Seats for Otter sled

[Dahitman44]

I think I am getting too old to sit on a bucket -- my back is starting to hurt.

I was looking into a bench-style seat from Otter or a regular seat and they were very spendy, I thought. Any other seats fit on them or any other options that people have used?

Thanks

Hit

[stick]

I thoroughly enjoy my benchseat, however they make comfy single seats that have the brackets that span the sled. I enjoy the bench-seat for setting either my daughter next to me, or if I'm alone, misc tackle boxes/gear.

[Gissert]

I like the bench seat too. I leave the bolts not quite tight on the underside of the seat portion, and that way I can slide the seat in and out to adjust for comfort. I like how the whole works swings up and back when the time comes to load/unload the tub.

[CrappieAttitude]

The guy I purchased my lodge from made his own seats that spanned the sled. Very simple design out of 2x4's and he used regular swivel boat seats. I can flip the bracket around and swivel the seat to fish with either by feet inside the sled, or outside. I can even use a piece of plywood to connect the two seats and create a shelf behind me. They are not rocket science, but they really work nice.

I am going to attach some mesh to the underside of the frame to make a little pouch to hold pliers/baitpuck/jig boxes ect.

I'll try posting pics as I make progress.

CA

[Dahitman44]

Gizz --

I think I would like the bench too, but it seems so spendy.

How does it attach?

[Gissert]

There is a square aluminum frame that spans the tub, and the seat/backrest mounts to that. The whole assembly is pinned in the back to allow for it to swing up for loading and unloading.

It stays very stable during transport. I have had no issues with it at all. This rig has several hundred miles on it between Ottertail and Lake of the Woods. Otter makes good stuff. I only like to cry once when I make a purchase.

[BoxMN]

Gissert,

Do you put the auger under the seat when transporting, or do you bungie it to the top of the bench supports? I have Cabin, and the bench seat, and I mounted is so that I just barely fit my Jiffy under the seat (so motor head is just "behind" or actually to the right when looking at the seat, so between the seat and the rear end of tub) but it is a tight squeeze.

Also, do you bring a 5 gallon bucket along? I can't find a place for a 5 gallon bucket to fit if I have my auger in there. I love the comfort of the bench, and I leave the screws a bit loose so I can slide the seat to whatever position I wake, and it is nice to be able to do that.

If I put the auger on top of the bench supports, it seems like too high a center of gravity. Thanks for info.

[Eastwind]

I purchased the bucket seats with my Otter three years ago. I bought two, one with each type of mount available at the time. A friend purchased his Otter two years ago and got the bench. If I had it to do over again, I would get the bench. The bucket seats will suddenly tip over if you lean too far to one side or the other. The buckets need to be stored in the bottom of the sled, which only takes up storage space for other things. My friend's bench stays attached across the top of the tub sled and tips up for access to the inside of the sled. As I think about it, I may need to price a bench at the upcoming show in St. Paul.

[brittlab]

I bought 2 seats for my cabin after last seasona and may get the bench if I find a good deal at the ice expo

[wannaeye]

I'd spend the extra money for the bench seat. It's very comfy and it flips up and down. The only bad thing is that the vinyl covering the seat will puncture easy, so be careful.

[Dahitman44]

GREAT info.

thanks

Hit

[stick]

I worked up an Otter modification a few years ago and the bench seat played an instrumental role in it. My modification was made out of aluminum angle-iron and carpeted plywood. It is the Lodge fishhouse, and it incorporates a bucket, auger, and multiple storage compartments. I have a PDF of some pictures (7+MB, yikes) but would be happy to email those out. Email me at jgrahek898 at msn (Contact Us Please) com if you're interested in seeing the bench in action. The pictures show it up and down along with all of my gear in the sled.

[hanson]

I have the Otter seats in my shack and I do like them. I'm not sure how you could ever tip over in one with the way the bracket attaches over and around the front lip of the sled.

The Otter seats themselves sit much lower to the ice than the Otter bench due to the way the mounting brackets are fabricated. If you are a taller guy, you may prefer the bench seat. If you are a little shorter, like myself, you may like the cushioned Otter seats.

[Gissert]

Hi Box

Actually, my auger usually rides on top after I put the travel cover on. It sits there very well and does not really need a bungee if I get it positioned right. I put the seat down, and then slide the seat all the way forward (or aft) and then the auger rides across the aluminum cross pieces.

I have the Magnum sled, so I have a bit more room. One bucket and a milk crate.

As Hanson stated, the bench seat sits a bit higher than the bucket, so your legs will dangle a bit if you are on the short side. My wife loves the seat, but ends up putting her feet on a bucket. We solved that this year by buying her her own cabin with the bucket seats.

[Dahitman44]

Hanson --

So I am 5' 10" will I have any problems?

Ok -- I am 5' 9.5"

What is the cost difference?

How could you fall over in them? That sounds strange. Too many beverages?

[BoxMN]

Thanks guys! Good info.

and thanks for the pics Stick. He made a very cool frame mod, gives me good ideas for mine someday.

Hitman, I am 5'11" if you stretch me, and my feet don't dangle, but my Grandson's sure do