Cabela's Fish house kit - comments?

[Uncle Grump]

Anyone out there have one of these? Have been in the Owatonna store a couple of times the past week, but not seen them yet. They are in the Cabela's Christmas catalog.

I'm wanting a differant house this year - and been looking at the differant options - I'd like an Otter or a Glacier, but money is a factor too, and the price on Cabela's kit is pretty reasonable at $119.

I'd like to know how it went together - the quality of the instructions, the quality of the materials supplied (fabric, poles, etc), how heavy it is, what you use to move it across the ice (ie a Otter, etc).

Any and all comments would be appreciated.

Thanks

UG

[hardhat]

I have thought about purchasing this shelter also because of the cheaper price, but don't want to waste my money on something that won't hold up.

[Uncle Grump]

Hardhat

Can you elaborate?

Thks

UG

[hardhat]

Unclegrump,

I was just wondering if the cheaper price means cheaper made product. The only thing missing is the sled to pull the shelter with. With other two man shelters running 250.00 to 350.00 I would question why the Cabela's shelter is so much cheaper. I am in the same boat you are I was going to pruchase one and build my own sled to pull it, but I was a little skeptical because of the price.(thinking it may be cheap)

[huntnfish]

I bought one of these about midway through last year. I only used it a few times, but it seemed to work well. The fabric isn't very thick, but it seemed to be alright. The price seemed to be right and I think it is worth the money. I think I need a couple more poles for the sides, but other than that I like it. The instructions were good and it only took me a couple of hours to build. I added a few things like 2x2's on the bottom of the plywood. It folds up to about 3x5 so it fit nice in the back of a pickup or even a blazer.

[This message has been edited by huntnfish (edited 10-21-2002).]

[Rick]

It is a nice unit for $119. You do however, get what you pay for.

It is more difficult to set-up and is not as durable, especially the fabric. I'm not knocking it, because it is a very good unit for $119 and a little elbow grease.

However, if I only had $119 budgeted for a shelter, I'd get it. Of course, I'd then be planning on upgrading in a couple of years.

[Uncle Grump]

Huntfish

What type of material did you build the base from? Ie 1/2" ply, etc? Treated or not?

What would you estimate the weight to be of the entire kit - fabric, poles and base?

Thks

UG

[Uncle Grump]

Rick

I'm not saying a Glacier is out - its not. I looked at one Friday night, and I do like it. But money is a factor - that's why I'm asking about the Cabela's kit.

UG

[Rick]

Uncle Grump...You'll be happy with the Cabelas Kit for the money. When I 1st started icefishing, I guarantee it's what I would've bought. Fact is, I built one similar to it from scratch. Used it for 3 seasons.

I just wanted you to be aware of why it was so cheap. I forgot to mention that it will be a good deal heavier as well.

[mjhowe]

For an EXCELLENT do it yourself shelter, contact
American Ice House
PO Box 658
Kila, MT 59920-0658

for 5.95 you get a complete set of plans and you can build the whole thing, 4x6 or 4x8,
for well under $100. You can customize it EASY and, while its NO glacier 3, its a great budget shelter. I built one last year and it will be set up as a permanent this year while I run and gun with my Glacier and Trap.

Tell 'em Mike sent ya

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Mike
Kalispell, MT
<<><<

[huntnfish]

I built the base out of 1/2" untreated plywood. I also put 2x2 runners underneath to keep it out of the flooding. I also got some indoor/outdoor carpet to try and make it quieter. When I bought this shelter, I was on a budget, but I still think it is great. I'm not sure what the weight is. I can carry it up from the basement and load it in my blazer by myself, so it doesn't weigh that much-maybe 40 to 50 pounds.

[Mankato-Ice-Man]

Bought one, used it once, sold it.
It is too weak to use in any sort of a breeze and is very hard to set up. I paid 89.99 on sale, and thought that was the price on their web site until recently. It was really not sturdy enough for my taste, but that might just be me.
I think you would be better off checking this board, bait shops, etc for a good used house. I think you would be much happier in the long run.

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Born to Fish, Forced to Work!