Cleaning an otter skin

[ameyers41]

Hello all - Wondering if anyone knows the differences between the original otter sleds/houses and the otter II's?

When did the otter II's come out? I'm looking at buying a used house, and want to make sure I'm getting a II, if there's a big difference in size, weight, construction, etc.

The one I'm looking at has the "Team Otter" logo on top of the canvas. Did they do that with the originals?

[hanson]

The big difference is the Sled. They are slightly different shapes and slightly different dimensions. Reason this would cause a problem is getting a replacement tent skin for an original Otter will be next to impossible without having it custom made.

The sleds should have decals on them, although if its used, it might be wore off. You can check Otter's HSOforum for the dimensions (length x width x depth) of the Otter II sleds and measure the one you are looking at and see if they compare. If they match, you obviously have an Otter II.

[ameyers41]

Thanks Hansen.

Next question. I did end up picking up an otter cabin. It's an otter II, otherwise I wouldn't have bought it.

The canvas smells a little "musty." Not bad, but stronger than my old portable. What's the best way to clean the canvas? Giant washing machine? Scrub by hand? Can you use detergent, or will that decrease the repellency?

Thanks for all the helpful info!

[ruster]

Put a couple dryer sheets in there and put the cover on. In a couple days the smell should be gone. It was probably put away wet/damp. This has worked for me in the past.