IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Ice Fishing Transportation => Topic started by: tlzkaasen on Dec 06, 2015, 08:56 PM
-
Looking for a snowmobile for ice fishing only. Don't want to spend a lot... Prefer to be under 1k, but maybe as high as 2k. Looking for something reliable and bullet proof. Suggestions?
Will be towing a sled.
Thanks
-
For your price range your not going to get to new of a sled but that doesn't mean you can't get a good one,you may have to shop around a little more but some great deals can be had for the coin you have to spend and any sled beats walking,your best bet is to find someone that knows what to check on a used machine,is the track good does the motor sound good etc.I would steer away from the sporty models and try to buy from àn older person that is less likely to have beat it and took care of it,I worked at a ski area and we had mostly Polaris and a few Yamaha sleds so there the only ones I have any experience with but I know the mechanics preferred Polaris and I did to
-
Skidoo Skandic or Tundra.
-
Appreciate the responses
-
Stay away from the skandics, especially in your price range. Trust me on this. That transmission is a ticking time bomb. And God help you if you get that thing stuck.
Mid 90s indy 500.
The poo 488 and doo 503/550 engines are bomber. 15,000 miles on a top end is not unheard of.
-
A lot of different options but in general you may want to look into a long track with some kind of rack on the back. Fan cooled won't overheat as quickly on bare ice as liquid cooled, and fan cooled is lighter. I wouldn't let that discourage you from a good deal on a liquid sled. Depending on the conditions you fish you may want a studded track, that cost a few hundo to have done if not already done.
I do have a 1995 indy classic (488fuji) with 12,000K and yes they are bulletproof when well maintained. Paid $500 5 years ago
I also have a 1991 MX XTC (470 rotax) with 2,400K that I use more often than not for obvious reasons (mileage/longtrack). Paid $600 last year.
With your budget you're probably not gonna find the ultimate fishing machine cause realistically they are $10,000.
Yamaha, Poo Indy, Ski-Doo w/rotax engine. I'd stay away from the cat IMO but look for a clean sled with low miles.
-
Check out the thread I posted. Atv vs snowmobile. Was in the same boat as you but I was considering and atv too. I may end up spending more though. Lots of good info
-
Stay away from the skandics, especially in your price range. Trust me on this. That transmission is a ticking time bomb. And God help you if you get that thing stuck.
Mid 90s indy 500.
The poo 488 and doo 503/550 engines are bomber. 15,000 miles on a top end is not unheard of.
Hahahaha, and the last thing you'd catch me on is anything Polaris, just like a Ford with heated tailgate
-
Check out the thread I posted. Atv vs snowmobile. Was in the same boat as you but I was considering and atv too. I may end up spending more though. Lots of good info
Already have Can-Am 4 wheeler. Looking to purchase this snowmobile to pull a sled for deep snow.
-
find a 2up polaris trail or sport touring reverse and estart are a plus as is studded track , should be able to find one in your price good reliable cheap to fix and longevity is very good, just sold one and upgraded to a newer arctic cat bearcat long track good luck
-
Appreciate all the responses :tipup:
-
Had a 1995 ski doo formula z 583 bored .30 over wiesco high compression pistons and worked great for ice fishing and trail riding. Had zero issues with it and i only paid $550 for it.The 583's are pretty much bullet proof and have a lot of power to rip through the slush. This year i restored a 1998 ski doo mxz 670 that i will be using. Eventually ill buy a air cooled sled just for ice fishing, I love my ski doos
-
Had a 1995 ski doo formula z 583 bored .30 over wiesco high compression pistons and worked great for ice fishing and trail riding. Had zero issues with it and i only paid $550 for it.The 583's are pretty much bullet proof and have a lot of power to rip through the slush. This year i restored a 1998 ski doo mxz 670 that i will be using. Eventually ill buy a air cooled sled just for ice fishing, I love my ski doos
Lots of these around after a quick search on craigslist. nice!!
-
Had a 1995 ski doo formula z 583 bored .30 over wiesco high compression pistons and worked great for ice fishing and trail riding. Had zero issues with it and i only paid $550 for it.The 583's are pretty much bullet proof and have a lot of power to rip through the slush. This year i restored a 1998 ski doo mxz 670 that i will be using. Eventually ill buy a air cooled sled just for ice fishing, I love my ski doos
Nice first post whiskey, welcome to Iceshanty. I'm a doo guy as well, right now I'm using a 550f Expedition, long track and fan cooled both are very useful on the ice.
-
Mid to late 90's Polaris indy 500 Touring is a bomb proof sled. I picked up a 1998 Polaris Indy 500 Touring 2-up 5 years ago with only 2800 miles on it for $1700.00 off Craigslist. I have 7200 miles on it now and its still as strong and soild as the day I bought it.
-
I don't have a trailer so I was looking for something light. I found a 1996 arctic cat puma 340 deluxe at a garage sale sitting in some tall grass and asked if it ran.the guy said he couldn't get it started last year.i got my tools out of my truck checked compression,spark and came to the conclusion that the fuel pump went out.i offered him 300 bucks and when I got it home took the pump off and put another one that was sitting around on.couldnt get it to start for nothing so I decided to start from the fuel tank and work forward.the gas tank was about half water half fuel when I drained it.now it starts in one pull or a half turn of the key being electric start too.go figure I get a sled after being without one for many years and no snow here in Michigan.kind of off topic but..
-
I like sled fishing when its nice out! These are all mine and I havent found one yet that doesnt work great for ice fishing. However I would say that "Big Blue" the Poo touring in the last pic has gotta be the finest ice fishing sled ever made. Its like riding a heated couch onto the ice. With reverse! ;D
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/slayerfish/Mobile%20Uploads/0114111620.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/slayerfish/Mobile%20Uploads/0114111646.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/slayerfish/SLEDS/0117101447.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/slayerfish/SLEDS/wsleds.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/slayerfish/SLEDS/sled.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/slayerfish/SLEDS/sledss.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/slayerfish/Mobile%20Uploads/NCM_0089_zps3ace07c3.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v615/slayerfish/Mobile%20Uploads/0315121414.jpg)
-
Thanks for sharing slayerfish. You guys probably right... ANY well taken care of sled thats a decent deal is BETTER than NO sled.
:tipup:
-
Arctic Cat Pantera, Puma or Panther Deluxe w/reverse.
-
Polairs 600 or 700 between 97 and 99 they are bullet proof and should be around $1000
-
My rides are an Arctic Cat pantera 136" and a Mountain Cat 136" with a 2" paddle. Deep snow/slush is no problem.
-
Mid to late 90's Polaris indy 500 Touring is a bomb proof sled. I picked up a 1998 Polaris Indy 500 Touring 2-up 5 years ago with only 2800 miles on it for $1700.00 off Craigslist. I have 7200 miles on it now and its still as strong and soild as the day I bought it.
I picked up a 2001 low mileage Polaris Indy 550 a couple of years ago. Works well, when its nice I like to fish off the sled so I added a couple rod holders, one on the dash and one on the back (you can fish two lines here when icefishing). And no there not for trolling.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/bobalong/Ice%20Fishing/IMG_2790_zpsdfb95dfb.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bobalong/media/Ice%20Fishing/IMG_2790_zpsdfb95dfb.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/bobalong/Snowmobile/IMG_3216_zps4e3ab77c.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bobalong/media/Snowmobile/IMG_3216_zps4e3ab77c.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/bobalong/Snowmobile/IMG_3217_zps6449bf1b.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bobalong/media/Snowmobile/IMG_3217_zps6449bf1b.jpg.html)
-
Travelling light when prospecting new ground.(http://rs976.pbsrc.com/albums/ae246/smagoo2/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140321_095659642_zps2ae85768.jpg?w=480&h=480&fit=clip)
-
I'd be looking into a jetski
-
I'd be looking into a jetski
LOL true!
-
Many options out there. Just make sure you get a long track (+136") and reverse. E-start is nice too.
-
What's your thoughts on this ? 1992 Indy trail two up with reverse and electric start. Grip and thumb warmers. 1755 miles.
Anyone opinions or experience with this sled?
-
i would be looking at long wide track touring models if there are such a thing. good in deep snow.
-
I'm also in the market for a sled. I've found a few on craigslist but I really dont know up from down when it comes to these machines or really anything mechanical.
Need opinions on the following:
1995 Polaris Indy Special 600 XLT, fox shocks all around, ripsaw track (no studs) ~3200 miles $895
2000 Skidoo Formula Z 700 ~2500 miles, lever reverse, no electric start, studded track $1200
2001 Skidoo Formula Deluxe 600 ~2500 miles, electric start, lever reverse, studded track $1200
2002 Polaris 600 XC SP ~1100 miles, not many details posted but has a studded track, looks brand new in the pics $1900
I'd get the 1995 indy if it had a studded track but around here we don't always have a ton of snow so I feel like studs are necessary. No clue how much a new studded track would cost
-
I'm also in the market for a sled. I've found a few on craigslist but I really dont know up from down when it comes to these machines or really anything mechanical.
Need opinions on the following:
1995 Polaris Indy Special 600 XLT, fox shocks all around, ripsaw track (no studs) ~3200 miles $895
2000 Skidoo Formula Z 700 ~2500 miles, lever reverse, no electric start, studded track $1200
2001 Skidoo Formula Deluxe 600 ~2500 miles, electric start, lever reverse, studded track $1200
2002 Polaris 600 XC SP ~1100 miles, not many details posted but has a studded track, looks brand new in the pics $1900
I'd get the 1995 indy if it had a studded track but around here we don't always have a ton of snow so I feel like studs are necessary. No clue how much a new studded track would cost
You can stud the track that's on it, add $$$
-
IMO the two biggest factors in choosing a snowsled for icefishing are track length and fan cooled engine. Long tracks tend to get through deep snow and the dreaded slush easier. When there is no snow on the ice non-fan cooled, especially liquid cooled, engines are prone to overheat. Air cooled/fan cooled engines are preferable for that reason.
-
You can stud the track that's on it, add $$$
Putting studs on is prob out of my comfort zone. Anytime I try something like that for the first time there seems to be some trial and error. In expensive machines and parts trial and error isn't really an option.
Any insight as to what might be the best for bet for fishing and towing gear? it seems like a lot of the sleds on craigslist are for trail riding. Most importantly I'm looking for something reliable. I don't need it to be fast. I don't want to have to worry about breaking down, getting stuck in snow/slush, but I'm not one to leave any gear at home so I'd like to have plenty of pulling power.
-
Long/wide track and reverse are the only way to go when buying a sled.
-
I just picked up my new sled which I think is an ideal one for ice fishing.
A 2018 Ski-Doo Tundra LT 550F.
Main options for ice fishing are studs & scratchers.
-
I just picked up my new sled which I think is an ideal one for ice fishing.
A 2018 Ski-Doo Tundra LT 550F.
Main options for ice fishing are studs & scratchers.
Nice, great choice.
-
I have had a 2001 Polaris Indy for a few years now and picked up a new Arctic Cat Lynx last year. Haven't had it out ice fishing yet but planning a trip soon when the ice thickens up a little bit more. I have a sled I pull behind it when I am doing a bit of coyote hunting with it.
(https://i.imgur.com/RskfW4y.jpg?1)
-
buy a snowdog. 3,5000 new no registration needed. it will fit in a suv www.snowdog.com
-
buy a snowdog. 3,5000 new no registration needed. it will fit in a suv www.snowdog.com
That may work in some situations but would almost be useless in others compared to a snowmobile.
I sure wouldn't want to make a 15 mile run on one of those.
If using groomed snowmobile trails to get to your fishing spot many places you will be prohibited from using the trails.
As for "no registration needed" that may vary from place to place.
Can't see it being too good in the slush beds we get on the lakes at times or breaking a trail through 2 feet of fresh snow.
-
Wow! Another zombie thread springs to life... 3 years.
Thanks for reminding me on the OP. Haven't talked with him for a while, he's a pretty seasonal guy.
-
What's your thoughts on this ? 1992 Indy trail two up with reverse and electric start. Grip and thumb warmers. 1755 miles.
Anyone opinions or experience with this sled?
good sled as i spoke of in earlier posts dead nut reliable , fan cooled and the goodies (reverse and estart ) at a decent price
-
I'm also in the market for a sled. I've found a few on craigslist but I really dont know up from down when it comes to these machines or really anything mechanical.
Need opinions on the following:
1995 Polaris Indy Special 600 XLT, fox shocks all around, ripsaw track (no studs) ~3200 miles $895
2000 Skidoo Formula Z 700 ~2500 miles, lever reverse, no electric start, studded track $1200
2001 Skidoo Formula Deluxe 600 ~2500 miles, electric start, lever reverse, studded track $1200
2002 Polaris 600 XC SP ~1100 miles, not many details posted but has a studded track, looks brand new in the pics $1900
I'd get the 1995 indy if it had a studded track but around here we don't always have a ton of snow so I feel like studs are necessary. No clue how much a new studded track would cost
You can stud the track yourself. I did it on my old Yamaha Phazer after visiting the place I used to work on it and getting their recommendation on the number of studs needed. Turned out to be less than I anticipated and took a couple of hours to do the job. Not that difficult at all. If you should decide to dyi, I recommend getting the cutting tool used to drill the holes in the track. I sold the Phazer a month ago and immediately had sellers remorse and started looking to replace it. My wife thinks I'm nuts.
-
My wife thinks I'm nuts.
Aren't we all? :whistle:
-
Love my 01 Panther 440 fan cooled 2up. Fan cooled 2up is the way to go for ice only.
(https://i.postimg.cc/v456RcMm/IMG-20140208-160805-321.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/v456RcMm)
-
just picked up my panther a few weeks ago
(https://i.postimg.cc/Hryxwt2T/47322287-781500408851406-7443658720355024896-n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Hryxwt2T)
-
For your price range I would try to find a early to mid 90's Polaris Indy 500 or XLT. After getting back into snowmobiling for the first time in 15 years I even find myself keeping an eye open for one again.
-
polaris
-
I know the popular recommendation is to buy fan cooled for ice fishing due to overheating problems. I know nothing about snowmobiles but will be looking into one next year for ice fishing. I was wondering, if one were to have a liquid cooled sled on bare ice, how far would you have to travel before it would start to overheat? Where I fish, 5 miles is about the furthest I go at once.
Thanks guys
-
I know the popular recommendation is to buy fan cooled for ice fishing due to overheating problems. I know nothing about snowmobiles but will be looking into one next year for ice fishing. I was wondering, if one were to have a liquid cooled sled on bare ice, how far would you have to travel before it would start to overheat? Where I fish, 5 miles is about the furthest I go at once.
Thanks guys
You should be fine with some scratchers and maybe a studded track (things you should consider anyway if you plan to run glare ice, liquid or fan cooled). I run my indy 500 20-30 miles each way on glare ice some days and have never overheated. I have ice scratchers and a studded track that help kick up ice chips and snow dust and that seems to be enough even when it's close to freezing. I've seen other sleds overheat in the same conditions without the studs/scratchers, but for a 5 mile max run I would think you have nothing to worry about. Most sleds have a light that will come on when it starts to overheat. If it happens, just stop and let it cool down.
-
depends on the sled some overheat alot easier than others and they also have heat exchangers in diff places depending on sled some are in the back end of tunnel some are under running boards and some are up by the motor in the tunnel triples over heat very easy so do some brands
-
Scratchers and studs you should be in pretty good shape. If she starts to get hot just get some snow and toss it on the tunnel or running boards, wherever the heat exchanger happens to be.
I took my mountain sled out last weekend on a new lake, first time I had been on a lake that had the snow blown off of it in quite a long time. Felt like I was trying to drive a sprint car out there! Man when I get my dedicated ice sled next fall studs are going to be a definite MUST!
-
Since you are in Wisconsin, I would look for a sled that has a studded track. I remember that the lakes are frequently icy. The skis should have good carbides so you can steer. You don't need to go fast, so I would get one of the 550 2 cylinder/2 stroke air cooled sleds. Look on Craigslist for one that has been well maintained. Clean, in a nice garage, older guy, getting out of sledding. If you find that, consider electric start and reverse a bonus (reverse might be more important depending on your trailer)
If you go too old, you might have more issues with parts, but my new sled is a '98, and my old one is a '91, and they both work well enough. I have looked at sleds back there, lots more selection than out west here. You should have plenty to choose from.