otter ice lodge (windy days)

[mwalleye]

Just bought a otter ice lodge and was wondering if anyone knows what the wind rateing is and also during early ice and no snow what is the best way to anchor it down since there is no tie downs on the canvis for those die hard windy days.

[jkrash]

If your worried about it flipping open just use the roof supports, it can't open when their in place.

[KG243]

I use the slush from my holes to block the draft. I know people say dont do it, but if you are careful how you do it, it will not tear your skirt. I have had the cheap frabill trekker for three years and I do this during the early ice when there is hardly any snow and it works just fine. Thats just me though.

[McGurk]

From the "early ice and no snow" comment I am guessing you are asking about it sailing away on you. It is a heavy unit, but can take off on you on a gusty day, especially with hyfax runners installed. If you are worried you can get some simple "Ice anchors" screws and tie it off on the front part of the sled, with that side facing the predominate wind. Get the beefy ones as the thin cheap ones will bend and break after a few uses. Another option would be "Ice Angels" for about $25 a pair, and they require a hole drilled into the ice to use. Banking it with hole slush will help some, too.

[schweady]

I never had any luck with screws of any kind. (Looked at getting some Black Diamond Express Ice Screws -- like ice climbers use -- but at $60 a pop, no thanks.)

I just rigged a pair of Ice Angels that I got last spring for a song. Tied on a bit of rope and made a rolling hitch knot (taut line hitch) and in the loop I clipped a carabiner that clips to a hole drilled in the top corner of the sled. Loop slips to tighten it up, just like camping tarps, so no precision needed on anchor hole placement.

[Johnnie15]

I usually just lay my auger down behind it to keep it from blowing away when I stand up on windy days. It is really only an issue when there is no snow on the ice yet.

[CrappieAttitude]

I just rigged a pair of Ice Angels that I got last spring for a song. Tied on a bit of rope and made a rolling hitch knot (taut line hitch) and in the loop I clipped a carabiner that clips to a hole drilled in the top corner of the sled. Loop slips to tighten it up, just like camping tarps, so no precision needed on anchor hole placement.

[mwalleye]

Thanks for the info I'm talking 25mph+ sustained switching direction alittle I idid use the slush auger propaintank and still swung like a tether ball. I was out the other day no snow clear ice I used my tow rope to anchor with an eskamo anchor which I think are great about $11 a pair. I was also wondering If anyone has had tie down straps sown in?

[schweady]

I was looking at those ice angels. Have you ever had them pop out? Could be something to add to my collection of things. would one hold it, or have you found that two are needed?

They come boxed as a pair. I haven't had a chance to try them out yet, but I can already tell they're going to be better than other methods I've tried.

However, I have a feeling that when you need them most (no snow) will unfortunately coincide with the time the ice isn't thick enough for them to work (I figure 5-6 inches needed at least). But they might work okay in less ice, no idea yet.

[snapjigger]

I haven't tried it but I'm sure a 12-14" pc of 1x2" with a rope tied to the center placed in a cut hole would work. Just drill a hole push the wood with rope tied in the center down till its under the ice and center it. Tie off the house and your done. Could work till ice gets thicker, very cheap too.

[magnum mike]

Get a pack of ice anchors from Clam. The ones they provide with the hub style houses. They hold my 6' x 12' Command Post in big winds.