IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Ice Fishing Transportation => Topic started by: TheLionsFan on Oct 01, 2020, 02:07 PM
-
Hey guys,
My wife and I have been wanting to buy a snowmobile for several years now and have been looking around for used ones. I've been reading a lot about different ones and learning. Without getting into details, I think we've decided we might just bite the bullet and get a brand new one since we're looking for something to last us a long time and we're very very good about maintaining our stuff.
We don't wanna spend a fortune, but we do want a 2-up fan cooled. This sled is for ice fishing and just fun riding around the field or a couple trails here and there. Something we can pull our young kids behind on sleds. I would say one of, if not THE most important factor is we want something reliable. As long as we do our part, we want it to start and operate every single time. I hate to be miles out on the ice and something go wrong.
I've been eyeing up the Polaris Indy LXT, but I see Yamaha makes the VK model, Ski Doo has a couple different models (looks to be a little more expensive)..etc. I've generally found myself always owning Polaris for no particular reason, just seems that way. Im not looking to start any war of which is better, but since I am kinda new to snowmobiles and dont know a TON about them, if you had a budget of <$10,000 what snowmobile would you be buying that fits the criteria mentioned?
Thanks guys, I appreciate any info you have.
-
Those are all great options
I'd get a SkiDoo GT - I kinda like the rotax engines, both 2 and 4 stroke are pretty easy to work on. Parts are easy to get. The polaris and yamaha aren't bad either by any means. It might come down to which dealer is closest to you - buying something and having to haul it 100's miles for dealer service isn't ideal
https://www.ski-doo.com/snowmobiles/grand-touring.html
-
Those are all great options
I'd get a SkiDoo GT - I kinda like the rotax engines, both 2 and 4 stroke are pretty easy to work on. Parts are easy to get. The polaris and yamaha aren't bad either by any means. It might come down to which dealer is closest to you - buying something and having to haul it 100's miles for dealer service isn't ideal
https://www.ski-doo.com/snowmobiles/grand-touring.html
I appreciate it thank you! That sled does look very nice, I think it may be just a tiny bit out of our budget though.
-
If I was serious about buying a new sled I'd be looking hard at either the Arctic Cat Bearcat or the Ski Doo Skandic fan cooled models. That said, I currently run a 1994 Polaris Indy Touring Deluxe that I bought used and it has served me well in my ice fishing pursuits with a few modifications done to it - cargo rack, auger clamp, GPS bracket, studded track, carbide ski skegs, ice scratchers, 10" LED light, and a lighted compass.
-
I bought a 2010 Arctic Cat F570 in 2011, new hold-over. It has served my well on the ice. Fan-cooled sled works well on wind-swept ice and warmer days. Electric start and reverse are two luxuries that are sure nice. Modifications that serves your needs... I did a shanty rack, auger rack, hitch, scratchers, studded track, rod holders, bait bucket holders, dash bag and handlebar bag. Modified the trailer also, drive on/drive off with no loading and unloading the gear.
-
Thats some great info, thanks guys!
In general, as long as we do our part in keeping the sled maintained and taken care of, is it pretty tough to go wrong no matter what sled I buy?
-
I am not an expert on new sleds, my main ride is an old 1 cylinder tundra I got for free. I always wondered what a new sled would be like.
There are no guarantees, but you can go a long ways if you do the maintenance. I would recommend a fan cooled 2 stroke sled, for simplicity and reliability. That is why Yamaha had to keep making the VK540 even though they had a strategy to go to all 4 stroke sleds. The old 550 fan sleds from almost all the brands would go 10,000 miles pretty simple if you did not abuse them and did maintenance.
You probably don't need a wide track machine either, unless you live in a very high snow climate.
It seems that the utility machines are not popular, but if you could get one of those, otherwise the entry level fan cooled touring machine should meet your budget. I see a lot of Ski-doo expeditions from rental fleets a year old out here, that is what I would do, but they also have them new.
-
My suggestion is SkiDoo Expedition Sport with the 550 fan. The same chassis as the Tundra LT but with a wider A-arm ski stance instead of the pogo's on the Tundra-hence more stable. Comes with two-up seat standard. Air cooled, two-stroke and has a pull cord starter for when the battery dies.
-
I’ll look into the Ski Doo Expeditions. Definitely not the first time I’ve heard good things about them.
-
So I checked out the Expedition Sport. Like everything about it, just noticed it is liquid cooled. I’d really prefer a fan cooled.
-
So I checked out the Expedition Sport. Like everything about it, just noticed it is liquid cooled. I’d really prefer a fan cooled.
Bummer, they discontinued the 550 fan for 2021. Look for a 2020 leftover with the 550, it's air cooled.
-
I agree the expedition 550 fan is a nice rig , I have a tundra with 550 I pull two loaded 2 man shacks plus rider no problem , Plenty of power , if you can find a 2020 expedition
Have fun shopping 👍
-
I agree the expedition 550 fan is a nice rig , I have a tundra with 550 I pull two loaded 2 man shacks plus rider no problem , Plenty of power , if you can find a 2020 expedition
Have fun shopping 👍
Great info, thanks! I will do some research for a 2020.
-
You can also look at 2021 Polaris Indy 550
LXT ES 8,600 MFSRP that’s a starting price ,
-
You can also look at 2021 Polaris Indy 550
Thats the one I/we originally were looking at. The price seems good, its fan cooled, wife likes the color (lol), its a 2-up. The place near me appears to have one or two in stock. Im having a horrible time trying to find any Ski Doo dealers anywhere near me.
-
I’ve owned Polaris with no regrets ,
Remember a happy wife is a happy life 😉
For that price you can do some up grading , to meet your comfort zone , you can also see what they have in hold overs 👍
,
-
I’ve owned Polaris with no regrets ,
Remember a happy wife is a happy life 😉
For that price you can do some up grading , to meet your comfort zone , you can also see what they have in hold overs 👍
,
I agree there.
For what we want to use it for, I would think any new sled is probably MORE than what we need to be honest.
-
What ever you decide post a pic
-
What ever you decide post a pic
For sure!
-
What ever you decide post a pic
Toy pics! :thumbsup:
Whatever you get, one thing I've found to be really useful on ice is studs. Full length picks like Woody's, not 3/8" automotive style. Obviously better for traction, but also throw up lots of ice dust to cool/lube the track on glare ice.
-
Whichever sled you choose you might look into some of these details in case you decide to mod it out for ice fishing...
If you add a rear cargo rack can you stiffen up the rear suspension to handle extra weight?
If you add rear weight can you make adjustments to help with steering?
If you fish on large lakes with a lot of bare ice you might consider studding the track for traction/stopping and also adding ice scratchers to help lubricate the track slides.
If you stud the track you'll need carbide skegs on the ski's.
Handlebar grip/thumb warmers come in quite handy at times.
Electric start with a pull start option is another handy comfort. Having a battery also helps if you want to add more lights and/or power a GPS unit separate from the ignition switch.
Reverse is a VERY handy option with these bigger sleds.
-
Whichever sled you choose you might look into some of these details in case you decide to mod it out for ice fishing...
If you add a rear cargo rack can you stiffen up the rear suspension to handle extra weight?
If you add rear weight can you make adjustments to help with steering?
If you fish on large lakes with a lot of bare ice you might consider studding the track for traction/stopping and also adding ice scratchers to help lubricate the track slides.
If you stud the track you'll need carbide skegs on the ski's.
Handlebar grip/thumb warmers come in quite handy at times.
Electric start with a pull start option is another handy comfort. Having a battery also helps if you want to add more lights and/or power a GPS unit separate from the ignition switch.
Reverse is a VERY handy option with these bigger sleds.
Thats some great info! I need to write that stuff down. The biggest lake I would take it out on, I would probably go no more than 5-6 miles out. And if its bare ice and not necessary for sled, Ill take my 4 wheeler.
If I pursue this sled, or any of the sleds recommended, I will ask the salesman about these.
Thanks!
-
You might want to check into the expedition 900ace. I'm not sure if the sport has it but my le model has a built in radiator with a fan so the fan will cool the motor without snow if needed. The reliability of a four stroke will outlast the 2 stroke fan. The sport model would probably fit you better with with a narrower track 15" for the trail. The le and se models come in either a 20", or 24" wide track. They are great in the deep stuff but a little more to handle on the trail. Also the le and se models have a 2 speed transmission. If you want to use the sled more as a utility sled with the 2up option then the le or se models will work but if riding on trail is more your preference I would choose the sport.
-
You might want to check into the expedition 900ace. I'm not sure if the sport has it but my le model has a built in radiator with a fan so the fan will cool the motor without snow if needed. The reliability of a four stroke will outlast the 2 stroke fan. The sport model would probably fit you better with with a narrower track 15" for the trail. The le and se models come in either a 20", or 24" wide track. They are great in the deep stuff but a little more to handle on the trail. Also the le and se models have a 2 speed transmission. If you want to use the sled more as a utility sled with the 2up option then the le or se models will work but if riding on trail is more your preference I would choose the sport.
Awesome, I will check them out. So you're saying it is liquid cooled but even if theres just a dusting of snow on the ice it will still cool without issues because of the fan?
I dont think I will be doing much trail riding, maybe just taking it back to the woods here and there and across the fields, but definitely not any state trails or anything.
-
Correct I can start mine and let it set on concrete and it won't over heat. The also make a radiator for the 600 ace also.
-
Correct I can start mine and let it set on concrete and it won't over heat. The also make a radiator for the 600 ace also.
I like the sounds of that. My only issue is its looking a little more than I'd like to spend. Unless that second stimulus check comes... lol
-
I agree Dsupercat I stayed within his Spending cap
-
Just remember that's msrp. I bought my 2017 for 9k and a friend bought a 2020 for 10,800. These sleds are in high demand in Canada but dealers in the south WI, Iowa, MI. Illinois sometimes have left over ones that can be had for a discounted price. Otherwise wait and buy one in spring during there spring buy option which will be a discounted pre-buy for the next season.
-
Just remember that's msrp. I bought my 2017 for 9k and a friend bought a 2020 for 10,800. These sleds are in high demand in Canada but dealers in the south WI, Iowa, MI. Illinois sometimes have left over ones that can be had for a discounted price. Otherwise wait and buy one in spring during there spring buy option which will be a discounted pre-buy for the next season.
Great point. Might have to just stop in and see what they say. Wouldn’t mind waiting til spring but many are predicting a very cold and snowy winter so I’d like to take advantage. Especially because here in Michigan it’s so hit or miss.
-
I got my 2017 Tundra in July of 2017. There are websites that can help you find in stock units...Snowmobile trader? Once you locate your rig in stock, call that dealership, ask for a sales rep and assure them you have cash. Then schedule a closing date & time. I live in the Boulder area but found my sled in stock in Steamboat Springs. Negotiated a cash price and date to pick up. Made a weekend of it in Steamboat (bonus points with the wife and son) then slipped out for an hour or so to pick it up and close on the sled. It was great. Since it was scheduled the rep I'd been working with since the initial call met me and went over the belt change, tool kit, suspension adjust, fuel requirements and performance expectations based on my use right there in the showroom. Find the sled in stock, assure them you have the cash (maybe not CC) and schedule the close. EZ Peazey.
-
I have had all the brands still in business at one time or the other through the years, they are all pretty good, I would not let brand loyalty get in the way. I would also not get too hung up about an air cooled engine, you stated that if there was not much snow you would be riding your 4-wheeler anyway, leaving engine options open leaves you more flexibility. I would caution you about some of the narrower sleds, they can be tippy, especially with two people. The last two sleds I have had are full sized Ski-Doo Expeditions, my current one is a 2020, great machines, wide track, stable, rides very good, 2 speed is great for pulling loads, most likely my next machine will be another Expedition, but probably not what you are looking for because of price With that said, one of the machines you mentioned might be a good fit for your mission and price point, that is the Yamaha VK, they have a solid reputation here in the north, basically a no frills sled that is dependable. I store one for a local cabin owner who lives in the US and have ridden and used it quite a bit over the years as an axillary sled, mostly pulling sleighs, the machine is air cooled, it is a wide track (very stable), 2-up seat, rides pretty good and has a 2-speed transmission (good for pulling).
-
I have had all the brands still in business at one time or the other through the years, they are all pretty good, I would not let brand loyalty get in the way. I would also not get too hung up about an air cooled engine, you stated that if there was not much snow you would be riding your 4-wheeler anyway, leaving engine options open leaves you more flexibility. I would caution you about some of the narrower sleds, they can be tippy, especially with two people. The last two sleds I have had are full sized Ski-Doo Expeditions, my current one is a 2020, great machines, wide track, stable, rides very good, 2 speed is great for pulling loads, most likely my next machine will be another Expedition, but probably not what you are looking for because of price With that said, one of the machines you mentioned might be a good fit for your mission and price point, that is the Yamaha VK, they have a solid reputation here in the north, basically a no frills sled that is dependable. I store one for a local cabin owner who lives in the US and have ridden and used it quite a bit over the years as an axillary sled, mostly pulling sleighs, the machine is air cooled, it is a wide track (very stable), 2-up seat, rides pretty good and has a 2-speed transmission (good for pulling).
Thank you for the awesome advice. I will for sure take that into consideration.
Talking with my wife over the past day about it, we realized we may have another issue that could hold us back. The only trailer we have is an 8x10 utility trailer. I’m not exactly sure that’s gonna work considering these sleds are over 120” long. Not exactly into buying another trailer neither. I definitely have some thinking and figuring out to do.
-
Thank you for the awesome advice. I will for sure take that into consideration.
Talking with my wife over the past day about it, we realized we may have another issue that could hold us back. The only trailer we have is an 8x10 utility trailer. I’m not exactly sure that’s gonna work considering these sleds are over 120” long. Not exactly into buying another trailer neither. I definitely have some thinking and figuring out to do.
If it's an open trailer the rear end of the machine can hang over a foot or two. Many sleds ride in pickup truck beds like that.
-
If it's an open trailer the rear end of the machine can hang over a foot or two. Many sleds ride in pickup truck beds like that.
It’s just a basic utility trailer with a one piece ramp on the back. I could take the ramp off, but the trailer doesn’t tilt and I wouldn’t have a way to drive it on. I was kinda wondering if the skis would hang out in front a little or if that was a bad idea.
-
It’s just a basic utility trailer with a one piece ramp on the back. I could take the ramp off, but the trailer doesn’t tilt and I wouldn’t have a way to drive it on. I was kinda wondering if the skis would hang out in front a little or if that was a bad idea.
As long as the skis are not sticking out past the pivot point of the ski and you have the machine secured well, I don't see a problem in letting them stick out the front of the trailer, it would be better to get the weight on the front end of the trailer rather than back anyway.
-
It’s just a basic utility trailer with a one piece ramp on the back. I could take the ramp off, but the trailer doesn’t tilt and I wouldn’t have a way to drive it on. I was kinda wondering if the skis would hang out in front a little or if that was a bad idea.
I agree with Skywagon, it's ok for the skis to project as long as they don't bind when the trailer turns. To load/unload, use a snowbank. Back up to it and power off, power on. If that's too adventurous for you buy a portable ramp, not big money and many will support loading a machine into a pickup, so loading onto a trailer will be super easy. Don't overthink this, its a new TOY! :woot: :thumbsup: ;D
-
I agree with Skywagon, it's ok for the skis to project as long as they don't bind when the trailer turns. To load/unload, use a snowbank. Back up to it and power off, power on. If that's too adventurous for you buy a portable ramp, not big money and many will support loading a machine into a pickup, so loading onto a trailer will be super easy. Don't overthink this, its a new TOY! :woot: :thumbsup: ;D
That sounds great. Maybe I will look into a ramp that will work with a snowmobile. I appreciate the good info guys, especially since I’m very new to the snowmobile thing.
-
There are many out there, something like this will do it:
https://www.discountramps.com/snowmobile/ramps/p/SNO-7754-HDXW/
-
There are many out there, something like this will do it:
https://www.discountramps.com/snowmobile/ramps/p/SNO-7754-HDXW/
I just bookmarked that link, thanks!
-
Made a few calls to a couple dealers.... Oh boy. Its starting to get real.
-
Sounds like a score is imminent. Pictures required for the audience. ;D
-
Well we solved our trailer issue. Sold it. Bought a 6x12. I need to do something to the ramps now. The little I know about snowmobiles, I hear those grate style ramps that are on utility trailers are bad for the carbides?
-
Well we solved our trailer issue. Sold it. Bought a 6x12. I need to do something to the ramps now. The little I know about snowmobiles, I hear those grate style ramps that are on utility trailers are bad for the carbides?
That is correct, they would tear your carbides out. I use this product http://www.caliberproductsinc.com/snowmobile-trailer-accessories/LPGG.php on the front and back ramps of my snowmobile trailer to save the plywood and to provide some grip when I walk on them. You might want to go with the wide ones (12" just to give a little wiggle room when you go up the ramp. It appears there are 4-30 pieces in a box, probably enough to do what you need. Caliber also makes the same thing without the traction nubs, but I would suggest going with the nubs. You could go the cheap route, if you can find an old plastic pickup bed liner, cut it in strips and attach it to the ramp, I will warn you that if you do that, it is very slippery and you don't want to walk on it with wet/snowy feet.
Did you buy a sled yet?
-
That is correct, they would tear your carbides out. I use this product http://www.caliberproductsinc.com/snowmobile-trailer-accessories/LPGG.php on the front and back ramps of my snowmobile trailer to save the plywood and to provide some grip when I walk on them. You might want to go with the wide ones (12" just to give a little wiggle room when you go up the ramp. It appears there are 4-30 pieces in a box, probably enough to do what you need. Caliber also makes the same thing without the traction nubs, but I would suggest going with the nubs. You could go the cheap route, if you can find an old plastic pickup bed liner, cut it in strips and attach it to the ramp, I will warn you that if you do that, it is very slippery and you don't want to walk on it with wet/snowy feet.
Did you buy a sled yet?
Thanks for posting that link. I will definitely check that out.
No, we haven’t bought one yet. It’s gonna be the Polaris Indy 550 LXT. We wanted to make sure we had a trailer first. Now that we have one, we just want to take care of that ramp so it doesn’t hurt the carbides then we will go and make the purchase.
-
Definitely get snowsled track pads/gliders. Saves the machine and the trailer, I know from personal experience. Carbides on plywood=repair bill ::)
So we need pics of the new toy! Don't keep us waiting! ;D ;)
-
The pads and gliders are nice...
(https://i.imgur.com/LsqY9Sdl.jpg)
I added a extra piece next to sled for boot traction.
(https://i.imgur.com/LTMaQDdl.jpg)
-
Definitely get snowsled track pads/gliders. Saves the machine and the trailer, I know from personal experience. Carbides on plywood=repair bill ::)
So we need pics of the new toy! Don't keep us waiting! ;D ;)
A repair bill is definitely what I don’t want, especially with a new machine. I will for sure post pics once I get the machine.
-
That is correct, they would tear your carbides out. I use this product http://www.caliberproductsinc.com/snowmobile-trailer-accessories/LPGG.php on the front and back ramps of my snowmobile trailer to save the plywood and to provide some grip when I walk on them. You might want to go with the wide ones (12" just to give a little wiggle room when you go up the ramp. It appears there are 4-30 pieces in a box, probably enough to do what you need. Caliber also makes the same thing without the traction nubs, but I would suggest going with the nubs. You could go the cheap route, if you can find an old plastic pickup bed liner, cut it in strips and attach it to the ramp, I will warn you that if you do that, it is very slippery and you don't want to walk on it with wet/snowy feet.
Did you buy a sled yet?
Ok so my wife and I got our trailer all finished. We put plywood on the ramp and covered the whole floor, and also put up sides. Looking at these products by Caliber, do I need them to run the whole length of the trailer including the ramp, or JUST the ramp since that’s when I’ll be giving it the most “gas”? Being that it’s a 6x12, it looks like it would be quite expensive. I’ll do whatever I have to do, but also wouldn’t mind saving a few dollars by putting down what I “need” and not spending on what I don’t. Also, do I need them for the skis AND the track or just the skis since that’s where the carbides are?
As always, I appreciate your help guys.
-
The ramp will take the most beating, especially at the hinge point, but it's worth the money to do it all. At the hinge the metal will be ruined if you don't put down runners/mats, which keep the sled from direct contact with the metal. Keep in mind the track doesn't go all the way to the front wall but the skis do.
-
The ramp will take the most beating, especially at the hinge point, but it's worth the money to do it all. At the hinge the metal will be ruined if you don't put down runners/mats, which keep the sled from direct contact with the metal. Keep in mind the track doesn't go all the way to the front wall but the skis do.
Great to know. I’m think I can probably install them to cross the gap between ramp and trailer, covering the metal. I would think there’s enough flex in that material to bend as the ramp goes up and down.
-
You don't need to bridge the gap. The thickness of the runners and mat should be sufficient to keep the machine from contacting the metal trim. If you check around online you will find pictures of how it's done.
-
You don't need to bridge the gap. The thickness of the runners and mat should be sufficient to keep the machine from contacting the metal trim. If you check around online you will find pictures of how it's done.
That sounds good.
So it looks like based on the pic Bart posted that I need a wider one for the track and two narrower ones for the skis. I gotta try and find some time tonight and get some ordered.
-
The ones for the skis are slick and grooved, and let the carbide slide, and keep the sled going straight. The center is for traction, and to protect the wood from studded tracks chewing up the wood. A piece of worn out track screwed on upside down is a common substitute for the center traction mat. If you don't have studs, you might get by without- those mesh gates should not get as slick as plywood gates, and the trailer bed is not as critical.
-
That sounds good.
So it looks like based on the pic Bart posted that I need a wider one for the track and two narrower ones for the skis. I gotta try and find some time tonight and get some ordered.
https://www.discountramps.com/snowmobile-trailer-accessories/c/2450/
I like this place, bought quite a few things over the last couple years.
-
I don't worry about the floor of the trailer, the ramp is the critical part. The exception to this if the new sled you get has really aggressive carbides on the skis, probably won't be an issue for you, as after you run the carbides a short while they tend to wear a bit and are less of an issue.
-
https://www.discountramps.com/snowmobile-trailer-accessories/c/2450/
I like this place, bought quite a few things over the last couple years.
After checking them out, I’ll definitely be ordering from them. Great prices. Also found they have a trailer kit that comes with the ski glides and traction mat and 4 ratchet straps for $130. Plus 10% off by signing up for mailing list. Think that’s exactly what I need. Thanks!!
-
Hoping to go today to pick up sled. Tomorrow at the latest.
Got the Caliber TraxMat installed on trailer today, but going to wait to install Low Pro Grip Glides until I get home so I know exactly where to install them.
(https://i.postimg.cc/f3vHBBCN/43-A7-B547-3638-420-A-8-DE8-6-EB1-D5-A65-C9-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/f3vHBBCN)
Never thought I’d deck out a utility trailer hahaha. But it’s a start.
-
Lookin' good TLF. Good thinking to get the sled first and center the gliders to the skis.
-
Finally got to bring it home yesterday. Pretty excited about it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/r0jG0XCK/FEAADA21-1555-492-B-9136-F96-F7-E3-D0-C40.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/r0jG0XCK)
-
Nice! Best of luck with it.
-
Congrats! Good luck with the new ride.
-
you can get a brand new 2021 VK540 for $9700. its fan cooled with high/ low range. 20in. 154in 1 1/2in lugged track . has under seat storage with a large back rack. its fairly good on the trails since they improved the suspension a few years back. just picked up a lightly used 2020 and love it! no more getting stuck in deep snow or slush. if you need to break trail or pull a good sized shack, shift it into low range. no more burning belts. things a tank and still very affordable compared to the others. #1 selling sled in Russia if that says anything ;).
-
you can get a brand new 2021 VK540 for $9700. its fan cooled with high/ low range. 20in. 154in 1 1/2in lugged track . has under seat storage with a large back rack. its fairly good on the trails since they improved the suspension a few years back. just picked up a lightly used 2020 and love it! no more getting stuck in deep snow or slush. if you need to break trail or pull a good sized shack, shift it into low range. no more burning belts. things a tank and still very affordable compared to the others. #1 selling sled in Russia if that says anything ;).
I definitely appreciate the info, however we ended up buying a new Polaris 2-up. Just need some snow....
Thank you!
-
Well this got expensive since my last post to this topic...
After we were able to get the sled out on the lake, my wife fell in love with it and she had to have "her own" lol. So after getting a new trailer to haul our first one, we quickly realized this wasn't going to work for TWO sleds. I then realized how hard finding a new snowmobile trailer was going to be during Covid, but got super lucky and found a 13' hybrid. She ordered the same sled as our first, but a year newer.
That escalated quickly...lol