Team Otter Hyfax!

[Bigslugger]

Why is it such a pain to put on the sled!

To start of it was curved the wrong way, and then it seems like the bolts are too short. So I used o washers (probably a bad idea)

After 3 hours only 2 of 6 of them done. Maybe having someone else to help would work a lot smoother

Did accomplish getting the really old auger blades off of the Model 30. Had to use a air drill to get them off because of the rust and corrosion.

[jwhjr]

It does go a lot easier with 2 people. I had issues with some of the bolts being short as well so I didn't use washers on those. I siliconed everything from the inside and I haven't had any issues with leaking.

[Dakota Iceman]

Yes, it is a pain. My boy helped me but it was a 2 1/2 hour job with the both of us staying right with it.

[Dellfin]

Just a thought...wonder if using a heat gun or hair drier to heat up and shape the hifax strips for easier installation (at least when it's cold)? Another observation from past experience is that after installing them on an old Otter sled, the hardware seemed to rust after only one season? I think I'd go with stainless steel nuts and bolts when I do it again.

[Dakota Iceman]

Thats a worry I never thought of.....you would think they would supply the stainless steel nuts bolts and washers.

[Iambjm]

Watch the video by shackbash on how to install hyfax

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1631738/1

[chris63]

This suggestion will only magnify your pain but here goes.Once you get a screw or two in,go back and remove the screw and replace it with a blind aluminum rivet.(Blind meaning only need one person to install.Not a solid rivet requiring a bucking bar and possibly a second person.)I think you'll find no rusting/loosening with aluminum rivets!c63

[chris63]

Stainless=Too much$$c63

[lm90]

You beat to it I was looking for that link! It is a great help!

[DTro]

I don't understand the curve comment. They come straight, so how could they be curved wrong?

Do as suggested in the video, it shouldn't take much more than an hour and is fairly easy.

[harvey lee]

The last set I put on took a little over an hour by myself.

First, place the hyfax in the front slot, then tap it in with a hammer. Then drill the holes through the sled and hyfax with a drill bit just a little smaller in diameter than the bolt. When the holes are drilled, screw the bolt through the hyfax into the tub. I would start out by drilling the first hole by the end of the hyfax that goes into the slot and then work from there. When you have all the bolts in for the first hayfax, then turn the tub over and use your ratchet and put the nuts on the bolts with a washer. If the bolt turns, use a allen wrench on the other side to hold it from turning. If you used the correct drill size when downsizing, you should not have to even use a allen wrench.

Now continue to do the next and due the same for all until you are done.

I have found this method to be the easiest way for 1 person and its goes as well as it can.

Good luck, it will work.

[Bigslugger]

Thanks lambjm for the video

Why isn't that thing stuck to the top of a forum page anyways?

[Jeremy airjer W]

Make sure they are warm also, They don't like to bend when they are cold!

[tonkapat]

I like to use an allen wrench set so u have a good handle to push on the bolts with. After doing two sets so far i found that one hyfax on each sled was really difficult. when i had a bolt i couldn't get (just a couple) i would use a spade bit on the hifax to get that extra 1/16. good luck

[Iambjm]

Thanks lambjm for the video

Why isn't that thing stuck to the top of a forum page anyways?

Not sure why it isn't, it was certainly suggested. Maybe the powers that be will see this and slap it up there.

[Bigslugger]

I finished it up this morning

Worked like a charm just like the video said!