feedback on Otter flip over shelters???

[ilovehardwater]

I just bought one of these at a steal of a deal and ive never used one before. I got a 2 person style flip over walleye wilderness package, anyone ever tried using the otter and how does it compare to others?? also any thing i should be aware of? thanks BT

[Northlander]

Otters are the best portable shelter out there. Thats IMO I have had mine for 3 or 4 years now and its in great shape still. The wilderness is a bit lighter materials but if you take care of it you will have it for a long time. Put hyfax runners on the slad and it will last a long long time.

[harvey lee]

I have used Otter houses for two years and what a house they build. From top to bottom they are one fine portable house.

Like Steve stated, put a set of hyfax runners on and the tub will last a looooong time. The skirt around the tub really keeps out the wind and helps in the corners also.

[JustinG]

I cannot say enough good things about my Otter. I've had mine for 3 years now and let me tell you, that fish house hasn't had an easy life! I fish every day during the winter. I pull it behind an atv, snowmobile, truck and over some of the roughest terrain between here and Ontario and she works great all the time! I actually wore out a set of hyfax runners in 1 season-so make sure you put them on there or you will have holes in the bottom of the sled. Other than that, great toy and very comfy and warm. I really like the swivel seats for the Otter!

Later,

Justin

[ilovehardwater]

due to the price i figured that the wilderness package was not top of the line obviously, but sounds like i have a good little fish house, has anyone ever heard of a spray,glue,paint, anything to put on the outside or inside of a portable to make it more insulated?? just a thought. thanks BT

[BoxMN]

I have an Otter Cabin, only had for one year. I really like it. Used it in -15 temps (not windchill, actuall temp) and we even had our jackets off and only long sleeved mock t-s, and stayed nice and warm. That was with a sunflower going though. I have no additional insulation, but many use foil that you can get at Fleet Farm, and it goes on inside of the top - - - do a search in "mods" or "ice house modifications" and you will lots of people who share info and pictures on the great jobs they have done!

I have the bench seat, and I really like it. Gives you lots of seating and can sit in various positions, but it does sort of make getting at stuff a tad harder, though it is very easy to just flip it up and out of way. Makes it a bit harder to carry a 5 gallon bucket in it, especially if you are also fitting in the auger. But I am still playing with location of everything.

Everything seems well built, and I have some new Otter rod holders that I will try this year.

Oh yeah, read up on the LED lights from besthonLED, I got a couple strings but have not hooked them up yep. They do light things up well and use little juice. I am sure you will get some great advice from the guys here, I am still pretty new at it, and get great tips each time I visist here

[harvey lee]

If your looking for different idea's for modifying a portable, check out the portable mod get together in Sept at Thorne Bros. You will see and learn how to do many different changes to your house that will really make fishing out of your portable nicer. Its the first post in this forum.

[ilovehardwater]

these tips are great i love this site, I already had my eye on those led strips i thought 2- 48 cm strands would be enough light if not I have headlamps. ill look into the foil insulation for the roof, I have an idea what you are talking about once thanks for the tips.BT

[hanson]

Good choice man! Enjoy your shack!

[ilovehardwater]

do you guys use the support bars inside of the shelter or not?

[harvey lee]

I almost always use some or all.

[LMITOUT]

You'll like that Otter. I've been using them for a number of years now and they are some of the toughest and well-built flip-over shelters on the market today. I wouldn't trade my Otter for anything.

I don't have any extra insulation but I run a Mr. Heater-Mr. Cooker and running the low setting is typically enough on most days to keep your coat off. If we're lucky enough to have some snow on the ice I'll bank up the house with a little snow to keep the drafts out which really helps.

Have fun!

[jwhjr]

I've fished out of a buddy's for the last 5 or 6 years and as others have stated they stay pretty warm with a sunflower or similar heater running. The snow does help to keep the drafts out. I like fishing out of one so much that I picked up a used one at the end of last season so I have one to fish out of down here in the cities (my buddy's is up north). I'm looking forward to taking my kids out and having the trips last more than a half hour or so because someone's cold... .

[hawkeye43]

With little snow on the lake, I use Snakors filled with sand to keep the wind out from Soderbloom's. You just lay them on the flap to hold them down, they work great.

[harvey lee]

I agree hawkeye. Last winre on Burntside for the bash, I looked at Northlanders and they look to be the ticket for keeping the wind out around the flap.

http://www.bellrpg.net/soderbloom/

[JBear]

Tough sled. I'll probably never replace it. I pulled the sled out of storage, (the tents not attached), and took a few photos.

[CNY Tim]

I have a wilderness perch on the way. If 95% of my fishing is walking only do I need the hyfax runners/ski set up?

[Pikeslayer]

It will pull better with the hyfax.Mine has the square tubeing for the frame and it sticks while Im setting it up or takeing it down.I wonder if any one else has had this problem?

[hanson]

Tim-

Go with the Hyfax, pulling the sled by hand is sooo much easier with Hyfax on.

[CNY Tim]

Thanks Chris!

[bigshooter23]

where are u ppl finding these ideas for the otter houses. like the foil idea and stuff. new to the site and just wondering?

[LMITOUT]

Welcome!

Just wander around in this ice fishing area of the forums and you'll pick up ideas here and there. Maybe try doing a Search in the Ice Fishing Forum for "Otter" or "portable". You may have to jump back a few pages to get into last winter's discussion for more topics as the ice fishing forum naturally slows down a bit during the open water season.