clam kenai

[IceMan8]

I finally just got my kenai put together and was wondering what some of you guys have done to customize your shack, pictures would be greatly appreciated.

I was thinking about replacing the seat with a boat seat, adding lights, and making some storage compartments.

[Beeler]

Hi, I made some mods on my Kenai but it's stored in the shed right now.
But some of the mods I made are, welding a back on the bench seat. Sooooo much nicer.
But I found a folding plastic seat with a back on it that I plan on using, trying to make the shack lighter.   
Also, I made some pole holders out of 1-1/4 inch black water pipe and bolted them to the sled that swing out of the way when not in use. I did buy some small plastic square basket from Walmart and screwed them down to the sled.
Which holds everything in place and things don't slide around. I mounted cross county skis on the bottom of the sled with a 1 inch spacer between the ski and sled, better clearence for snow. 
Last year I sold my gas auger and went with a electric drill with a auger attached. This is so much lighter to carry around. I have a Milwaukee 18 volt drill with a 6 inch auger and can drill 12 holes on one charge if the ice is 12 inches thick, I carry 2 batteries. 
I will post some picture when the season gets closer.

WOW! just thinking about ice fishing gets me fired up.

Beeler   

 

[filetandrelease]

I have a Kenia with a few up grades , rod holders are ram universal mounts found them on super sale, rod racks are golf tubes with snap ties carries 4 rods and an old frabil seat with swivel ,it bolts right up to the frame work  and Smitty so don't worry about weight no pick of the Smitty but there are pages of them

[Steellord]

The mods on my Kenai are pretty simple. I added a folding boat seat and mounted LED strip lights and a battery holder and switch box.

Battery holder and switch box.

Interior lighting and seat.

[Beeler]

Here are my mods. One thing I'm missing in the sled is my minnow bucket which would be placed behind the Buddy Heater. Also I found a chair that the back folds down.
 

[Clear_Ice]

I really like your setup Beeler! Im looking at getting a Kenai, and I might be copying your setup!

[IceCrafty]

Go creative and post pics.

[Caseman]

Here are my mods. One thing I'm missing in the sled is my minnow bucket which would be placed behind the Buddy Heater. Also I found a chair that the back folds down.
 

I thought about using spacers on the skis. I haven't seen it done and I don't want to make a Smitty sled. Nor do I have the room when transporting

 Did it help with pulling?  How did you mount them to the sled? Pic maybe?

I'm still looking for skis. I found some but are 45 minutes away but only $10.

Thanks

[icefishingluva]

Where'd you get that seat?! Exactly what I'm looking for!

[Beeler]

Where'd you get that seat?! Exactly what I'm looking for!

I bought it at Sportmans Guide, it's called a stadium chair. I looked on their web site today but I couldn't find the chair.
Maybe they don't carry it any more. Surf the web maybe you can find one, it's about $15.00.

Beeler

[hardwater diehard]

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Dacron-Woven-Coliseum-Seats/10154037?action=product_interest&action_type=title&placement_id=irs_top&strategy=PWVAV&visitor_id=52630111855&category=0%3A4125%3A4128%3A1080625%3A1080644&client_guid=008c012a-a960-41ef-859a-5821ead7ce74&config_id=2&parent_item_id=10154038&guid=ecc4af4c-a8c9-45da-9b06-0a25b3632ed7&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&findingMethod=p13n

[Beeler]

After cutting the ski to size here is what I did to fasten my cross county skis.
I used 1-1/4 inch thick treated wood for the spacer and then used 1-1/4 inch screws with a large washer.
You can find those washers at a hardware store with a small hole so the head of the screw won't pull through.
2 screws were fastern to each spacer on top with a washer and 2 screws were fasten through the ski into to the spacer with no washer.   
 

[Caseman]

Oh what a great idea thank you!

Also now seeing my shack upside down I see how worn my sled is.

[Rehtnug185vx]

I am thinking about getting a clam kenai, but have heard a couple draw backs to them.

I first heard that the inside of the sled, the material begins to start flaking off with minnor usage.

I also heard that they are hard to pull by hand threw the snow.

Can any one comment or share there expirences with this make of shelter.  What about the scout model sleds, do they pull easier?

Thanks

[3300]

sounds like you talked your self out of buying clam
good for you!
you forgot about the bad hardware that comes with them

if you don't mind a leaky tent and windows (water wise), go with shappell fx series. lightest there is

otherwise i don't know of any good ones out there to pick from

[FISHFORPIKE]

Well, I decided on the Shappell FX150 for it's size and weight.  The Kenai is smaller and lighter.  I like the idea of an "instant" flip - no expanding poles.  I'll use this shelter on early ice and walking trips.
Overall, for it's size, the Shappells are lighter in weight.
Pull hard? They all do in the snow.  Build a smitty sled to haul it on.  I am.  You can build a smitty for less than the wear bar kit.
Another option, if you are interested, are the Eskimos.  They look well built, but I have not looked at one in person.
I'll be using my Otter Pro Cabin as soon as the ice gets to 6" and I feel good about putting my tracked wheeler on the ice.

[PowerHour]

I used mine all last year. Inside of the tent flaking yes ; but pulls hard not at all, it actually feels like it floats. The main seller of this flip-over is the quick flip. Great for hole hoppin. Mine has never leaked on me. Has molded into the sled tray and rod holders plus beverage holders. Plenty of room. I think it was a good add to my fleet

[toofuss]

look at the frabill commando, its a little heavier and costly at roughly $300, but is way better built. And bigger

[FISHFORPIKE]

look at the frabill commando, its a little heavier and costly at roughly $300, but is way better built. And bigger

Not much bigger, more weight and nearly $400.  Probably better built but I haven't seen one in person.  Not an "instant" flip - uses extending framework.  It's all good if that's what you want.
I use a heavy Otter when I can get on the ice with my wheeler to tow it.  It's likely the best built shelter on the market today.  Frabil has pretty nice high-end shelters too.

[Beeler]

This is my ramp I made last year in about 10 minutes because the morning I was ready to go fishing I had a idea.
This really works good and it's easy on the back. Unloading is so easy, it's fun.