IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: matzilla on Oct 16, 2014, 10:22 AM
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I got a deal on a close out Frabill Recon last year and used it as is for the season. This year I wanted to make some improvements and upgrades. I'll be adding reflectix, led interior lights, a bench for a stadium seat, 4" PVC to hold my Little Buddy heater, rod holders, skimmer holder, built in tackle box, front spot light for walking back to the truck in the dark (no more headlamp), 12v outlet with usb charger, etc. I'll keep this thread updated as I make progress. I just started the framework for the bench last night after work.
Here's the recon on the ice last year:
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3930/15293610989_f37467175d_z.jpg)
Here is the wiring diagram:
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5603/15363712558_6cf6ded6c7_c.jpg)
The batteries are a pair of Genesis 7ah's I get from work
LED's are 4" ShoreLine Marine's from Walmart
Finder is my HB 175 that was mounted on my bucket last year
Front spot light is an old fog light I had laying around
This is the seat I'll be mounting to my bench
(http://d3spdo3nk3n5ki.cloudfront.net/p600/810361-20140418061659-rio-adventure-my-pod-stadium-seat.jpg)
http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/810361-rio-adventure-my-pod-stadium-seat.html
I got a lot of ideas from this site...what a wealth of valuable info!
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Looks good keep at it.
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Here is the framework of the platform. The back section is 1x2's and the front cross member is a 2x3" screwed into the pole brackets on each side
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3933/15366992299_9010d7a0d6_c.jpg)
This shows the 7/16" ply for the seat and the tupperware container that'll be velcro'ed to the tub with dual batteries inside
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3940/15553616755_205c178d21_c.jpg)
Here is the aluminum plate that will go next to the seat. The 12v plug is behind the Plano 3503 spinnerbait box - it holds my jig box, plastics, and a Plano 3414 tackle box. The light switch and master switch are also installed
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3939/15367479858_4877fa792a_c.jpg)
This shows everything mocked up
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3951/15554458962_2c5cc452f2_c.jpg)
Tomorrow I'll get everything painted and covered in carpet
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very nice!
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Thanks guys, I'll keep updating this with pictures
I made some progress this weekend...
Here is the aluminum plate being covered in carpet, clamps are in place until the adheasive cures
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3948/15554987436_b6e4d51d3d_c.jpg)
Cured - 12v acc plug, switches and tackle box installed
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5610/15392556588_1a2e2f19b0_c.jpg)
I sprayed the 1x2" frame with bed liner coating
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3948/15579528342_c479bc057b_c.jpg)
Upholstered seat board and 2x3 cross member installed
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/15392063179_a178ff39b2_c.jpg)
Everything installed...aluminum plate will be screwed down when I finish the wiring this week
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/15392671947_fa29eed1f9_c.jpg)
Back view - I left this open so I can slide my auger and what not under the shelf easily
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/15554983736_1f94d80b42_c.jpg)
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Looks real nice man, very clean end product!
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Fishing wires through the support. There is a 7/16" hole for each light's feed to pass through and a 7/16" hole at the bottom for the wires to come out of.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3945/15568719846_4be8952f8b_c.jpg)
Lights soldered - pulling wire back through
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5615/15406300868_5e7a2a972a_c.jpg)
Wires are double shrink wrapped at the exit point, wire sock installed to keep them from chafing
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3946/15406300458_e91c9e2f3e_c.jpg)
Power box - Tupperware container with vent hole for charging batteries without removing from the box. Stainless steel machine screws with lock nuts and wing nuts. 5a waterproof fuse holder inside. Box will have new batteries tossed in and is to be insulated with Reflectix
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3948/15406405407_a37b2b073c_c.jpg)
Lights on and finder powered up. The lights are simply zip tied to the tubing to they can be wiggled around to adjust.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5600/15406301848_f56e800216_c.jpg)
Everything running - added a mechanical thermometer I had laying around the garage.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5602/15589745581_cfabac43e1_c.jpg)
If time allows (have to work late on a wireless install) tonight I will get the front light mounted and wired up. I still have to bundle all the wiring under the switch plate to make things nice and neat.
More pictures to follow
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Nice, clean, simple, well thought out install. Keep up the good work.
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Light installed - I do most of my ice fishing in the evenings after I get off work, this should make getting on and off the ice easier. If I didn't have this old fog light laying around I would have sprung for a pair of cheap LED fog lights. Futher down the road I'll probably replace the 55w bulb with an LED equal. I no longer have to carry a headlamp or flashlight
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5615/14988226603_193f1f543e_c.jpg)
Fog light wiring is in loom, zip tied to the rim of the sled
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5609/15422259808_2eba413bdc_c.jpg)
HB 175 finder mounted to the swing arm setup I made last year for my bucket. It folds up nicely when not in use.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3948/15421731259_96e519c936_c.jpg)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3940/15421730409_5884c1887d_c.jpg)
45* 1.5" PVC mounted as a rod holder
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3939/15422776950_fb2fb25792_c.jpg)
1.5" PVC union as a skimmer holder, will also hold my Eskimo ice anchor
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5604/15605701001_3dde58c319_c.jpg)
1.5" PVC union as a rod holder in the sled
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/15421728349_300ec58da9_c.jpg)
Laying out 24" wide Reflectix to trim to length
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5615/15422368337_db7707c0ca_c.jpg)
Reflectix installed - covered from front to back, pulling the sheet over the hoops, cutting slots for the Velcro straps to pass through and attached to each hoop, the back section is Velcro'ed to the sled, the front wraps around the hoop and is zip tied.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3948/15609193682_b2f6d2fc70_c.jpg)
I still have a few things to finish up - will post pictures
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cool mods!!!! nice job. its always fun to trick our huts out
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Excellent job!! :clap: :thumbsup: :icefish:
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Matzilla, it looks like your folding seat stays upright without being seated in it. Did you do something in particular during mounting it to keep it open? I am a little unclear on how it is mounted to the base if you could elaborate. Thanks for keeping us up to date on your progress - very impressive, well thought out work!
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DoctorPerch - the seat works like an old reclining beach chair, it has a ratchet action with 4 seat back angles. In all of the pictures so far the seat is simply sitting on top of the platform. I loosely mounted it down last night with a couple of screws and fender washers through the bleacher strapping built into the chair.
Thanks for all the compliments guys! Here are the rest of the pictures...
Finished, lights and finder on
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3935/15613127191_cd5f5a0cb9_c.jpg)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3953/14995045884_134da2a22d_c.jpg)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3947/15615803245_96a182c0c3_c.jpg)
Made a little Iowa Ice Shanty logo
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3948/15615802265_4e8800c1c4_c.jpg)
Insulated the battery box and loomed up the wiring
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15429679098_a8cde43088_c.jpg)
Made a bottle wrap for the Little Buddy
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5598/15429678128_b4f0537c85_c.jpg)
I decided to keep it simple and attach the seat to the platform with a couple screws and fender washers. The velcro built into the seat is more than enough to keep it from blowing away. I wanted the seat to be able to move around a bit for comfort.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15429791507_a238cece1d_c.jpg)
Here it is all finished up
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/15430208100_9d403bd30a_c.jpg)
Surprisingly all of this didn't add too much weight - it'll still pull around and load/unload easy. Now its time to organize jigs, get my new auger ready, and pray for ice!
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Congratulations!! That turned out sweet!! :thumbsup: :clap: :icefish:
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You did an awesome job. Congrats.
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Ya forgot the beverage holder and Big Screen TV. ;D Nice job.
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Awesome Mods-- I think I came up with a few ideas ;) ;D ;D ;D
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very nice what was to total weight of the sled with all the mods? I like the idea of being able to charg your phone
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That is one nice setup! Now just add a flexible solar panel to the roof with velcro to charge the battery and you would be set!
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Looks great!
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Purdy nice work their young man.
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Excelent work!
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This is outstanding. Im definitely stealing some ideas for my flip over.
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I'm debating on pm'ing him to fly in here to MA to hook me up.
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Thanks guys! hope the pictures help
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That is one nice setup! Now just add a flexible solar panel to the roof with velcro to charge the battery and you would be set!
The battery box is right around 10-11lbs, the seat and platform are less than 5lbs
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Nice mods :thumbsup:
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Very nice setup indeed, great job.
There are a couple things i think you will find need tweaking. I think you will find having the seat off set to be uncomfortable. It also puts more of your body weight on one side rather than centered. I also used the reflectex idea but found that a one man flip over heats up nicely with just your body heat. Add that little buddy heater and the reflectex wont be needed
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Great mods Matzilla! I'm in the process of building a power supply box and wiring up my shack as well, hoping to get it done this week so I can take it fishing this weekend, I'll post pics or video once its finished!
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Great mods Matzilla! I'm in the process of building a power supply box and wiring up my shack as well, hoping to get it done this week so I can take it fishing this weekend, I'll post pics or video once its finished!
Looking forward to the details!
BaitBucket - before I modded the Recon I used to keep my hole hoping bucket in it as a seat and I always sat offset like that because my auger and heater were at my right side when sitting down...I kinda got used to the arrangement. I'm upgrading to a HB Helix next year so the finder between my legs will be done. That might impact where the seat is. I use my Lil Buddy quite a bit when its under 25*'s like it was most of last season. With the reflectix I shouldn't need the heater nearly as much. I dress light and move around a lot - some of my spots require a 2 mile hike.
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Looking forward to the details!
BaitBucket - before I modded the Recon I used to keep my hole hoping bucket in it as a seat and I always sat offset like that because my auger and heater were at my right side when sitting down...I kinda got used to the arrangement. I'm upgrading to a HB Helix next year so the finder between my legs will be done. That might impact where the seat is. I use my Lil Buddy quite a bit when its under 25*'s like it was most of last season. With the reflectix I shouldn't need the heater nearly as much. I dress light and move around a lot - some of my spots require a 2 mile hike.
I hear yah man. In MA we get temps down into the teens and into single digits with the windchill. I am usually moving to much to sit inside my flip over. 60-80 holes per trip is about the average.
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I had this out over new years week and it did pretty well...pulls great on ice, but my trip to the Dubuque/Wisconsin Mississippi backwaters included a 1/3 mile hike through the woods on a beat down mud trail. It wasn't the greatest lol
We have about 9" of powdery snow on the ground right now - very cold and windy. My Helix DI/GPS comes tomorrow and will be mounted up to the sled before I go out Sunday and all of next week (vacation!). I'll get some pictures and we'll see how the Recon holds up in the nasty weather :)
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Thanks for taking the time to answer my pm. I don't know how much mod I'll do with mine, but you've definitely given me some ideas.
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Thanks Dave! If you add anything to yours post up some pictures to share.
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Nice looking mods! Hopefully I'll get to see it on the ice this year.
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Nicely done, Matzilla. I have the same shanty and got a few really good ideas. I was thinking of the battery box idea but never considered running the light wires through the conduit. Very cool.
A couple other mods you may want to consider: I added a hyfax kit to mine to protect the sled. I also just finished building a 31" wide smitty sled for it. Your setup is already pretty light but with the distances you travel, it may be worth it.
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Kevin, I will be out on my usual spots starting this Sunday and all week after that...pm me if you're free and we'll meet up
fish8mybait - I'm planning on putting 3 runners on the sled during the summer so I stop ripping the sled up lol do you have any pictures of your smitty?
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https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9Be8pZvoonKRlF5SFE2M0dGLVk/edit?usp=docslist_api
Not sure if this will work or not....never posted pics.
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https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9Be8pZvoonKZkNISXdaZXNyTTQ/edit?usp=docslist_api
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9Be8pZvoonKaG9JcDRnNk82UEU/edit?usp=docslist_api
Not perfect but you can check it out. Pretty simple. Bought a set of cheap downhill skis from the thrift store a 2X4, 2X8, stainless eye bolts to strap or bungee the shanty down. Two eye bolts in front for the pull rope. I was able to find some reflective neon rope and tied that to carabiners. Also wrapped some extra rope around the rope so it doesn't dig into my hands as much. Hope this helps.
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Matzilla,
Is your lil buddy just free standing or is it mounted in there? Very nice looking mods.
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That smitty looks great!
The little buddy is free standing, I was going to mount it to a 4" pvc union but it didn't seem to fit well anywhere in the tub.
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Matzilla - Thanks for posting and sharing. Great work! I would love to talk to you further about your mods and ice fishing gear. If you could email me at [email protected] I would appreciate it.
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Awesome job matzilla. I can't wait until you build a bass boat.
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Updates...
Installed my Frabill Hyfax runner kit tonight
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7319/15900780854_231ac24113_c.jpg)
This should help a little bit...the deep snow didn't stick around too long around here but the runners will keep my sled from wearing down. It should be a big help when pulling through some nasty slush on the late ice this year.
I ditched the HB Pmax 175 and got a new HB Helix 5 di/gps. Mounted it up using the same old swing arm I made for the 175. This thing works extremely well for ice fishing!
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7519/15656741743_f644e23d06_c.jpg)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7548/16072373068_89bc81722b_c.jpg)
I ended up removing the Reflectix from the back of the tent...the Velcro didn't hold it to the tub well and I got tired of it flapping around. I still stay plenty warm with the remaining Reflectix intact. I've only had to use the Little Buddy heater twice this year so far.
The fog light mounted on the front has been priceless...plenty of light for those dark night hikes back to the truck and hands free.
Honestly I couldn't be happier with the sled - all of my gear fits like a glove, it transports well, hole hops well and stands up to some fierce wind without many problems. It is still light enough to get around easily...I pulled it up and over a 40' tall levee yesterday with out a problem.
I'm going to bend the front hoop to lay flat on the ice tomorrow. I haven't had too many issues with wind blowing under but its an easy mod
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Matzilla , when attaching reflectix to the back inside of the shanty . Use 3M adhesive spray to hold it in place .
My question is now after a few times out . How do you like your seat ??? I've read that you hole hop . How many hours do you spend sitting in it ??? I'm looking to lighten up my frabill commando and those seats are heavy .
Bucktownboy
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I like it a lot! The seat is the perfect height for me (commando seat is a little tall and makes me hunch over) and pretty comfy. When hopping I'll pop about 10 to 15 holes, clean them out, drag the sled to each one and flop the ducer down the hole. I'll fish it for a couple of minutes even if I don't see any fish. If I catch something I stay, if I don't I move on.
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Wow. Well done it looks great
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hyfax makes pulling the sled much easier....might not be a huge help in deep snow but the difference on clear ice, over downed trees, down my driveway, etc is night and day. Pulled the sled fully loaded today over a mile on the ice and through a small island pass.
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Nice updates...Did you make something for the transducer for your Helix? I have one also and I'm trying to figure something out as a do it yourself type mod. Also did the Helix ever freeze up and how well does the down image work?
Thanks
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Nice updates...Did you make something for the transducer for your Helix? I have one also and I'm trying to figure something out as a do it yourself type mod. Also did the Helix ever freeze up and how well does the down image work?
Thanks
I just toss the transducer in the hole..no need for anything else. It never freezes up - color lcd's aren't affected by cold as the old grayscale LCD's were. Especially when LED backlit like the Helix. I don't use the DI transducer - just a 200/455khz 2D skimmer.
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Thanks...I will give it a try...
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New stuff...
added a pair of LED fog lights to replace the single halogen fog light I used before - shouldn't strain the battery as much
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5680/23288752603_081f2d98c3_b.jpg)
I made some upright rod holders out of ABS, the base blind mounts via the wood plugs which are through bolted to the raised ribs in the sled. I'm going to add some Velcro straps to help secure the rods
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5822/23889403876_e7f2234240_b.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/729/23807206372_9919113c4d_b.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/729/23288731953_27dcbbb01b_b.jpg)
I added a 20* bend to the front hoop to help keep the skirt on the ground - not shown is about a 7* counter bend to help the front of the hoop lay flat on the ice. I didn't want to shorten the hoop too much and make the sides flap in the wind.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/767/23889550886_078fc6d99e_b.jpg)
More to come as time allows!
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Awesome stuff man! I'm about ready to pull the trigger on the Eskimo Quickflip 1, and you've given me tons of ideas to mod it out already. Thanks for posting pics, and keeping us updated.
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Very impressive :) - gives me tons of ideas on mods of my rig (though I do not have that type of hut).
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Very nice job on the mods, I can tell you put a lot of thought into them, Well done! :clap:
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Looking at getting a flip over for 2 at the end of the ice season and if all goes well ill definitly be using some of your light wiring tricks for inside and outside of the shack pretty sweet rig you got there as it sits!!
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Thanks guys....I will get some pictures of a method I used to widen the bars at the mounting brackets. I am 100% sure the front hoop is going to get replaced with some conduit from work - I want it to lay flat on the ice so the darn skirting doesn't flap around
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I just purchased a Recon. What is the best way to attach the reflectix to the fabric? Sounds like you had some issues with the velcro. I was actually looking at purchasing a Helix 5 as well for my boat, but like the fact that an ice ducer works on it in the winter time too. Sweet set up you have.
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Thanks! I ended up with reflectix mounted from the front to the top - the back section is not insulated. When it is sunny outside I face the back to the sun which greatly helps in warming the shack. The reflectix simply passes over the hoops and has slots cut in it for the Velcro straps to pass through. I noticed 0 difference in having 3/4 of the tent covered in reflectix vs all of it.
The Helix works great on the ice - I really like my DI/GPS and will likely get a 9" version one of these days
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Thanks for this mod post it is what I was looking for
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I know this is an old thread but there are some great tips here for sure, thank you!
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Thanks! Hope it helps some folks out! I've done similar mods to my Recruit that I picked up over the summer
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Hey. I have a recon and love it. I'm gonna try some of your mods on mine. I was just wondering if you have tried anything to help with wind issues. When the wind hits the back it lifts the front up off the ice. I wind up sitting with my feet on the side rails like im in a recliner just to hold it down lol. Ive seen someone one youtube who lined the edges of the canvas with chain to keep the wind out. Im trying to devise a bracket that will flip over the rail on the sides, kind of like the wind break brackets. If you have any ideas id love to hear them. Thanks.
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This is what demonstrates what a great country we live in. MAGA.
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Inspired! I don't use my Recon much, but I need something to do indoors until this COVID thing is over. I have the factory trunk seat option, but that is not a good use of the space, at least for me. Going downstairs to start the remodel. If any of you that followed the original thread came up with any changes or good ideas, let me know!
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Dang! I just realized my Recon is put together different. The bows are on the inside of the brackets, except for the first one. Can't copy the rear support for the seat platform. I looked on line, and mine matches what I saw there. Did they change the design from when this original post was made?
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Dang! I just realized my Recon is put together different. The bows are on the inside of the brackets, except for the first one. Can't copy the rear support for the seat platform. I looked on line, and mine matches what I saw there. Did they change the design from when this original post was made?
I just checked mine, which I bought 7 years ago and mine are on the outside. Did you put yours together or did it come already assembled? If assembled it's possible that it was put together incorrectly. You might want to try and put them on the outside and see if that works.
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I put mine together, but I looked at other videos on line, and mine is per instructions. It looks like it sound work either way, but I was wondering about making another change: I feel like there is barely enough room with the seat all the way forward to set the hook. I almost want to try and make a seat that can slide back and forth, like my storage tub can do now, and see where I prefer it before I bolt it down hard.
I assume you have no trouble with your seat where it is- any times you wish you could sit further back and maybe put your feet inside the tub so they don't consume fishable space? Any issues you think I will have if I sit further back?
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I put mine together, but I looked at other videos on line, and mine is per instructions. It looks like it sound work either way, but I was wondering about making another change: I feel like there is barely enough room with the seat all the way forward to set the hook. I almost want to try and make a seat that can slide back and forth, like my storage tub can do now, and see where I prefer it before I bolt it down hard.
I assume you have no trouble with your seat where it is- any times you wish you could sit further back and maybe put your feet inside the tub so they don't consume fishable space? Any issues you think I will have if I sit further back?
Mine came with a three legged ball buster chair. I normally would position it with the front leg over of the tub. But could move it back if necessary. The chair didn't hold up and I have been using a 6 gallon bucket. I have also used an old aluminum lawn chair. But the back leans too far back. So I have not really found a chair that I am happy with. So I continue to use my bucket with a padded lid.