Portable Shelters

[pike_hunter]

Looking for advice for a portable ice shanty. I do not use an ATV or sled and am concerned about the wieght. Looking at a Clam Yukon or the Otter Medium Cabin. Not sure about weight issues and what is realistic to pull by hand with gear. I fish with a buddy at times and by myself at other times.

Anyone have recommendations for good shelters that you pull by hand? This is my first shelter and only my second year ice fishing.

Thanks

[schweady]

pike:

Welcome to fishingminnesota.com! Best place to be other than on the water.

Your situation sounds exactly like mine: no 4wh or sled, usually alone (independent, that is) but like to be able to invite a buddy.

Been doing a LOT of research on this, and I have decided on the Medium Cabin. First off, the Cabin folds down to 32" wide vs. the Yukon's 38", meaning I can slide it into the back of my 95 Taurus wagon no problem. Folks are saying that I could save some $$ and go with Clam but I'm not sure it's that much difference. The thing that is swaying me to Otter is the QUALITY material: thicker sled, heavier skin. Folks say that if you're not pulling it long distances or going out every day, you don't need the heavier sled, but then the same ones turn around and suggest hyfax strips on the Clam so the sled lasts. The biggest difference has been the comments made on the Otter's canvas: holds heat better, survives folding down over and over better, less apt to nick it or burn it through. I was at Gander Mtn Saturday and compared side by side. Sold me on the Otter.

BTW: I was originally tempted by the Otter's Wilderness Walleye model (same size as the Cabin, but lighter materials, MUCH cheaper price). After seeing it, I ruled it out: skin was like nylon and seemed easy to ruin, shape of the sled is different and would not allow the 2 seats to move far enough apart... about 7 inches closer together than in the Cabin. You could barely swivel one seat without touching the other. (He's not THAT good of a buddy...)

[pike_hunter]

I have been looking alot myself and have not been able to find an otter set up to look at besides the wilderness. I did get a chance to look at a wilderness in Appleton over the weekend. The seats were not in it, but have heard the comment over how close they sit before. When I looked at the fabric, I could see a lot of light through it and was very concerned about the construction. Did not seem to be the quality that I was looking for.

I am trying to find a Otter to look at before making a decision, but here in SE Wisconsin, there are not many places that set up anything besides the Clams, Fish Traps, and Frabill. I looked at the Frabill and was not impressed with the way it was set up. I could see throught the seams in the tent. Worked as a commercial sewing machine mechanic for 18 years, and the way they did the seaming to make the claim of double stitching does nothing to add to the strength. The fish trap tent is at least a quality sewn seam and will hold up very well. Would love to see the Otter and will have to before making the final decision.

Thanks for the reply and would love to know how well it pulls by hand.

Pike_Hunter

[Dan Brelje]

any fishtrap, a lot lighter than the otter houses and they will do fine if you do not plan on pulling them with an ATV. I have the guide and i love it. Light, cheap, and overall a great house.

[Northlander]

Even though the Otter may be heavier it pulls just as easy if not easier. The deep tub and the way the front rises keeps you from getting the snowplow effect. The Otter will ride over it. Some of the shallower lighter tubs just plow. Another good option for you would be the Polar Sport. I have friends with them and if I didnt own a Otter I would have no problem with a Polar Sport.

One thing about pulling by hand is get some good cleats of some sort for your boots and also use a longer rope and a harness set up like you would use to pull a deer out of the woods. Plus the Hyfax runners will help keep the house tracking behind you. Hope this helps.

[pike_hunter]

I have heard a lot of good about the guide. Anyone know anyone who pulls a Yukon by hand? Would love to hear if anyone has experience with both.

[pike_hunter]

Thanks Northlander,

I have wondered about pulling the Otter by hand. The harness seems like a great idea. Never had thought about that. Any recommendations on cleats? I am pretty new to all of this and need all of the recommendations I can get.

Thanks

[schweady]

Clam Guide (2 seats included): 82 lbs (81"L 60"W 60"H)

Otter Cabin (after adding 2 seats): 96 lbs (65"L 84"W 70.5"H)

Clam Yukon (2 seats included): 107 lbs (86"L 62"W 70"H)

Otter Lodge (after adding 2 seats): 116 lbs (74"L 98"W 77"H)

Of course, those weights are before loading any gear...

[pike_hunter]

Thanks schweady!

The Lodge is out because of length. It will not fit in the back of my S10 Blazer. Thanks for the weights. Had no luck in finding out the weight of the Cabin when I tried. Was told at Gander Mountain that it was a lot heavier than the Guide and Yukon, and Otter responded with 90 pounds which did not add up. Have you pulled any of these on the ice by hand?

Thanks

[pike_hunter]

Forgot that the weight of 90 pounds was with the seats. How are the seats for the Otter? Have not been able to see them.

[CNY Tim]

pike hunter - I walk alot and I'll tell ya there are quite a few guys out east here regardless of which unit they bought the first thing they did was rip out the seat and seat hardware to lighten em up. Going with a flip top coleman cooler has great dry storage benefits too and you can glue or tape a flat foam cushion on top of the cooler lid for your buttocks to sit on. I can store my MarCum, heater and all my boxes inside and close the lid. I have seen some guys use turned over plastic milk crates for seats too. But the flip top cooler is the way to go. If you do get a fishtrap make sure you attach a set of kid's downhill ski's to the tub base runners. I wore holes in the back of my tub runners after one season without the ski's, lesson learned. Clam did replace my tub free of charge.

[schweady]

pike:

I've been mostly outside on a pail or bumming shelter from friends the last few years. This will be my first modern commercially-made shelter. I don't think it can pull any harder than the homemade 3x5 one-man with wood floor and ends and canvas side walls I got at an auction for $27.50 back in the 70s. Pulled that around on its wood skis quite a bit. Fished its one hole from a fold-up camp chair and heated/lit it with a Coleman lantern (I can still feel the light-headedness from the lack of oxygen). It's been up in the garage attic for years. Haven't used it since the old metal house tags. Must weigh a ton. Maybe I can get it down soon and weigh it before putting out on the boulevard with a FREE sign. (or, who knows? Maybe I can get all that $$ back...) No atv, no sled, no pickup. So I'm pulling by hand or bringing my buddy for his motor toys until I can get out with the wagon. (Then, when the snow gets deep, he gets to take me again...)

[schweady]

Quote:

---

Forgot that the weight of 90 pounds was with the seats. How are the seats for the Otter? Have not been able to see them.

---

Otter Medium Cabin (skin and sled only) = 60 lbs

cushion bracket seats 18 lbs ea = 36 lbs

total weight = 96 lbs

Of course, CNY Tim is right: you don't need the fancy seats, but they are nice. Maybe that's why Otter makes them an option while the others include them whether you want them or no. You can see Otter's seats at http://www.otter.com/fishseats.html

[Big Pine Walleye]

I would go with Schweady's info--I know that he has done his research.

[pike_hunter]

The cooler does not sound bad, but some of the people that would go with me would need a regular seat. Appreciate the info on the sled. That is one of my concerns with the fish traps. The otter cabin is looking pretty good considering the weight is less than the Yukon.

Thanks for the info!

Vic

[pike_hunter]

Schweady has definitely done the research. I have been looking hard for about 2 weeks and have not been able to compile as much info as he has. I am definitely starting to lean towards the Cabin, as the weight is considerably less than the Yukon and still has all the room. I like the idea of the seats, but am not thrilled at $75 a piece. I would love to find the brackets by themselves, as I have a pair of padded boat seats that could do double duty if those would work ok.

Thanks!

[schweady]

Yeah, now the big thing is finding a good price. (I know, I'd get a better deal if I wait until March, but I don't think that's going to happen.) I've got my better half's budget endorsement for $500 , and it may just take all of that...

[Big Pine Walleye]

I have an otter village and had some home made seats made for them. They are just made from a 1x8 or larger and than they have a 2x2 mounted on the bottom on each side so they will stay put. Then they made some seats to sit on top of this. They do work, but I have just purchased the ones from Otter and they are very nice and I cannot wait to use them! Schweady can also tell you that home made is ok--but nothing like the original!

[pike_hunter]

From what quick investigating on the web, it will take a little over that to get it done. I did get my better halfs agreement at $500, but sticker shock could set in if I go over.

Let us know what you think of it afer you get it out on the ice.

Thanks

[18 inch Crappie]

I have the Otter Cabin and love it a friend has a Clam and my is 100 times nicer. As far as seats, I use folding lawn chairs. 2 fit in the sled nice and fold up and I can carry a gas auger, 2 seats, 5 gal bucket and heater with 20lb tank.

[pike_hunter]

Do you pull that by hand fully loaded? How is it on ice and on snow covered ice?

Thanks