Ice house build

[Fish_WI]

I'm in the initial phases of building a fish house for next winter.  My hope is to purchase a shell from one of the 'custom' shops and finish the inside on my own (welding is not my calling).  I'm going with a 16 ft 8ft shell but am looking for any advice/pros/cons on the shell set up.  Initially my plan was to have the door in the nose (the v) of the trailer with thoughts that it would maximize space.  Has anyone ever had issues with this configuration?  Last thing I want is to pull it to the lake and have  a couple inches of ice over the door.  Any other 'must have' items in a shell? We fish a lot of tip ups so was thinking a few extra LEDs on the outside and an extra window or 2 wouldn't be a bad idea.  

 

Appreciate your thoughts!

[Hawg]

Do some searches for fish house builds, there's a ton of them on here. Welcome to the gang, you'll get a lot of ideas from searching previous posts.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

You'll be fine with the door in the V.  I heard at one point that the Lake of the Woods edition was Ice Castle's most popular layout.  I know I see tons of them, but you will have to take some precautions.  I use a Towtector on my truck, which keeps the majority of the slush down.  A piece of tape or a tennis ball over the door knob is also done frequently.  Other than that, you'll have icing and freezing of your door, regardless of where you put it.  Just the nature of the doors we use.   

 

 

[RebelSS]

Spraying that door seal with silicone works well, too. Do my truck door seals also every Fall. 

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

20 hours ago, RebelSS said:

Spraying that door seal with silicone works well, too. Do my truck door seals also every Fall. 

 

That's a good little tip.  I'll have to give it a try.