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Ive built smittys on both type of skis both make pulling a breeze.i barely notice a difference.
Doc is right, I too have used both types of skis, not much difference, just don't overload your sled or flip over with too much weight when using xc skis, it might sink in deep light snow.
One more question...what do you use for the risers...2X6 or 2X8 ?
Long rope is def better......another thing to think about, if you go down a lot of hills, like a boat launch, etc....wouldnt hurt to put an eye bolt in the back that you can clip a rope to to 'walk it down'......that can also be used if you ever have the need to daisy chain a couple of sleds together....
................Only challenge i find is keeping the sled from moving sideways and back and forth. I did put those little sides on to keep it from moving from side to side and I also made posts in the cross braces to set the sled on to keep it from moving back and forth. But, there has to be better options.....
Bungy cords or ratchet straps will hold the shanty in place.
Thinking strips of shingle or roofing felt across 2X4's might help. Possibly velcro on ends of 2X4 and outer edge/ bottom of sled. Keep sled from moving in any direction...along with bungees.
I used a round rubberized roofing patch cut in thirds on my crossbars. My sled really stays put.
Got PLENTY of bungees!
If stuff shifts when you have bungees tightened down be careful. One came loose and hit me right in between the eyes. I was really lucky it didn't hit me in the eye. My glasses dug into my nose and I had really good gash. By the time I walked back to the truck to clean it up the blood had frozen and I was no longer bleeding. I guess those single digit days are good for something.
I'm also working on building my first smitty. What I have noticed about both your approach and mine that a lot of others seemed to miss, we are researching designs before just slapping some wood on skis. From what I have gathered...a 16' rope total should be fine if tied to the ends of the skis (about 8 foot from sled)this rope should also be long enough to drop underneath the sled and hold onto out the back for downhill sections as you walk behind the sled.eye bolts in the ends of the 2x4 cross beams for bungees or tie downs.downhill skis have a few more positive opinions than xcountry. (xcountry better than no skis but not as good in deep snow)too tall of a smitty without being wide enough can tip over, especially if the load is not balanced left-right and goes on uneven terrain.adding grip tape or rubber to hold your gear on helps from things shifting in transportif you get a lot of ice without snow on top, adding a bar on the back between the skis that you can stand on and push/ride like a dog sled (just an idea i came up with after someone made a joke about riding a smitty on ice)(getting really crazy now) adding wheels for when going over gravel or asphalt to save the skisall of this information is coming from my research not my experience.a key to remember, this is a sled for ice fishing gear. use what you have laying around whenever possible and dont stress over how it could be better. you are going to use it to get out fishing more, so it is a win regardless of the fancy features.
Just finished it, built it out of my sons old 4' skis