Ice Castle Fish House?

[Grandee]

I've been looking at the Ice Castle fish houses online--just wanted to get some opinions from people pros and cons ect.ect. Thanks

[ozzie]

check the framing....they are nice houses but the one my freind purchased 3 years ago had to get a new frame welded on because they use 3/16 angle iron or something like that and that is not enough strength for longevity.....but I am not sure if they have changed this but otherwise good houses and good people to work with from what I have heard..

[deepportage01]

There are better one's on the market that's for sure...If you want one that will last look other places IMO

www.sportsmanfishhouses.com

[bbassett]

I just bought a 6 1/2x16 ice Castle, you do want to make sure they have the tube frame and not the angle iron. every problem you read or hear about comes from people trying to save money and use the angle iron and use the money on other options in the house. I have done alot of research and yes there are other companies but they are thousands of dollors more for the same product. Basicly it comes down to the frame, don't cheat the wallet....

[harvey lee]

I would at least give Ed @ sportsmanfishhouse a call and talk to him.

[bbassett]

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[dodgeman]

A big 10-4 there

[deepportage01]

Quote:

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Over priced and ugly, look at the vinyl siding on the web page.

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It's not vinyl it's Aluminum and Ed has had it on his fish house for 10 years with out a problem this is a FACT... and I have the same on mine. looks are the only benifit to flat siding. Aluminum siding gives strength to the house... Fact

Over priced you got to be kidding?

[ice_it_06]

Grandee:

Set your "budget" and stick to it for your total costs.

Most people think they can get a good quality house with all the goodies for a base house price. There is nothing out there with any size, quality or options under $6,000 so thats a pretty much bottom line and base model unit. Looking at finished products and prices without visiting the manufacturer process really does you no good. You need to see the operation from the floor up and ask questions and compare until they separate themselves as contender for your $$$ or not. Would be great to get many of them at a location for all to see from base model construction to high end.

Believe me, they eliminate themselves in a real hurry to a select few.

Every one has a different value or dollar premium on the quality and construction. Many will compromise one or the other to get more for their $$$$. Opinions from those who have done one or the other will only make your efforts compromised.

Your expectations and requirements for your $$$ you need to know ahead of the search. Your habits and needs are different from many others which factors in your bottom line.

1) find a manufacturer that meets your trailer/frame standards on quality, operation, warranty and service.

2) find one that meets your size requirement with that trailer/frame in a base house price with construction you are happy with.

The house is the frame/trailer and its base floor,wall,ceiling construction. Everything beyond is added eye candy options that are all personal choices and at what cost !!

Remember "option packages" on a house you might see on-site may not be ideal for your curcumstances and the budget. Just like cars you order what you want and how you want it.

Drives you crazy like car shopping as well because the fish house market is very competitive. But also remember that $2,000 option package makes most units multi seasonal if thats one of your requirements.

I would never buy one without a good year period of search and educating if I was starting from no experience or knowledge.

Use this forum, the internet, make calls to the manufacturer, hit the road and start kicking tires.

Good luck !!

[Hazzard]

Give Ron a call at Fish House Supply

(763) 682-2953 or check out the web www.fishhousesupply.com He builds a good house for the money.

[End of the Line]

I agree alot with iceit06. I went to the St. Paul show last winter and got right underneath all of them and asked alot of questions. Some were glad to answer questions, some started showing there thru colors when asked about what they built. When it came down to it, I ended up building my own because I could not get what I wanted from any manufacturer. The show is a great way to see alot of houses quickly. I personally think torsion axles are a huge advantage to a shack, I would give any of those manufacturers an extra look. I have got alot of my stuff and info from Ron and Fish house Supply and Jay at Soderblooms near Cromwell, both were fantastic to deal with and knowledgeable. Just my two cents too.

[crappace]

I looked at drop downs for about 6 months before pulling the trigger on an Ice Castle. With all the IC dealers out there we were able to get a really, really good deal on a decked out 14x6.5 with a 3 ft V nose. We had one leaf spring come apart the first season and one the 2nd season ( I was able to limp it 60 miles in both cases )...but the people we bought it from in Milaca were great about customer service. They said they were from a bad batch of springs and the new ones have been fine for 2 years. We pull it all over and have not had a problem since.

I did talk to the guys at Pro Fish Enterprises last year at the Ice Show and I was impressed with their knowledge. Give them a shout if you haven’t already.

[Holaey]

Grandee,

My father bought an ice castle last season,

you get what you pay for...so with that said it is truely an ice castle.

it has all the comforts of home, or more than most...

If I was to buy one for myself, there is no question about it.... it would be a castle!