Author Topic: Smitty built sleds (Read 31295 times)

jrp454 · « **on:** Jan 27, 2010, 02:11 PM »

Ok you all know of the problems pulling a suitcase shanty.
I have the Clam 5600, great once there, but a pain in snow to pull.
I have got the parts together to build the sled, was woundering if any mods
would make it easier to haul gear prior to building?

chumster · « **Reply #1 on:** Jan 27, 2010, 02:38 PM »

Not sure if they fit your sled but i have a shappell 2000 and they make a pair of skis for their suitcase models. I bought and put a pair on mine and it's really easy to pull now. Cost me $25. plus shipping. My buddies that have had suitcase sleds for years, are ordering them now.

jrp454 · « **Reply #2 on:** Jan 27, 2010, 03:12 PM »

I thought about shappell's ski's but wanted a heavier built ski.
was looking for a more secure way to haul gear with a smitty sled
than just strapping on. I have seen ways guy's come up with things for other stuff.

dsp2 · « **Reply #3 on:** Jan 27, 2010, 03:42 PM »

I put a small piece of wood in the center of each crossbar, for my Shappell DX300 as it is has a grooved bottom when folded. Not sure about the Clam though? I use a couple of rachet straps to secure thing for a long haul, but most of the time I can just load it up and go.

You may have seen this thread but lots of pics on different sleds

http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=9812.0

mealworm · « **Reply #4 on:** Jan 27, 2010, 05:37 PM »

i wish i took a pic of my sled before i tore it apart but what i did was i built a box that sat on skis about 18" high the box had no bottom but it did have supports going across so i could put my clam (closed up) in the box and that became the bottom of the sled then just put your gear on top of you shanty,hope this helps

silvercreeker · « **Reply #5 on:** Jan 27, 2010, 06:03 PM »

I have the 5600 too, and made a sled out of old skis and a rack out of pvc...pulls like a dream and nothing falls off the top.

hope that helps

jrp454 · « **Reply #6 on:** Jan 27, 2010, 06:15 PM »

silvercreeker and mealworm thanks, after reading mw's post I thought of the pvc rack and the next post there it is.

jrp454 · « **Reply #7 on:** Jan 27, 2010, 06:21 PM »

Hey silvercreeker, looks like you haul the same amount of gear as me. How does that pull on loose snow, that has not glazed over?

silvercreeker · « **Reply #8 on:** Jan 27, 2010, 08:24 PM »

The skis seem to make it pull easy. If I was to build another sled, I would have the base highe, maybe 12 inches. Still, a LOT easier then just the suitcase.
I aways bring way more then I need

jrp454 · « **Reply #9 on:** Jan 27, 2010, 09:11 PM »

My hieght is 4.5", the snow in my part of Illinois rarely get more than 6", with out getting froze solid. Then have freezing and thawing to pack it down. If I run into problems I have some 2x12's around, that will get 11.5" up.

silvercreeker · « **Reply #10 on:** Jan 28, 2010, 05:48 AM »

I used 2x8, and so far so go. But we do get a little snow in Western NY

jrp454 · « **Reply #11 on:** Jan 28, 2010, 06:57 AM »

Yes you do. My Daughter is stationed at Ft. Drum.

MILLERMANKT · « **Reply #12 on:** Jan 28, 2010, 07:39 AM »

silvercreeker, I also have the clam 5600 and a similar sled to pull it. I love your idea for the pvc rack. Nicely done !!!!

silvercreeker · « **Reply #13 on:** Jan 28, 2010, 06:15 PM »

Thanks on the rack. Its made to break into 2 halfs, easier for putting into the truck.

fishinpo1e1 · « **Reply #14 on:** Jan 28, 2010, 07:17 PM »

<a href="http://s860.photobucket.com/albums/ab164/fishinpo1e1/Ice%20Sled%20-%202010/?action=view&current=Roomformilkcratetoholdlanternsandfu.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab164/fishinpo1e1/Ice%20Sled%20-%202010/Roomformilkcratetoholdlanternsandfu.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

This is my first attempt to paste a picture using photobucket.

Shown is a "smitty" sled of my own design. It uses cross country skis and 3 sets of risers with a shallow box above to fit the grooves of a Shappell DX-3000. It holds 4 extra buckets in front and two buckets on the shanty. I have more pictures if you have questions.

fishinpo1e1 · « **Reply #15 on:** Jan 28, 2010, 07:26 PM »

Trying again:

<a href="http://s860.photobucket.com/albums/ab164/fishinpo1e1/Ice%20Sled%20-%202010/?action=view&current=Roomformilkcratetoholdlanternsandfu.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i860.photobucket.com/albums/ab164/fishinpo1e1/Ice%20Sled%20-%202010/Roomformilkcratetoholdlanternsandfu.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

fishinpo1e1 · « **Reply #16 on:** Jan 28, 2010, 07:33 PM »

3rd try.

fishinpo1e1 · « **Reply #17 on:** Jan 28, 2010, 07:39 PM »

dsp2 · « **Reply #18 on:** Jan 28, 2010, 07:39 PM »

nice! looks like your ready to rock n roll.

fishinpo1e1 · « **Reply #19 on:** Jan 28, 2010, 07:46 PM »

Underside show 2x4 cross members cut down to 2x2 in middle.

silvercreeker · « **Reply #20 on:** Jan 28, 2010, 07:55 PM »

Is that a "green box" fish lokator!!!
SWEET!
Wanted one so bad when they first came out!

fishinpo1e1 · « **Reply #21 on:** Jan 28, 2010, 08:23 PM »

Yes , still works after over 40 years.

Never a problem.

geothefisher · « **Reply #22 on:** Jan 28, 2010, 08:52 PM »

Here is our pair of Smitty Sleds. The first one is under the Cabelas suitcase shanty. The second one we built a box on to carry all our equipment in. It also doubles as a work station out on the ice. As you can see, it is being used in its "kitchen" mode. LOL Easy to build and even easier to pull.

Here is a closer shot of the equipment sled in kitchen mode!

We paid $1 per pair for the skis at a local flea market. At that price, we just had to build them!

jrp454 · « **Reply #23 on:** Jan 29, 2010, 03:21 PM »

nice sleds guys

jrp454 · « **Reply #24 on:** Feb 01, 2010, 08:51 PM »

built the sled, I can't believe how much easier it is to pull.
Just need to build rack. thanks for the ideas guys

smitty0312 · « **Reply #25 on:** Feb 02, 2010, 10:37 AM »

Glad I could inspire all you guys, good job, they look great. Smitty

bigfoot697 · « **Reply #26 on:** Feb 02, 2010, 05:49 PM »

years ago i made 1 up. i got a shipping crate from work that was being thrown out[ about 2x4 feet] and found the skis in the trash. used 4- 4x4x4" pieces of wood,attached skis to them then crate to wood. bought 4- 4 foot long pieces of conduit for the 4 corners, drilled the holes used a tarp and made a wind breaker. total cost was under 20 $ and worked great.

Hux · « **Reply #27 on:** Sep 24, 2013, 09:03 AM »

Here's my Smitty.

Water and ice · « **Reply #28 on:** Sep 24, 2013, 09:56 AM »

Wondering if you gus use any adhiesive to connect the wood to the skies? I used both adhiesive and screws.

gearheart · « **Reply #29 on:** Sep 24, 2013, 12:54 PM »

Is that an old Lowrance green box flasher I see. Haven't seen one of them in years. Nice sled BTW

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Author Topic: Smitty built sleds (Read 31295 times)