Fshtrap Voyager vs. Otter Magnum Lodge

[gonehunting]

I currently have a two year old Fish Trap Voyager(padded seats) and just recently purchased a Otter magnum sled. The purpose of the Otter sled was to haul fishing gear when going to LOW. I have the cover, hyfax, and hitch for both. I am in a dilema on whether to sell the Voyager and buy the tarp for the Otter or keep what I have. The wife doesn't think a person needs two fishhouses. Which pulls easier by hand and which retains heat better? I often use an ATV to pull it but want the ability to pull it by hand. Just need some opinions on the matter. I really like the way the Otter sled is built heavy but like the looks of the Voyager.

[Ryan_V]

if you'll be pulling by hand, I'd keep the voyager. but if it's only one trip on early ice before its save for atv travel, then maybe the otter. the otter I think is superior in quality and durability, but is also more money and much, much heavier, which is why I went voyager myself!!

[gonehunting]

According to the manufactureres websites the Otter Lodge is 80lbs(no seats) and the Fish Trap Voyager is 135lbs(three seats). That would leave 55lbs in the Otter for seats in comparison. Is that possible? The otter seams to look so much heavier.

[Ryan_V]

that doesn't seem right at all. My voyager is something like 88 pounds with seats and all....... but I only have 2 seats. must be missing something with the otter. Like I said, otter in my opinion makes a superior portable in every aspect, but my wallet and back prefered the voyager. find the final weight and imagine which one you want to be lifting by yourself into the back of your truck!!

[gonehunting]

I always thought the trap would be lighter but that is not what the websites are telling me. May have to make some calls tomorrow. Or talk the wife into two houses.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I don't think the Voyager is that heavy (135#). I have one and can easily pull it by hand or throw it in the back of my truck by myself if needed. When I was buying it I got caught up in the weight factor, but when I thought about it, theres maybe 2-3 weekends per year that it would potentially not be safe enough for ATV or snowmobile travel. If I need to pull a little extra weight for 1 of those weekends, thats ok.

[Snake River King]

Im not so sure I just bought one and remember seen somewhere on the box or something that it was 135 lbs, It sure seems heavy

[Northland Sportsman]

I have had a vyager for about 4 years and it is great. I have had no durability problems. It is also light enough to pull by hand and put in the truck by myself. I do pull it w/ the wheeler too and it has held up great. I did put on some hyfax runners and the travel cover is almost a must! I do not have an otter so can't speak for it, but they do seem to be heavier.

[10,000 Casts]

When you get your seats in the Otter it is heavier because the skin and poles are heavier. I don't like otters because of the square poles, they are stonger, but they torque. Otters will also sweat easier than a clam. But they will retain heat better.

IMO the Voyager is all the fish house that someone would ever need.

[harvey lee]

I have owned and used both houses. I really liked my Voyager but I sold it after using my new Otter lodge. I love the total house and the trim lock system with the material that encloses the tub area around the corners where the wind always came in on my Voyager and would cause my holes to get blowing snow in the holes in the corners. I dont believe one can beat the Otter tube and if you put the Hyfax on, who knows how long the tub may last. I never weighed either house but really never noticed any difference in loading it in the pick up. I also believe that with the added skirt and trim lock system, the Otter may be easier to heat.

I dont mind the square poles at all and they should last longer and be more durable.

If you purchase a hitch, Otters hitch is also very well set up.

I was always happy with my Voyager but I like my Otter better.

[gonehunting]

Thanks for the replies. Keep them coming.

[jigging-matt]

I have a 2 year old voyeager and I want to say the box said it weighed 110 pounds. The new ones might be a little heavier. I pull it by hand until it is safe for the wheeler. I have the hyfax on it and made a foam insert to keep the gear organized and keep the weight down.

[gonehunting]

TTT