Help - how much is this portable worth?

[Fazerfish]

My co-worker is borrowing is old pop-up portable to me this weekend and wants to know if I'm interested in buying it. We both have no idea how much its worth. Could anyone tell whats a fair price for it? The inside tag says ICE Blinds, I'm guessing its 20 to 30 years old, supposedly been used only a couple times. No rips, nothing wrong with it I can see. Measures 5 x 5 x 6'3" tall.

Also it took me about 20 minutes to figure out how to get it up, and another 20 to get it back in the bag, and I know there has to be a system or order of dis-assembly to make this process much easier. If anyone has something similar, I could sure use some tips on quick assembly and dis-assembly.

Thanks

[paceman]

It is pretty old, pretty small, I don't see a floor. 50 bucks max.

[DTro]

I agree $50.

This time of year, I would think hard about using that $50 towards something else that might be a little more user friendly. There will be some good deals on houses in the near future, probably even now.

[Fazerfish]

Thanks guys, I am new to ice fishing looking to get my young ones interested at the same time. So I need something that will fit in the trunk of a car or back of an SUV with-out putting the seats down, so I can keep the booster seats in there for the kids. This co-worker also has a small suitcase style protable that might work also, but I doubt it would fit in the trunk of a car, maybe the SUV though.

Would a suitcase style be a better option? I'm sure he is willing to sell me that one if it would be better suited for my needs.

[broman]

Do you have a rack on the top of your suv? Or could you put a rack on? If so, then you have more options.

[Johnny_Da_Der]

Even $50 looks a little steep to me.

[FL SNIPER]

$40 to $50 bucks.

[blackdog1101]

Unless it can be set up and taken doen more quickly, I'd pass entirely. You'll lose your kids interest if it takes too long to get ready to fish. There's too many good choices available to waste your money on the wrong choice. Borrow it for a few days to see how well you really like it, and if you can figure out how to set it up in under 5 minutes.

[brahambaseball]

I have the clam suitcase style portable. They sell new for about $180, and i haven't had many issues with it. It also fit in the back of my contour with the back seats down. It would easily fit you and one other adult. Or maybe you and one of your children.

I agree that you need to have something that sets up quick, and is taken down just as quickly to keep kids interested. I know when i was younger, if i was out with dad and wasn't getting fish in the boat i just wanted to go home and build a snow fort.

[Fazerfish]

I'm looking for something that will fit 1 adult and 2 small kids under 6 years old.

As for setting this thing up, if I figure it out, I'm sure it could be popped together in a minute or 2 and taken down just as easy. One thing I like is the tent poles are all attached and secured in place permenantly. No need to fit and match poles together, just pull the strings and the sides just pop out.

One thing is that there is no vent, I guess you have to leave the zipper open a little to get fresh air in.

Thanks for the replies....

[Chef]

How will you keep it anchored on the ice? No floor will allow it to shift all over every time the wind puffs. With two kids and tackle in there with you it might be a hassle.

[Fazerfish]

People are telling me to buy some Ice anchors?? or ice screws??? and tie it down or else it will blow away.

Not sure what these are, but I can guess....

[eyebjim]

A cheap alternative to the ice anchors is to drill a hole on the up wind side of the house put a 2x4 down the hole and tie a rope to the end that is out of the hole and tie that rope to the fish house.

<$40

[mrklean]

i would pass if i was you i tried to use ice anchors with one of my houses and dont like them

[Chef]

I did the 4x4 down the hole a couple of times and when the hole frezees over you can't use an auger to open it or you'll cut your ropes. Too much fiddling around for my taste.

There are enough things to tinker with setting up...LOL!!

[Sandmannd]

I would go about $40 on it. No floor is no big deal, the quick fish doesn't have one and neither does the new clams. Get some ice anchors to anchor it down. If it's hard to setup and take down though I would pass. Save up and get a newer flip house that comes with the ice screws. Can get a new Clam for around $170 if you can find them anymore and would suit your needs fine.

[deadeye]

40 sounds about right to me for that one. Those ice anchors are pretty easy to use and arent to expensive. I would also look at those new Eskimos if you got the money. The quickfish 6 is huge and will fit in the trunk of a car. You would have a little more room for the kids to move around in there. I watched the guys in the store set it up and it only took a minute or two.

[Craigums]

GM has all houses %20 off, might find something you like better. Infact most all stores should be having good deals

[jkjkoda]

20 minutes of not fishing!!!!!! Whats your time worth??

[Far-I]

If i were you, with yourself and two youngsters under six, and no truck bed or such, i would definatley look into getting a pak shack 3 man. It weighs only 18 pounds, wear it on your back and set it up and take it down in a minute or so at the most. Best part is it fits (with plenty of room to spare) inside the trunk of a smaller car. $150 well spent.

[zamboni]

For you and your 2 little ones, look at a Clam 5600. You can get them used for around $150 in great shape, and its easy to setup and take down. Plenty of room inside as well