Has anybody tried the Cabelas Deluxe Ice Fishing Tent Kit

[SomethingFishy*]

Has anybody tried this? It seems cost effective.

Here's a great do-it-yourself tent at an economical price. Oversized design provides ample room for two people. Features: two Velcro® closing windows, two large zipper closing doors, sturdy internal metal frame, and a flame-retardant, water repellent, 150 denier woven polyester fabric. You need only supply hinges, screws, and two 34" x 60" pieces of plywood. Instructions included.

Assembled size: 72"H x 60"W x 72"L.

[CrappieJohn]

If you want to have a sturdy structure with durability, you will need to use a treated or marine plywood. Be sure to check prices on this kind of product....maybe not so cost effective.

Also.....eat your wheaties. If I remember right, these do not slide thru snow of any depth without a great deal of back bone being used and they will test your resolve getting it into and out of a vehicle by yourself.

Just a couple thoughts for you to consider if you are looking for portability.

[polarsusd81]

I looked at this yesterday while I was up in Rogers. It looks like it would be a pretty comfy, and lightweight portable option. They had it set up with untreated plywood which would most likely need to be replaced at the end of the year, but it does seem like a very cost effective way to break in and have some shelter over your head. I saw another post saying you were new to ice fishing, and I would have to say congrats on the new venture for you. You will love it. Start simple and work your way up, have fun, and keep a tight line.

Tom

[SomethingFishy*]

I just found this forum about 3 days ago, I must say i am very pleased that people are willing to help. I have been so overwhelmed going thru local stores and trying to grasp a solid idea from reading boxes and looking at displays. Hopefully by next year I can pickup a nice trailerable house that will fish 3-4 comfortably.

Thanks, Josh

[Gus]

Cabelas seems to do a few sales each year on these. Look for them to go on sale for $99. They are not a bad portable but as previously mentioned, completely forget dragging it around unless you build some kind of sled to go with it. For dropping on the ice from a vehicle it is a fine house. My dad has one of the old blue colored ones. He's hasn't needed to replace the non-treated floor yet and it has to be at least 10-12 years old.

[Muskieguy]

I agree...ice tent worked great for me for many years.(still on original untreated floor). My buddy had old downhill skiis that we rigged up for pulling the house across the snow with. Worked Great!!!!

Just remember to move the house away from the holes before disassembling. The frame poles are not shock corded together and can easily be lost down the hole.

Muskieguy.....

[lookin4fish]

you dont need to spend the money on treated wood. as lond as it is stored in a garage during the summer months its not worth the money. i have one with no treated plywood, in fact is is chipboard. 7 years old and still not rotting out.

[tonyjor]

If these are the shelters i'm thinking of, they are similar to what I have. My Dad gave me his old canvas suitcase house that unfolds to 48"x66". It had 1/2" untreated plywood on it when he gave it to me but I tore that off and replaced it with 1/2" thick black plastic pallet dividers. They're pretty sturdy and my house dropped at least 25 lbs. from the switch. I haul it out with a simple sled made out of 2x4's.

[cheesehead]

Just an idea... I have not tried this myself.

instead of plywood go to an auto salvage and pick up two plastic truck bed liners. use these in place of the plywood.