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New Hampshire => Ice Fishing New Hampshire => Topic started by: J.R. on Dec 23, 2010, 08:48 PM

Title: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: J.R. on Dec 23, 2010, 08:48 PM
I may buy a portable fold down type ice house and wondering opinion's on the best for under $300 or so.
thanks

J.R.
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: StingingLips on Dec 23, 2010, 11:00 PM
I wouldn't say there is a best one cause everyone has their opinion but I would go to a store and check out a bunch of different models and look for one that isn't made cheaply, fits your needs and your budget. my friend has a clam (not sure about the model) and its a two person flip up in a sled that works fine. I myself have a 6x6 pop up that I love, especially on the cold windy days and I got the heater running
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: surflizard on Dec 24, 2010, 04:56 AM
as far as fold down flat Portables go, myself personally, I think you can't go wrong with the Shappel Portables. I've seen a few that were 5 to 10 years old and still getting the job done ! Not to bash Clam intentionally, But there are a lot of guys taking about quality control issues with the clam portables, weak assembly bolts, seats grenading and poorly constructed tents ! I've been using my Frabill XL Twin for 10 years now with 0 problems, so I'm kind of biased as far as flip overs go !  ;D Good luck with your decision and Happy Holidays !
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: Guinea on Dec 24, 2010, 05:24 AM
Yours is a flipover Surf? I'll have to check it out and see how it pulls by hand...
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: Capt. Black on Dec 24, 2010, 05:31 AM
Yours is a flipover Surf? I'll have to check it out and see how it pulls by hand...
Guinea, have you tried your creation yet?

Capt. Black
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: surflizard on Dec 24, 2010, 06:04 AM
Yours is a flipover Surf? I'll have to check it out and see how it pulls by hand...
Slicker than Surf Snot on a Slippery Slope, Specialy after I Spray it with Silicone !!  :thumbsup: :roflmao: :roflmao: The sled base flip overs don't bulldoze the snow as much as the flat bottom shacks do.
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l113/lael19533/Christine%20Lake/100_2875-1.jpg)
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: anrik1 on Dec 24, 2010, 07:50 AM
I sell the shappell dx3000 all day long. I've got one myself and love it. However...i've been selling a lot of the clam expedition pop ups. infact they are out selling shappell this year. depends if you want the floor choose dx3000. no floor and an excellent wind break, lighter, cheaper $$, clam.  I also have the shappell rover flip over. love it when its just me.  So many choices!! Good luck

Rick
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: donmac on Dec 24, 2010, 08:11 AM
That's like asking which truck or snowmobile is best. ;)  They're all good these days.

I had a Viking fold-up with a wooden floor for 20+ years and it was great.  Lasted forever but weighed a ton and was a bear to drag through the snow.

Early in the season weight is my biggest concern these days.  If I'm fishing 4-5" of ice then I will be walking and dragging a 1-man fishtrap and a hand auger.  The lighter weight the better.

With 6-7+" I will be riding an atv, with a power auger on the front and 2-man Otter (a gift from a friend who moved south) towed behind and weight is less of a concern.

The FT Scout has thinner/lighter materials than my Otter - but that's a good thing for my use.
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: ciaran on Dec 24, 2010, 09:08 AM
I just got the Shappell 6000.  Pops right up. Breaks down fast!   $179 at fish307!!   This model folds up to about the size of a camp chair.  So far the slickest I've seen. 
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: StingingLips on Dec 24, 2010, 04:27 PM
I just got the Shappell 6000.  Pops right up. Breaks down fast!   $179 at fish307!!   This model folds up to about the size of a camp chair.  So far the slickest I've seen. 

Thats the model I have and love it
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: Guinea on Dec 24, 2010, 04:30 PM
Not yet Capt...
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: builtright716 on Dec 24, 2010, 04:39 PM
Just bought the Frabill Trekker DLX. Room enough for 2 comfortably, 3 if u have too. Comes with the travel cover. 600 denier fabric and very well made. Stay away from the China made Clams. You get what you pay for.
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: IceHawg on Dec 24, 2010, 04:49 PM
as far as fold down flat Portables go, myself personally, I think you can't go wrong with the Shappel Portables. I've seen a few that were 5 to 10 years old and still getting the job done ! Not to bash Clam intentionally, But there are a lot of guys taking about quality control issues with the clam portables, weak assembly bolts, seats grenading and poorly constructed tents ! I've been using my Frabill XL Twin for 10 years now with 0 problems, so I'm kind of biased as far as flip overs go !  ;D Good luck with your decision and Happy Holidays !
i agree with you! my buddy brought his clam flip over out yesterday that he bought last year and its falling apart!!allthough i dont have a frabil or shappel i know there better than clam!!i just bought the eskimo quickfish3 pop up portable havent used it yet but i cant wait!!
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: J.R. on Dec 25, 2010, 07:19 AM
thanks for opinions... think i will go with one of the shappell's...i like the design and large windows !
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: chilitokid on Dec 25, 2010, 10:01 AM
my suggestion would be this: wait a few weeks until the season is in full swing and walk into a store or two with cash and barter with them. Last year before the tournament my buddy got a great deal on a clam unit. It was a display unit that was already set up. He bought a tow bar and cover (at full price) and still paid less than the clam's asking price.
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: Guinea on Dec 25, 2010, 12:18 PM
Might be good to check them out on the ice too. I might wander around checking them out myself...
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: Fishurman63 on Dec 25, 2010, 08:01 PM
I have a Frabill Prowler flip over 2 man and just love it!  My bud bought a Yukon last year and he likes mine better and so do I so??  Go someplace where they have alot of models set up, crawl in a few and see what fits you but I love my Frabill!
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: J.R. on Dec 26, 2010, 12:48 PM
I'll check out both Frabil & Shappell... are they made in U.S.A ? (trying to buy American if possible)
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: Dispy on Dec 27, 2010, 06:30 AM

I currently have the Clam Command Center. Second season, seats 8 comfortably, ease of set up and tear down...under 5 minutes. This "shanty" retains the heat...averages 70's in below zero temps. It is not of the quality that my old Clam pop up sled version was. Actually, the reports of quality control are found to be very true. We have replaced this unit twice due to pole snaps and shell tears..........Typical ly we use it to explore the big lake on day excursions and use a wooden house for main base activities.


Tight Lines!!!
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: surflizard on Dec 27, 2010, 07:05 AM
It's too bad really, When Dave Gentz Came up with this Portable Shanty Concept and then teamed with Clam Corp, They had a good thing going ! Then the Corporate Greed Driven Bottom Line, reared it's Ugly Head and Clam moved their Manufacturing off shore to CHINA and the Very People that Dave Gentz envisioned helping, The American Ice Anglers are Paying the Price !! SLOPPY MANUFACTURING, LOW BUDGET CHEAP HARDWARE, AND INCREASED PRICES are driving Clam Corp right into the ground ! I realize the Clam faithful are not gonna be Happy with this Opinion, But they are also the ones posting about the problems that they are having with the brand new Clam Products ! I Really hope that Clam Corp can turn this downward trend around, but like all the other Greedy Corporations that we the American People, have to deal with nowadays, I just don't see it happening !! It's not just Clam Corp either, 95 percent of the ice gear we buy has the infamous Made in China stickers on it now ! Just my .89 cents
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: tippin2back on Dec 27, 2010, 10:18 AM
Thats the model I have and love it

how would these fair in high winds like we have now?....or any type of wind?
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: J.R. on Dec 27, 2010, 11:10 AM
Hi See your from Newfound area... Is there any ice yet ?  Sounds like weather is going to warm up in the 40's for most of the week and mild over New Years..
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: tippin2back on Dec 27, 2010, 11:27 AM
parts are skimmed over....parts have 4" ......still to early in my opinion
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: Dispy on Dec 27, 2010, 01:20 PM
how would these fair in high winds like we have now?....or any type of wind?

Just returned from fishing BIP ....bonanza day-4 dozen shiners gone in 3 hours...to answer your windy question, if they are anchored properly there are no issues. Well at least in my many years experience.



Tight Lines!!!!!
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: duck doctor on Dec 27, 2010, 01:30 PM
I have a Shappell  DX3000 and also a DX4000. Like Surf said, they do plow the snow. However, the 4000 has built in skis and that really helps!

BTW: Thanks James!
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: tippin2back on Dec 27, 2010, 01:36 PM
Just returned from fishing BIP ....bonanza day-4 dozen shiners gone in 3 hours...to answer your windy question, if they are anchored properly there are no issues. Well at least in my many years experience.



Tight Lines!!!!!

thanks dispy..........so whats anchored properly mean?.......how do you anchor yours?
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: Dispy on Dec 27, 2010, 01:56 PM
thanks dispy..........so whats anchored properly mean?.......how do you anchor yours?


The easiest manner to which I have found is to use Timberlok screws instead of the stock anchors. A cordless drill makes it easy to lock 'em down and use large washers in each eyelet on the base.

One poster with the red house inspired me to buy some of those ratchet straps instead of the stock tie downs. great idea, quick, easy and sturdy.

Tight Lines!!!
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: J.R. on Dec 28, 2010, 09:00 AM
The built in ski's on the Shappell Dx4000 sounds like the way to go .. thanks for the info.

Do any other maker's of ice shelters come with ski's ?
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: deerme on Dec 28, 2010, 09:01 AM
The built in ski's on the Shappell Dx4000 sounds like the way to go .. thanks for the info.

bought my DX4000 at the end of last season.  had it out four times since and LOVE IT.  i'm 6'8" and can stand up in it!
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: Capt. Black on Dec 28, 2010, 09:05 AM
parts are skimmed over....parts have 4" ......still to early in my opinion
The dark side (East) looked like the set of "The Perfact Storm" Monday. Huge swells and (surprise) very high winds. Going to be tough getting on for the 1st.

Capt. Black
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: Depeche on Dec 28, 2010, 12:04 PM

The easiest manner to which I have found is to use Timberlok screws instead of the stock anchors. A cordless drill makes it easy to lock 'em down and use large washers in each eyelet on the base.

One poster with the red house inspired me to buy some of those ratchet straps instead of the stock tie downs. great idea, quick, easy and sturdy.

Tight Lines!!!

Nice timing on this comment.  I received a 6 man hub shanty for the holidays and brought it to Canobie on Sunday with the kids.  The ice anchors that came with it were junk.  I couldn't even get one in, and the meaty part on my palm below my thumb is still bruised from the pressure I was applying!!  Needless to say, we stood in the wind all morning and packed the six man back in the bag.  I did a lot of searches on IS to come up with a solution.  The ice climbing ice screws seem to be the best solution, but at $17 a pop at KTP mutliplied by 6 is a non-starter for me.

5-6" Timberlock screws also came up in the search as well as predrilling the holes for the anchors that came with the shanty.  There was also a discussion about drilling extra holes and rigging a steel pipe or pvc with rope in the center and placing in the hole and having it "catch" sideways to keep the line tight, ractchet style ropes would come in handy with this method.  I intend to try both drill methods this weekend; I'm all set drilling another 6 holes by hand!


Question for Dipsy - have you ever had a problem backing the screws out or having the drill go cold on you and the battery wouldn't respond with enough torque at the end of the day?

Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: IceLunker on Dec 28, 2010, 12:44 PM

Hello;

I have a Shappell DX3000 w/ the built in ski's. Lugs pretty easy and it can strap on top of
my jet sled if I'm really hauling stuff.  I've had it for 3 years and still looks new. It fits two
guys well, three is a bit snug.  A little buddy heater makes the place very comfy.

My only minor nit....  Windows are too high(when sitting) to see your traps.  Maybe a
higher chair would work as i don't plan on growing taller.

As for Tie down, I drill two holes and use some metal pipes that catch the bottom of the ice.
I have anchors, but find them a pain to put in, don't like the idea of bringing a drill out, just
one more thing.

-g
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: J.R. on Dec 28, 2010, 12:47 PM
Hey Bass For Me ?

 May I ask how much $$$$ did you have to pay for the Dx4000 at the end of the season ??? Did you save $$$ ?
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: shantygal on Dec 28, 2010, 12:49 PM
Spend the extra and get the 4000 .. especially if you plan on having more than 2 people!!!  Plus if you have kids or women that go ice fishing.. we gotta bring everything but the kitchen sink!!!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: J.R. on Dec 28, 2010, 12:58 PM
Thanks Shantygal - your always welcome !  ;D
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: Dispy on Dec 28, 2010, 01:42 PM
Nice timing on this comment.  I received a 6 man hub shanty for the holidays and brought it to Canobie on Sunday with the kids.  The ice anchors that came with it were junk.  I couldn't even get one in, and the meaty part on my palm below my thumb is still bruised from the pressure I was applying!!  Needless to say, we stood in the wind all morning and packed the six man back in the bag.  I did a lot of searches on IS to come up with a solution.  The ice climbing ice screws seem to be the best solution, but at $17 a pop at KTP mutliplied by 6 is a non-starter for me.

5-6" Timberlock screws also came up in the search as well as predrilling the holes for the anchors that came with the shanty.  There was also a discussion about drilling extra holes and rigging a steel pipe or pvc with rope in the center and placing in the hole and having it "catch" sideways to keep the line tight, ractchet style ropes would come in handy with this method.  I intend to try both drill methods this weekend; I'm all set drilling another 6 holes by hand!


Question for Dipsy - have you ever had a problem backing the screws out or having the drill go cold on you and the battery wouldn't respond with enough torque at the end of the day?


Nope, I always carry 2 fully charged batteries and keep 'em in the warmth of the bob house. Use 3-4" washers with the Timberloks and you'll never fly away.
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: jethro on Dec 28, 2010, 06:44 PM
I like the Shappell's .. if a group of people go and you have the same size you can hook them together for a big ole' shanty shack!  Just be sure to tie them down on a windy day.. I went for a wild ride last year up in Lempster by the wind mills at the Washington derby.  The wind kicked up and needless to say I went for a ride!!!  Two portables strapped together with a heater on each end and me in the middle .. NOT FUN!!!   EEEKKKK :o :o

Yikes! That is not a ride you want to go on! Tie them suckers down. I have used the stick on the end of a rope wedged under the ice in a hole, but only when a power auger was on hand. It works great.
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: deerme on Dec 28, 2010, 08:43 PM
Hey Bass For Me ?

 May I ask how much $$$$ did you have to pay for the Dx4000 at the end of the season ??? Did you save $$$ ?

i've got the receipt filed away somewhere...can't remember how much i saved, but i believe it was either 10 or 20% at KTP!  it was the last one in the box - they still had the floor model out.  i believe it was mid february when i bought it...
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: J.R. on Dec 29, 2010, 07:13 AM
Thanks Bass For Me ~  I'm not fishing until end of Feb & March so I will be watching KTP ice fishing sale.. I know they clear out ice fishing stuff late winter....
Title: Re: best portable ice fishing shanty
Post by: deerme on Dec 29, 2010, 08:34 PM
last year i had the crawdad out on the water during the second week of march...ice went FAST!

they probably do, but give them a call to be sure...