Requesting input re: highly mobile multi-person setup

[ReidM]

Not new to ice fishing, but want to solicit input on a number of topics in preparation for putting together a system that will meet my needs for many years to come. Until now I could only go where I could drive to, and I want to avoid being limited by that.

My wants:

1.mobility: quick and easy set-up and take-down, handles deep snow well, able to go almost anywhere

2.safety and reliability: low weight, mechanically trouble-free

3.minimal maintenance (not mechanically inclined, but can afford to have serviced)

4.can transport 2-6 adults comfortably, preferably enclosed and heated

My questions:

1.In terms of people capacity, the Polaris Ranger 800 Crew appears to be a good choice, as it could handle 6 people. However, I do not know how well it would handle deep snow. Would it ride on top, or would I need tracks for that? It looks like tracks are not an option for the Crew model.

2.Tracks vs wheels: what are the pros and cons of each? From reading online it appears that tracks can be problematic, both in terms of the tracks themselves and wear on the machine. Again, reliability is key for me.

3.I have seen set-ups in which the front tires are replaced by skis, and the rear might be tracked or tired. Any opinions on this?

4.Currently I own 2 Canvas Craft Otter portables with insulated fabric, one is 3-man and the other is a double-wide 6-man. The Canvas Craft Northlander All Terrain Trailer or the Northlander UVS also look interesting. Any experience or opinions, or what do you use? Am considering Eskimo Fat Fish 945i, also.

5.What ideas or suggestions do others have?

6.Lastly, a fishing question. I have been on trips where hundreds of holes are drilled, and people are insistent on fishing all of them, even if only for 30 seconds. Their rational is the small area seen by the transducer, and that jigging might call in nearby fish. Others drop a transducer in the hole, and immediately move on if they don’t mark fish. I suspect this will generate quite a spectrum of responses, but I would love to learn from other’s experiences.

Thanks!

[SpecialK]

Have you checked out Snobears?

[ReidM]

Yes, I considered them. Used ones are hard to come by, and they are PRICEY. Saw a used 2012 Deluxe for $47,900. Seems a little prohibitive, considering you can buy a luxury car for that.

[dangnear]

Have you seen the All Season Sport Trailer offered at North Country Canvas

6.5 x 15 trailer with insulated three layer canvas. Only weighs 900#, you travel on the hwy with the canvas up! I have one and was one of the first wheel houses out this year. can easly be pulled with a 4 wheeler. There is more info on there web site

[McGurk]

Used for about 20k...

search chameleoninc for more pix

[Mike Stark]

Big SUV or truck on tracks.

[NAMASafetyDirector]

I personally have owned 2 Snobears, I currently have a 2010. I would check with Al at Lake of the Woods marine north of Baudette. I know he had a couple used ones throught the winter. I have a friend who is considering selling his 2010 with low hours but it's going to be up there in the 30's for that one. Sounds like the Snobear is exactly what your looking for based on the criteria you listed. I wouldn't trade mine for the world after using it on Lake of the Woods. If your interested in more information let me know and I can give you some insight.

[Panfish Guy]

Geo Tracker with tracks.

[Acemac]

Geo Tracker with tracks.

Hands down that!

[wayne123]

Highly mobile and six people seems contradictory. There are vehicles that can get six people across a lake like you want but I would not consider them highly mobile between lakes. I guess it depends on what you call highly mobile. For me that would mean being able to switch lakes quickly.

[leech~~]

Argo 8 wheeler with tracks and covered top.

[fsnrod]

Each bring your own snomobile and portable how much more mobile then that can you get.

[ReidM]

To "MAMASafetyDirector", who posted about Snobears and is willing to provide insights.

I appreciate your offer, and would like to get your insights and experience. As I do not know how to reach you directly, please contact me

at "[email protected]".

Thanks,

Reid

[NAMASafetyDirector]

Shot you an e-mail w/ my number!

[herefish101]

for the cost of a snobear, you could buy three two up snowmobiles and a trailer to pull them, you cant get more mobile than a sled, that is, if theres snow. Or a snowbear would be super awesome!