Shappell Ice Shacks

[goodyy7]

Ok, as last weekends ice fishing came to a close I realized I REALLY need to just buy a real ice shack and retire my homemade job (namely as I have had problems with it recently, lastly including losing a rod in the bottom of Badger Creek)....I digress. Anyway, I am looking at getting a Shappell 4000 (a big portable shack for family and friends!). Now my problem is that I like the idea of the deluxe model better as the black canvas material seems nicer to me than the rip-stop gray plastic tarp material. Also, cant find the deluxe as they didnt make enough this year and nobody has any for sale. Any input from you all out there? Is it worth the extra $80 for the different material? Any of you have one of these...do you wish you had gotten the deluxe or do you like the standard just fine? Thanks for any input all.

goody

[Guest]

hey goody, i bought a 4000 deluxe this year. i wish i had it years ago. i am not sure about the material. it is not loud on a windy day. call johnston bait and tackle talk to mike 254-1976, tell him i sent you. i fish with mike alot.

[goodyy7]

I am in Johnston Bait at least a couple of times a week as I work just up the road. Last I was in there all they had up was a S3000, but I will check in anyway. Everyone is sold out of these...Glenn's told me that Shappell didnt make enough of them this year so nobody can get them unless they have had them laying around all season. Go figure. Thanks for the heads up...I will pop in JB&T on my way to work in the morning.

goody

[Guest]

I've had a shappell with the canvas for 3 years. I also fish with a friend who has the plastic tarp material. Both work great. I like the canvas as it ages as it gets broken it and becomes more pliable. The one I have could use another 2" of canvas on the bottom of the doors in windy conditions. The canvas breathes and doesn't allow condensation build up like the tarp. With that said the plastic does seem to be warmer as it doesn't breath. this isn't much of problem if your only out for 2-3 hrs in Iowa winter. If your up north for extended periods you defineately want to go with canvas.

[goodyy7]

Thanks a ton for the info and opinions guys. I ended up buying a Shappell S4000 (the standard gray tarp material) after work today at Johnston Bait. Decided saving that extra money would help me justify buying a flip up for solo trips. Just set it up and it looks like it is going to rock...thanks again!!!

goody