being built and they aren't cutting any corners. I've also been to places that make ice castle frames and I was deciding between the two I would pick the yetti without any hesitation. I've also heard that yetti is working on an 8ft wide prototype that might go into production next year.

[Yetti Master]

Just to clear one thing up, the frame is aluminum but the axles and arms are steel. I don't own one but have seen them being built and they aren't cutting any corners. I've also been to places that make ice castle frames and I was deciding between the two I would pick the yetti without any hesitation. I've also heard that yetti is working on an 8ft wide prototype that might go into production next year.

Thanks for that clarification vote of confidence! The Yetti has steel stubs that are very tightly fit and pinned into a heavy aluminum tube "axle" that spans the house for the front pivot point. The pivot arm is powder coated steel and the leaf spring pins into steel shackles just like most crank style houses.

As far as an 8' wide house, they are currently prototyping and designing and should have some ready for 2012 model year which will hopefully be available well before ice next fall. I will post any updates about it in the sponsor show case forum.

[dougger222]

My father in law bought a 6.5x14ft ice castle back in 05 custom made for $10,800. Our opinion of the house was very poor finish quality. A couple years ago he sold it for $5,000.

It was very quick and easy to drop and raise though.