MyFishFinder.com Just like iceshanty but warmer
I personally recommend Otter brand. I just bought the Otter Resort 6 sided hub. Heavier poles, 100+ ft sq fishable area, thermal quilt, only 53 lbs. Every shortcoming of previous hubs are fixed in this model. Outer skirt anchor points, downforce straps, 2 zipper doors so there is no stress on seams, pass through flap for propane hose, and I could go on. Bought mine for $500 and its well worth it. Never worry about going too big, with gear and going in and out, you will appreciate the room.
Thanks for the help guys! I think I am narrowing it down to the Clam X600 and the Otter Vortex Resort. Both appear to be what i am looking for and are about the same price. Both are hard to find right now though im noticing.
Good luck with your choice and purchase ..I suggest putting in up and down several times before hitting the ice ..including the anchor set up An anchor tool ..with a drill or speed handle may be in your future .
I agree with you and will definitely be doing that. Since my last post, I've actually decided to look into the size smaller, which is the X400 and for the Otter the Vortex Lodge. Upon further review that size just might be big enough for what I am looking to do.
I'm throwing another hub into the mix. We got our son an Eskimo 450i for Christmas. It is designated as a 4-5 man shanty. They are 48lbs but most people don't carry hubs anyway and they have more then enough space for 4 people. If I were you I'd take into consideration of all your gear. You mentioned taking someone else, besides your kids. If you are planning on taking 4 or 5 people, I'd go bigger. We have used his 450i twice now and as far as I'm concerned, it is a great buy. I especially like the new door design. Something that will undoubtedly would be a plus for kids. No risk of tripping trying to get into or out of the shanty. Just open the door and walk in. Whatever you decide to do, I would certainly go to one of the bigger stores and go into all the different types. The only way to really make a good decision is to look at them all set up. Frank's between Pinconning and Linwood has all of their shanties set up so that you can view them, I'd make a trip there before buying one. Whichever hub you decide to buy enjoy it and the time you spend on the ice with your kids!
Go big or stay home. I have the 9416i and love it, mostly using it for camping 2 people max. I see 4 adults fishing in it comfortably. The little boys will grow up very rapidly. I enjoy more room, there's nothing like being forced to sit and watch your every move as to not knock something over/ disturb dead sticks.
100% agree with you. Normally I go to Shanty Days, but didnt make it this year. I prefer to buy from Franks anyways if I can help it. I guess I never considered the Eskimo lineup. I will look into those for sure. Thanks!Now, if we can just get some good ice for once.
The 450i hangs out about a foot out of the biggest jet sled they make. So, I don't think the ones you mentioned will fit in a jet sled either. Since it hangs out the back, I don't think they make a cover big enough to cover the hub and jet sled. You would have to make a cover to fit out of a tarp. I'm not sure if a different company makes a sled bigger then jet sled, you'll have to check on that one. Hopefully this helps.
I don't think you'll regret the biggest hub you can afford. I have Eskimo 747 I bought when it was just me and the wife. Now I fish with my 3 and 5 year old. It's tight with the 3 of us and no room for the wife. I contemplating one of the double hubs in the next couple years.
Wait too much longer and you'll be searching for camping equipment instead, lol. Have you gone to Frank's yet, to climb into them to check them out? If not, that would be my first move. I would seriously consider the eskimo 450i, plenty of room for your family.
That's quite a bit bigger then the 450, You, your family and a couple neighbor kids will fit in it, lol.
The early bird gets the worm, quit sleeping in, LOL.