Help buying a new 3 man portable

[toughguy]

I'm thinking of picking up a Frabill Ice Cruiser 300 or Triplex this winter. It's the 3 man flip over model. Does anyone own one or have they used one? I wondering if there is truly room for 3 guys and a sunflower? How did/do you like it? Also, how much are they? I've checked them out on the HSOforum but can't find a price. Since it's August I can't run down to the local store and check one out.

Also looking for any opinions on competing setups for a 3 man.

I think there's something wrong with me.... It's August and all I can think about is deer hunting and ice fishing.

[CanOCorn]

I've got the Triplex. I just got it this last year and I love it. There is room for 3 but it is tight. With 2, you can put the sunflower right behind you in the sled. With 3, it will be tough but I think you will have enough room in there for a heater too. Price is around $450. I picked it up last year at Gander last year half way through the season on sale for $350.

[toughguy]

Does that price include the sled and the seats?

[Matt Johnson]

toughguy,

First off, awesome avatar

Frabill makes a nice portable fish house. I've used a few of their 2-man models in the past when fishing with different friends who had them. I've never used the 3-man models (Triplex or Cruiser 300), but I would assume that they would be just the same quality as the 2-man models, just designed for more anglers. Frabill has done a great job with the ice scene, a lot of great products!

The Otter Large Resort is another 3-man model portable fish house, and it will also house 3 anglers no sweat, gear and all. Just another option to look into for a 3-man flip-over style portable fish house.

Otter Large Resort

Good Fishin,

Matt Johnson

[CanOCorn]

Yes, that price included 3 seats and the sled.

[castmaster]

in my opinion no other flip over style house compares to otter. the 3 man otter is awesome, if you have room for it! that is the only down size to that size is they are tough to fit in a short box truck, and heavy to load and unload with one guy. other than that, the otters are tops. best sleds by far for pulling by atv or snowmobile.

but for the 3 man resort with seats and everything you'll pay more than the frabill.

[Dave]

FYI....the Otter Lodge will fit in a short box truck and can be loaded in the truck by one person. Now, the Resort, which I think CM was speaking about, is larger and a little heavier.

[zelek]

Polar Sport makes a nice three man as well.

[luckey]

If you are going to fish 3 people on a regular basis, get a 4 man house. I have a 4 man Frabill. Fishes 2 with equipment and heater very comfortable, with three you have to leave some gear out side and bump elbos on occasison. With 4 you better (Contact US Regarding This Word) well like you buddies and hope nobody ate onions before fishing. LOL

[castmaster]

yes i was refering to the resort when i mentioned fitting in a short box truck. i own 2 of the lodges and although they claim it as a large 2 man or small 3 man i wouldnt want to fish 3 out of it. shack manufacturers seem to size things like tent manufacturers do!

[zebco4040]

I have a clam voyager and yea you could fit 3 guys in it and fish (I have) it is tight... I normally have two guys and my 45lb black lab with plenty of room. That is with gear, two holes each, heater (propane outside), locator, and latern. This year lighst are going in and rod holders, plus some compartments in the actual sled.

Also in the process of buying a Polar double wide 4 man... Not much bigger (storage wise) as any of the 2 / 3 man flip overs and twice the room!!! Can't wait to take this out!!

[toughguy]

Thanks for the help guys. I think I still have plenty of time before I decide. I'll have to check out a few of your suggestions before I buy. Does anyone know when the Gander Mt., Cabelas, Fleet Farm type stores start to display their ice stuff?

I will fish two guys about 90% of the time. It's nice to have the option for 3 and a little extra room for the beer, pickled haring, and tackle.

[Northlander]

Otter and Polar Sport are tops. Frabils sled houses have some bugs to be worked out in my opinion. I do love my Frabil Speedshack XL though. I love to be able to stand up in my houses. Im 6'6" so a Speedshack XL and Otter Lodge were a must. I love all the room both offer.