My Otter Mods *Pics*

[otterman91105]

That is really nice. Mine is pretty old, but when i get a new one would like to do something like that to it.

[mike27891]

I have seen a lot of mods over the years, and most looked I like a waste of time, but yours gave me hope.

I might have a new summer protect.

[PK3]

Awesome mod! Just a quick question...any issues when collapsing the canvas with the 11# tank in the back? Is there a con of having it in front of the heater since it is taller than the heater itself?

Please don't think this is a knock on the mod. Again, looks awesome and professional looking. Just wondering.

[JIM C]

No issues collapsing the Otter tent poles over the propane tank at all, plenty of room. I do have a piece of pipe insulation wrapped around the handle on the tank to protect the tarp. See the pics

Thanks for the kind comments. This is an old post, and I've modded several Otters since for myself and friends. We are calling the latest version V2.50 Same design I don't know what I'd change, but with more aluminum (I taught myself to weld aluminum - fun - I'm bad at it) and some lighter materials. I also added an aluminum "transom" so I can hook several Otter's together and not worry about tearing up a sled.

Fishing out of a "decked" sled is a real joy and your gear stays in one piece. It's worth the effort, and I've already got some new ideas for Otter Cottage v3.0...

Jim Carroll NPAA #13

[cichlid_baby]

A couple of questions...

How much additional weight did you end up adding with all the mods?

Can this design be modified to accept an 11 lb pancake style propane tank instead of the tall one that you have pictured?

What about a big buddy heater instead of the smaller one that you have pictured?

Or is it not enough room?

[pikechaser]

Very Impressive!!

[JIM C]

A couple of questions...

[McGurk]

I agree with Jim, in that for a Otter Den you need to look at the total desired package and not the individual contents. I laid out my Cabin with the same mentality, and I am able to get an SM 8" auger, tall 11lb LP tank, Big Buddy heater, 5 gallon bucket with pullout shelf on top, tackle bag, flasher, camera, Lantern in case, plus small stuff; all under a flush top. I built it up to there is nothing protruding from the top and works well. These pics show more than one with the tops mounted. I just use folding padded bleacher seats instead of permanent ones.

Yeah, it weighs more, but I never pulled it by hand anyways so I didn't care about it. I have a Frabill recon for light gear fishing.

[CaptainMusky]

I really like that slide out shelf idea! I might incorporate that into the mod I did to mine a couple years ago. I have been wanting to redo a few things and that would be a nice addition.

[silverbulletguy]

McGurk- nice idea with the slide out shelf but I'm wondering where you put your rod case/bag. I'm guessing the support poles for the flip over just go in the same area as your auger? Also curious if you attached it to your house or if it's just laying in there? Thx

Trying to get ideas and get a plan together for a summer project.

[HOBBSTER]

Awesome ideas guys, great work, makes sense. I'm going to add a casting deck to mine for the remainder of this winter...

[McGurk]

McGurk- nice idea with the slide out shelf but I'm wondering where you put your rod case/bag. I'm guessing the support poles for the flip over just go in the same area as your auger? Also curious if you attached it to your house or if it's just laying in there?

You are right: Rods are an issue. I have a marcum icebag that holds 4 rods and some other stuff, and I just strap it onto the 4 wheeler rack so it's not an issue. The other option is to put your auger on a wheeler rack, and that opens that area up for rods/ rod bags. Support poles do indeed go in there.

I do have it mounted in the tub; on the upper edges so I didn't drill holes in down low. I also added a wood plate on the back to attach the mod, with a large eyebolt to connect another sled if need be. That helps distribute the yanking from towing another house.

Like I said, you need to look at all of the gear you want to bring, look at how you fish, and then try to implememnt that style into your mod. I like to have the auger, flasher, and rods accessable without having to open the house. That way I can scout without having to open the house, and set up only if we are on fish. Moving is a cakewalk as you don't have to tear down to take off.

I really like Jim's layout with the tank and hose and heater, you don't have to connect anything or move the tank to use the heater.

[CFRay]

Here's my mods. I fish by my self mostly so I use a fold up chair in the tub. That space holds my Vexilar (in bucket) and 20lb propane w/ loose Sunflower heater turned down. Rods go in the long compartment. Camera in the smaller space by the bait bucket. Pictures taken with canvas off. I have LED rope lights on the poles with the battery in the front compartment. An Otter cover fits nice over this setup when traveling. I pull mine with an ATV w/ an auger rack.

[mrklean]

cool looking mods