Canvas Craft portables

[pearllakebulls]

Does anyone have an opinion about the canvas craft houses for Otter sleds. I am looking at a "doublewide" house with the special insulated fabric. Is the insulated fabric worth the extra $? Can you flip up just one side at a time or do both sides need to be open to use it? Thanks!

[wolfman-k]

I have had a double-wide for a couple of years, and I really like the room & the insulation is great. You can save some on heating over a regular portable plus no dripping inside from frost. I have never tried to just set-up one side, but it maybe would work. This time of year you should be able to get a discount of some sort, that's what I waited for, no regrets.

[pearllakebulls]

what kind of heater do you use in your double-wide and thanks for the info.

[wolfman-k]

I use a Big Buddy with a 20# propane tank & 5' hose, it's plenty of heater, most of the time it is only on low or medium. I always have a zipper open a bit too.

[92python]

I like the concept on insulated canvas but think the square tubes on the Otter outdoors models are better than the round tubes on the Canvas Craft houses.

[wolfman-k]

I've never had any issues with the round tubes, they open up easy and disassemble just as easy. It takes just a couple of minutes from set-up to fishing. I've never tried the square tubes, but have heard they are good also.

[jigginjim]

I have a pro fishtrap would like to see a linre for the roof.

[wishing for walleyes]

The thinsulate material is well worth the extra money.I had my frabill r2 tec out this morning, temp was -10 and the windchill was -40.There was no frost build up at all and it was light jacket weather inside.

[Dave]

The round frame assembly used in Canvas Craft shelters are steel, not aluminum. So, I wouldn't worry about them bending.

[castmaster]

Are the tubes in Canvas Craft shelters stainless steel or galvanized then? Otherwise how do they not have problems with rust?

[harvey lee]

I was fishing on Mille Lacs this weekend in sub zero tamps and I will say this, my Canvas Craft double portable warm very warm, and the inside of the insulated cover was also warm to the hand.

Now, about their pole system. We decided to stop fishing when the temps dropped to below -40 to -50 with the windchill. The winds were howling in excess of 35-40 mph. I almost lost the house trying to take everything down and the poles are all just fine. These poles slide very nice and are very tough. I thought I bent one some but set it up this morning and check it all out and yes, it will withstand 40 mph winds.

I dont believe it would be possible to fish out of with only one side up as the other side will be lying on the tub where you sit. Just as easy to set up both sides as it only takes an additional minute to set up it and it is also very easy to heat.

After what I put this portable through this weekend, I will always have faith in this unit. It all performed without a hitch. I do believe that this house was tested in the severest conditions one could possibly fish in.

[pearllakebulls]

thanks for the info guys. I think I will be picking one up since it sounds like we will be getting some extra cash from the gov:)

[bassNspear]

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/ub.../gonew/1#UNREAD

has alot of great information!!!

[pearllakebulls]

wow those are great pics of the houses, thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I am probably going to go to Rogers soon.

[bassNspear]

awesome. Matt and the guys will take care of you there. make sure you tell them the FM boys sent ya!!!