atv's on the ice

[chop1]

how thick of ice do you wait for to run your atv's ?  i have 7'' of good black ice is it safe or not? 

[Fisherman 1]

7' of good clear ice is okay.  Remember though early season ice may be 7' in one spot and a lot less in other areas.  Play safe and maybe do a bit of checking with the spud.

[SpitzoMT]

With early season ice I usually don't do much hole hopping, so I know I'm going to stay in a certain area. I walk out first with the auger in hand & drill 4 - 6 test holes. I won't bring the ATV onto the ice unless there's a good solid 5 inches around me. Since my UTV weighs twice as much as my ATV, I won't bring it on the ice unless there's a good solid 9 inches. Everyone has their own comfort level, so just play it smart & be safe.

[Whopper Stopper]

how thick of ice do you wait for to run your atv's ?  i have 7'' of good black ice is it safe or not? 

With the variations of ice thickness on most lakes, 7" is probably border line. I certainly would check often as I worked my way out just so it doesn't all of a sudden turn to 3-4". If it is a good consistent 7" of good black ice, yes it will hold a ATV.

              WS

[52isntbigenough]

6"-8" for me. My ATV with me, fuel and gear has to be close to 1300 lbs.