Basic permanent shack ideas

[mnmofro]

Thinking about building a very basic shack to leave on mille lacs this winter. Any little tricks or ideas that are worth trying out. What is the best way to keep from freezing down on the big pond?

[bopper4]

4 by 4s work pretty good for blocking. Just watch and make sure the water level o slush don't

get to the floor boards. It can be a real sob to get them unstuck.

[herm]

Best things I learned/did in building my 10x16: 1. 8x8 oak skids/frame 2. Insulated floor. 3. Quality windows on every wall. 4. Door opens outward. 5. Wired for 12v and regular. 6. Looked at dozens of other houses (inside and out) before I even started. 7. Built kitchen table that converts to bed (like RV). 8. Used car "map lights" as hole lights.

Thing I wish I would have done: 1. Put in bigger/better windows. 2. Created better vapor barrier. 3. Put on siding right away. (See other thread)4. Better hookups for being towed. 4. Put on welded step and LP bracket immediately.

As for blocking, I go with 2x4 pieces. In my humble opinion, getting frozen in seems to result more from not paying attention throughout the season than blocking. For example, I check blocks/water levels about once a day. If it's rising, I add blocks immediately and shovel the ends out to allow things to freeze. (And I leave it like that if I'm leaving it after a weekend.)