is there suppose to be a pic? cuiz if so i dont see anythingI had to modify...sorry. Smitty
It is a shappell S3000. I just have had it out twice since building it Friday. By tying the rope to the ski tips I found it rides on top of the snow and doesn't sink much. Smittyi have the shappell 4000 and it has the ski's on it but when you pull it with a machine the skis get mangled. I am looking to build something to put it on to tow it with a machine.
i thinks its a two person fold out or he uses a underwater camera
put the rope through a piece of 1"pvc tubing to keep it rigid.
[/quote
done that before, it helps but still like to sway side to side alot,which at times pulls the brackets that are connected to the skis out of there holes. I was thinking of puttin a jet sled hitch on it. I think the skis that are on there are made for hand pulling.
The bolts on the ends of the 2x4's look like they bolt into holes in the slots in the 2x6's.The bolts act like pins down into the 2 x 4's, nothing is bolted together, that's why setup/takedown is so easy without tools.
What do they screw into?
Luv your injun-uity....
Winchester 88
how well do you think it would work behind a snowmobile?Since nothing is bolted together, I wouldn't recommend it behind atv/snowmobile. However, it could be modified to anyones circumstances. Smitty
smitty do they have anymore of them skis up there? I would be willing to drive to get them to help with my sled set up then maybe hit the river while up that away. lolBucky, I bought the skis at Bargain Bonanza in Clinton, IA, Thats a new thrift store runned by our local christian school here in Fulton. I think they are only open Thursday-Saturday. It is located at 1501 N. 2nd st. Clinton, IA, the former Fullerton Lumber building. When I bought mine last week, they had 3 more sets....1 adult pr. & 2 childrens prs. . I think the adult pair that was left was $10. Mine was marked $5. Maybe you could bargain some with them. Smitty
Since nothing is bolted together, I wouldn't recommend it behind atv/snowmobile. However, it could be modified to anyones circumstances. Smitty
That could be solved by putting "T" nuts in the bottom of the holes before bolting the blocks onto the skis.A little box wrench would be all that you would have to carry to anchor the cross members so it wouldn't come apart in transit.
Winchester 88
Since nothing is bolted together, I wouldn't recommend it behind atv/snowmobile. However, it could be modified to anyones circumstances. SmittyThat would be a great idea, also, to get more height you could use 2 x 6, 2 x 8, and so on for the runners. I wanted to keep mine as small as possible so I could get it into my car and also keep it as light as possible too. Smitty
That could be solved by putting "T" nuts in the bottom of the holes before bolting the blocks onto the skis.A little box wrench would be all that you would have to carry to anchor the cross members so it wouldn't come apart in transit.
Winchester 88
Nice sled and a great idea… and another shining example of why a forum topic dedicated to ice sleds and ice sled modifications would be fantastic!I just drilled 3 holes through the bottom of the skies for each block, attached w/3" wood screws countersunk, I did not putty them. Smitty
(still looking for that bandwagon). ;D
How did you attach the ski’s to the wood Smitty… are they just screwing in through the bottom and puttied over?
I just drilled 3 holes through the bottom of the skies for each block, attached w/3" wood screws countersunk, I did not putty them. Smitty
That would be great, alot of ice along the way to fish! Hope you get your skis and start building. Smitty
OK....bought all the stuff this afternoon at Lowe's (along with a buddy heater at half off!). Total cost was $38 including tax and 4 tee nuts.I use a bungee cord on front and back of the sled to keep everything in place while towing(see pic on 1st page), the eye bolts are probably 3ft apart. I think my bungee cords are 3ft long and work perfectly over all my gear.
Two questions
I see your eyebolts are both on the side...any logic to one set on the sides and one set front and back?
How wide apart?
Thanks!
I like your design. How are the bolts that extend down from the two crossmembers attached to the wood? Do the bolts extend down through the wood and through the ski and have a nut on the bottom to secure it? Or is it friction fit?The bolts act like pins down into the 2 x 4's, nothing is bolted together, that's why setup/takedown is so easy without tools. Yes it is a friction fit. Smitty
I hope it works out great for you. I know it will be alot better to pull you stuff. Yesterday we put 2 shantys on mine and the rest of our stuff for 4 guys and walked 2 miles out to where we had to fish and had no problems with it. Smitty
Hando, it looks great, I hope you had fun on the ice, I know your 5 yr. old did with her free ride. As far as bungees go...I have 2 pretty heavy duty bungees that are about 3ft in length and stretch over everything nicely front and back to the eye bolts. Smitty
Broke mine in yesterday with a 2 mile (at least) tow behind an ATV out to laker country on lake george........it handled all of the ruts, slush etc and performed like a champ.I knew this sled would help you out, however, I can't gaurantee it will help you catch fish. Glad I could help you. Smitty
Led me to my first laker on a jig rod....nice fat 26" fish along with 4 on the tipups and another one jigging......thanks!!
I'm glad I could inspire you willbe! Smitty
Used my new sled on lake yesterday in 6 to 8 inches of snow. worked great.
Thanks again.
Mel
Used my new sled on lake yesterday in 6 to 8 inches of snow. worked great.
Thanks again.
Mel
[/quote
Willbe, I'm glad you like it. It suprising that this thing works so good deep snow or not. Smitty
Here's my new homemade sled for my suitcase shanty. I got tired of it being a snow plow instead of it riding on top of the snow. Now it is like pulling 5lbs behind me when I have probably 85lbs of gear on it. It puts together in 30 seconds and takes apart in 15 seconds. It glides so easy over the snow! Now I,m not afraid of walking a long distance to a hot spot if I have to. It can be built for $15-$20 depending how cheap you get your skis for and what other stuff you have on hand. My skis only cost me $5 at our local thrift store. This also comes apart really easy so you can fit in your car like I have to, NO TOOLS REQUIRED! I thought I should share this for anyone on a budget or for one to get into your car Like I have to. Smitty
(http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr75/smitty0312/100_0647.jpg?t=1232907153)
(http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr75/smitty0312/100_0648.jpg?t=1232907219)
(http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr75/smitty0312/100_0650.jpg?t=1232907257)
;D Just wanted to let you know that your sled idea looks real neat. I may try to build one in the future. thanks for the idea. ;D ;DTENBEARS
Thanks for the sled idea smitty. I built one to carry my 2 man Frabil and all the crap (too much) and it worked great. I made it so I could pull it with my 4 wheeler, I made mods so the cross bars bolted down, as I said worked great BUT it became to much work to assemble at the lake, in a hurry to get fishin. Soooo I have to think about "more" mods to make assembly not as time consuming. Did not take any pics... Sorry! After mods I'll get some pic's.
A guy at work like it so much and has a bigger/heaver ice shack than I do so I gave him my seld. Now I am building another one ASAP!! Off to HD in a few min. to get what I need, I have the ski's already. I'll take pictures of this one.You could have just gave him the idea....but no, you gave him your sled! Very nice man Hank! Way to go! Smitty
The skis are screwed into the wooden blocks. Heads are countersunk. The cross members are just pushed snuggly into the slots. The weight of the stuff on top of the cross members keeps the sled together.Nicely explained. Smitty :)
This way, the sled can be taken apart to fit in a small space in the vehicle.
Hando, your lucky you only have that much snow.. its hard pulling anything through all the snow we get up here in MN. :(
Thanks for all the nice comments. I hope I can help with any other questions anyone might have. Smitty
Smitty, I have saved your posts from last season and finally found a set of cross country skis to attempt to build a sled for my Shappel DX3000 shanty. But in rereading the posts that I saved there were no dimensions of the lumber( I presumed 2x6 and 2x4 ) and of the sizes of the parts. I also would use the skis for hauling my cheap plastic toboggan sled that holds 4 or 5, 5 gallon buckets when I don't need the shanty.
Also, by now there are many of you technologically advanced cobblers that have made their sled/ski designs over several times. How about showing off your skills and sharing the details of your endeavors.
In addition may I ask why you didn't make the width as wide as the shanty?
I'd like to see this subject explored further as it fits the needs of many who don't use vehicles to pull their tackle out onto the ice.
Finally( for now ) thanks for sharing your original designs. They are ingenious, simple and get right to the point.
I too went with the (Smittysled) design, I did not go as wide as the DX3000 width because I felt it was more awkward when trying to pull. I did start out wide but came in about 6-8" seems more comfortable to me pulling. I added some stops on top that the shanty ribs fit over to keep it from shifting on the crossbars. I am going to take it out for it's maiden voyage Thursday to a local pond.
I just measured up the skis and they are about 80 1/2 inches long. About 70 inches are flat with about a 10 inches allowed for the front curve.
I measured the outside groove in the bottom of the Shappell 3000 and they are a bit wider than the edge of a 2x4 and about 32 inches between the outside edges of the outside grooves.
Since I may want to use the hauler for a toboggan size set up when I don't use it for the ice shanty I may add a third set of risers to support the longer length. How long are your risers? And would it be advisable to use a light but strong wood throughout? What could that wood be? I picked up a short peice of treated lumber and thats too heavy.
Any suggestions?
(http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee380/markwilks/PC120036.jpg)Your welcome. You will love it. Smitty
(http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee380/markwilks/PC120035.jpg)
(http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee380/markwilks/PC120037.jpg)
I made one to help me pull my two man Clam Yukon on the ice. I didn't buy the runner kit and will be hand pulling so thought the ski's will help with the heavier shanty. Can't wait to try it out.
I still have to put the eye bolts in for my bungie cords but other than that she's all done.
Thanks Smitty for all the help!!!
Wish I would have seen this before I bought my jet sled xl 3 days ago! :-\Take the jet sled back, and start building, you will be glad you did. Smitty
I had to modify...sorry. Smitty
[/quote
How did you attach the 2x6 to the ski"s?]
Smitty, Thank you for the idea... Made mine last weekend.. works great !! :tipup: :tipup:Your Welcome. Told you it would make your life a lot easier, way to go! Smitty
What keeps your shelters from falling off of your home-made sleds? I fish a lake that you have to climb a hill to get back to your vehicle and I think my shelter would slide off of the sled.Check the pics on 1st page, I have 2 rather long bungee cords I put across and hook to the "I" bolts on side of sled. Smitty
I think this will go down as one of the best inventions to ever hit the shanty! Just seeing one of these on the ice will be saying "I'm an Iceshanty.com member".I don't think so......you have been here longer than me though. Everybody's ideas should be treated equally. If it is one of the best....so be it, but I'm here to look for ideas too and share if it can help somebody here. Smitty
:tipup:
NBG
Well it's just about done. I still have to add a few things to it. It will be done tomorrow and i should have some pics up of it by Sunday. Thanks SmittyCan't wait to see it! You will love it! Smitty
Nice job...sometimes simple is better.Think I'll build one. I have a slick rod holder that I built and will post it as soon as I can. Thanks smitty.You are welcome kinky, can't wait to see your sled, just a quick note....don't forget the long tow rope is very important! I would like to see your rod holder too! Smitty
I just had to build one Here it is, plexiglass bottom bad a**!!!Great job muskie....hope you really enjoy the sport alot more now that you don't have to waste time and energy getting your equipment to your favorite fishing spot. Smitty
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1385.snc4/163725_175246499179148_100000813975711_328148_8057202_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1362.snc4/163409_175246649179133_100000813975711_328151_3337040_n.jpg)
do you mean up though the ski and into the wood or through the wood into the ski?Yes
do you mean up though the ski and into the wood or through the wood into the ski?Up through the ski..into the wood..
Up through the ski..into the wood..Sorry, I didn't read it right, yes, beaver you are right....through the ski and into 2x4. Smitty
I bet smithy wishes he didn't start this post.......but.... what is the length of these skis you are using?? ;DI'm glad I did start this post! Over 15,000 views! Down hill skis, I cut 6" off mine so they would fit in my car, now I wouldn't have to do it since I have a suv that would fit the full length skis. Keep em' coming! Smitty
I'm glad I did start this post! Over 15,000 views! Down hill skis, I cut 6" off mine so they would fit in my car, now I wouldn't have to do it since I have a suv that would fit the full length skis. Keep em' coming! Smitty
i would be hauling about 75 pounds in my sled. will 4" clearance work in 9" of snow? we currenly have 2-3" od slush under the snow. tough enough to walk thru without dragging sled
i have my sled mounted on skis in a similar way, but the sled is screwed into the 2x4's and the wood is laying down widthwise. easier to drad in 2-4" of snow than no skis, but still difficult. i never changed the rope's position so it is still on the sled. would changing the rope to the skis help to make it easier? loading sled into car is clumsy with just a little gear still in the sled. i like the idea of the ski system is separate. any problems with the sled shifting on irregular terrain?I have my rope tied to the ski tips, I think it helps keep ski tips up, remember.........LONG tow rope(I walk probably 8ft in front of my sled,that means a 16ft piece of rope). Hope this helps you. Smitty
are you guys using downhill or cross country skis ? downhill skis are wider arent they ? what type would be better ? wider for floating or narrow for cutting through ? just asking because i am going to make something for my frabill excursion that pulls about as easy as a chest freezer.I used dowhill skis. Easier to find too. Smitty
Great job muskie....hope you really enjoy the sport alot more now that you don't have to waste time and energy getting your equipment to your favorite fishing spot. Smittynice sled...
I'm just now getting into ice fishing and this sled looks great. May have to build one. A few thoughts on design. For those concerned about it sinking into the snow, it wouldn't be difficult to add a 3rd ski in the middle which should improve the buoyancy in snow. May make turning a bit more tricky though. In regard to what kind of skiis--I would think downhill skiis should pull easier and stay on top of the snow better, but the cross country skiis with the fish scales on the bottom might be nice to have going uphill! Anyone try them? For those folks using 2x6 or 2x8s, I was thinking some of those metal shelf brackets hardware stores sell might provide some good lateral support without adding much to the drag in deeper snow. Really nice design smitty--kudos!I think(just my opinion), by adding a 3rd ski would add more surface area touching the snow and might add more "drag" and might pull harder......but it hasn't been tested here in this thread I think, Higher supports would provide more clearance, but I like my supports lower because if I want to move and not break my shanty down, I can just pull it up onto the sled, put all my stuff inside and off I go to another spot. Keep the ideas coming and thanks for the nice comments again! Smitty
Do you guys wax the skis? I don't have ski wax but was thinking about putting a few coats of paste wax on them.I have yet to wax mine yet (3rd season), but probably wouldn't hurt anything. Great job guys!! Keep em' coming! Smitty
instead of using skis do you think 2*6 s laid flat would work
even if you made the fronts flip up like skis and polyurethaned itOnly one way to find out... Try it and see how it works for you...
I'm just now getting into ice fishing and this sled looks great. May have to build one. A few thoughts on design. For those concerned about it sinking into the snow, it wouldn't be difficult to add a 3rd ski in the middle which should improve the buoyancy in snow. May make turning a bit more tricky though. In regard to what kind of skiis--I would think downhill skiis should pull easier and stay on top of the snow better, but the cross country skiis with the fish scales on the bottom might be nice to have going uphill! Anyone try them? For those folks using 2x6 or 2x8s, I was thinking some of those metal shelf brackets hardware stores sell might provide some good lateral support without adding much to the drag in deeper snow. Really nice design smitty--kudos!
instead of using skis do you think 2*6 s laid flat would workHow I would do it if I had to make 2x6 smooth enough to pull on snow: your best bet would be to run them over the jointer to get 'em good and flat, jigsaw the ends to resemble skis, sand 'em up to like, 600 grit in steps (120, 180, 240, 320, 400, 600) Shellac first to seal the wood then HIGH gloss urethane and HIGH gloss only. 2 Coats, sanding between coats. After the urethane cures, hit 'em with Minwax or Johnson's paste wax. By the time you got into it for the lumber, sandpaper, shellac, urethane and wax, it might be cheaper to Craigslist or yardsale an old pair of skis. Start asking around, I bet someone's got a pair collecting dust in their garage they'd almost GIVE to you
[/img](http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/Newjigger/2011-01-20113834-1.jpg)(http://)(http://[IMG]http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/Newjigger/2011-01-20113542-1.jpg)Its a little wobbly but the clearance is worth it.(http://)(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x377/Newjigger/2011-01-20113542-1.jpg)Lookin good jigger! Smitty
Lookin good jigger! SmittyThanks Smitty all form your original idea. Had to widen it a little bit though.
Looks good newjigger- let us know how it holds up. I hear pvc can get brittle in the cold but have never tried it. If it works good I like the fact you could break it down easily.That pvc glue is pretty permanent, plus those aluminum racks are too. I waited to glue in case I had to modify and It fell apart in a snow storm on a big lake. That beat us up pretty bad.
Smitty in your very first picture of your sled sitting there,how wide is it,and how long are your skies,I'm wanting to make one but with a box on top about 51 inches long by 32 inches wide by 12 inches high with a hinged lid,to carry a 4 man pop up,5lb propane tank,heater,minnows,and tackle.I want to put brackets on the outside edge to fasten the power auger on.I will be pulling it with a snowmobile.Mine is 30" wide, I cut 6" off my skis so they would fit in my car, now I would'nt have done that as I now have a SUV to haul my gear. Goodluck on your build. Smitty
It's best to use down hill ski's, cross country ski's are too flimsy and narrower specially if you are going to be pulling it behind a snowmobile or 4 wheeler you want the stronger down hill ski's they have more backbone.
Here's Mine
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?action=profile;u=23705;sa=showPosts;start=40
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/KenDoDoubleG/mess%20a%20gills/021211071751.jpg)Great job Ken! Smitty
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/KenDoDoubleG/mess%20a%20gills/021211120557.jpg)
Here's my sled I put together for this season. I was gonna wait to post picks until after I finished it, but who am I kidding...I'm fishing it. $5 for the cooler at a tag sale, and a few dollars for the tow rope, the bungie on the bait, and hooks to hang the auger. The rest I had, like the hip pack and that's a folding canoe seat holding the bait.
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/KenDoDoubleG/mess%20a%20gills/021211071751.jpg)
(http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd459/KenDoDoubleG/mess%20a%20gills/021211120557.jpg)
Here's my sled I put together for this season. I was gonna wait to post picks until after I finished it, but who am I kidding...I'm fishing it. $5 for the cooler at a tag sale, and a few dollars for the tow rope, the bungie on the bait, and hooks to hang the auger. The rest I had, like the hip pack and that's a folding canoe seat holding the bait.
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb161/monthony/Picture003-1.jpg[/img]
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb161/monthony/Picture002-1.jpg)
Great job Ken! Smitty
.
With the help of my Dad and his buddy, I got my Smitty Sled done today!!! I am so excited!
The best thing I like about it is I can also sit on it and fish / hole hop, and have everything right there on it.I know what you mean...sit on it, fish, and everything is there. Like coffee. I also supply my fishing buddy with a pretty nice 7 gallon bucket and an insulated lid to cozy up on.
Woodroce,
How wide did you make your sled?
Would the widest ski be the easiest to pull in deeper snow? How about a water ski?
Woodroce, How high are your bottom pieces attached to the skis?
Thanks! ;D
Hot damn!! :o that thing needs to be painted steel, looks like a futuristic sled from some upcoming movie!!! great slick job man!! How long are these skis? I got 185's, probably need to cut some off on the end. Good Job.
.
My Fish Trap Guide is 36" wide. I made my sled 32" wide so that the eye bolts will come out to meet the sled's width. I am not familiar with your DX4000, but it sounds like dsp2's idea will be great for you.
I've had my Smitty Sled in my garage doing some work on it. I put some wood putty in a knot hole and spent some time fondling, I mean, sanding it. I am going to finish sanding it real good, stain it and then give it a few coats of polyurethane. Then, she'll be finished off with some reflectors. I haven't figured out the details of the reflectors yet, but they are making some pretty cool reflective tape these days. I was thinking i would make a couple custom reflectors. Maybe put "Woodroce" on my sled or maybe try to make the Ice Shanty logo. I wonder if I could seal the reflective tape under a few coats of polyurethane? Hmmm....
.
Use a Marine Spar Varnish... non-yellowing in direct sunlight and was created for use on teak boat decks
My money is on skis.
The key word was slush. You get slush on the ice under the snow and it starts freezing onto your conduit runners you are done. On good hard ice with powder snow on top you may be right it will pull easier like ice skates, but the ski's cover all situations pretty good.+1 +2 +3.....and so on, but I am kinda partial to this thread. Smitty
Jiggin Jeff,
Tell me a little more about the rod holders you have pictured. They look like something I'd be interested in building.
Prairiegoat
PS: Neat sled. Nice work!
i asked smitty the same question back in feb. he puts the screw in the center from underneath the ski and up into the wood. countersinks the screw flush to avoid drag. he explained tht on of the things that makes it easy to drag is to use a L...O...N...G rope to drag. smitty uses a 16 foot rope so that he is 8 feet in front of his sled. i went from a 4' lead to his recommended 8' lead and it makes a world of difference.Nicely said! Thanks Smitty
Nicely said! Thanks Smittyjust reiterating what you taught me. did what you said and you were right on
I love the idea of both the sled and the ice pole holders, do they ever tangle up? have you had one come out when you went to a drift or anything?
Thanks,
DZ
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg22/bart607/ScoutSled-01.jpg)
I just wanted to thank Smity for this great idea. I live in Colorado and found this site while searching for hours looking for an idea on how to put skis on my Quick Flip 2. I got my sled built a couple of days ago,yea no ice for another 2 + months but I wanted to be ready when it gets here. Here is my sled. http://s1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa414/lefty2053/?action=view¤t=169.jpg
Yes it is all black. THANKS AGIAN Smity.!
Curbside skis; old unused Thule roof rack and some angle aluminum to serve as mount points on the skis for the racks.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v216/Mainedog/skisled2_small.jpg)
How do the skis hold up on asphalt? Only reason I ask is because there are several places that have parking a fair distance from the lake access and the roads are not always snow covered. I would imagine that they would get pretty beat if they were to be dragged for any distance. ???
Stole yer idea Dog last year, same Thule rack, different skis! TY!
I've just got to ask this....... I made a similar setup a couple of years ago, except.. instead of making the two cross-bars, I bolted the "risers" directly to the bottom of my Jet Sled to make a "permanent" installation. Problem I immediately noticed was that the whole assembly was unstable in a side-to-side movement, and when traversing up or down small, uneven, hills (while getting on or off the ice) the whole thing tended to oveturn. Has this been a problem with the "Smitty Sled"???? Does it "wobble" side-to-side ??? I gave up on the idea and now use conduit pipe for runners, about 18" above the snow, and removeable for transport. I like the way the "Smitty Ssled" looks and would like to have one.....if it does not display the above characteristics.
love all these ideas. im gonna make a simmple sled for my shappele 4000. how high should i buils my sled for it dosent dig into the snow?
Great ideas guys. I'm getting ready to build one of these ski platforms as well. How are you mounting the wood to the skis themselves? Are you using a really good epoxy or screwing them down someway? Thanks.
Husker
Wood screws.....countersunk . Everyone remember the long tow rope makes things alot easier. Smitty
16 foot rope for an 8 foot leadThat will be just right, that's about what I have. Smitty
how's that for an old guy, Smitty?
That will be just right, that's about what I have. Smitty
Got my skis. Now just need to start building. Just one question...are wood screws plenty strong enough to mount the skis to the risers? I was thinking of using deck lag screws for more strength. I've only seen a few pics of the bottom of the skis showing how they are attached. What's your experience with wood screws?I used just plain ol' 3" wood screws, they have held up just fine for me.
(http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab319/signmoney/2000haulerloaded.jpg)
THANKS to Smitty I built this last year. It works great but I need it to come apart like the original Smitty sled.It takes up to much room in my truck with a cap the way it is. A few mods to it and I should be ready to go
What did you use for the struts there?smitty used 2x4. i used 2x6 for uprights and 2x4 for cross bars. bought the lumber from home depot from their scrap pile. paid $1 for the 2x6 Board and .50 for the 2x4
How do you cut the notch in the riser if you don't have a table saw? I guess I could drill pilot holes tangent to the edges and use a jig saw to cut trough the webbing between the holes. I am not good at wood working so keep that in mind.I cut my knotches with a jig saw, 2x4's are enough in my opinion, have never had a problem yet, remember, more wood = more weight.
How long do you make the risers? 8", 10", 12"?
And 2x6 or 2x4 for risers?
Couple of ?'s i currently pull a jet sled by hand loaded with my stuff when i go ice fishing. I don't have a ATV or snowmobile, so for those who are like me. If i built this sled and put my jet sled on top, does it make pulling my gear onto the ice easier. I also just bought a new Eskimo pop-up so my sled is getting full and I'm looking at other options B-4 to avoid buying a bigger jet sled. Also how does the sled pull if there is new snow. Any feedback/suggestions would be appreciated.With just 2 skies literally on the ice/snow, you have less "drag", thus pulling easier, skies are way more slippery than the bottom of a dull plastic bottom of any jet sled. I put probably 75lbs of stuff on mine and you wouldn't know it.
Couple of ?'s i currently pull a jet sled by hand loaded with my stuff when i go ice fishing. I don't have a ATV or snowmobile, so for those who are like me. If i built this sled and put my jet sled on top, does it make pulling my gear onto the ice easier. I also just bought a new Eskimo pop-up so my sled is getting full and I'm looking at other options B-4 to avoid buying a bigger jet sled. Also how does the sled pull if there is new snow. Any feedback/suggestions would be appreciated.I also pull by hand.. and just as other has said.. the "smitty Sled" makes things so much easier.. the ski's glide on the ice / snow. the only time I get bogged down is when going through deeper snow as I made mine from 2x4's, So I only have about 4" of clearance.
I Built my Smitty sled this weekend.Looks great Busdriver!
(http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g472/1Busdriver/Smittysled3.jpg)
When mounting to skis, how far out in front of the sled do you want them to stick out? And do you cut them shorter so the skis are not so long?I cut about 6" off mine so they would fit in my car, don't do it if you don't have to, as far as skis sticking out in front, 2/3 of skis of mine are out front give or take, you want more weight on back end and not nose heavy, this will help keep the ski tips up, see pics of 1st post of this thread. Hope this helps. Smitty
When mounting to skis, how far out in front of the sled do you want them to stick out? And do you cut them shorter so the skis are not so long?
I'd like to add my smitty-esque sleds to this great thread. I built two interchangeable platforms to attach to the same set of skis.So do you bring along cut down cross country ski poles and just sit on the second sled and push yourself around? Just kidding. Looks great.
Sled 1. For dragging out the Shappell 3000dx (or just feeling real patriotic)
(http://i665.photobucket.com/albums/vv19/robpignatiello/Ice%20fishing/103_3215.jpg)
Sled 2. For lightweight running and gunning
(http://i665.photobucket.com/albums/vv19/robpignatiello/Ice%20fishing/103_3213.jpg)
(http://i665.photobucket.com/albums/vv19/robpignatiello/Ice%20fishing/103_3214.jpg)
Jbird: I have about 12" from ski tip to upright. The longer the skis the easier they will slide. Your vehicle being the determining factor.
After first seeing one of these late last season I built one in late March. Still waiting to use it. The skis are 185cm. I picked them up at a Volunteers of America thrift store for $2.50. Then I had to shell out six bucks to buy a jumbo #3 phillips head screwdriver to get the bindings off. (Hardest part of the project.) The crossbars are 2x3 planks from a packing case being thrown out at work (free). Unfortunately they were warpped in both directions and had a bit of helical twist as well. Just enough to make cutting the notches to fit difficult. When assembled, it tended to scissor a bit. The addition of the inside angle braces really tightened things up nicely, but added a few bucks more to the cost. The 16 foot tow rope was about $7.00 more. The uprights are 2x8", 14" at base, 10" at top. Total cost about $25.00 for materials. Outside dimmensions: accross the uprights 30in, front to back of crossbars 30in. My tie down straps are a bit too fat for screweyes, so I used drawer pulls from Lowes (another $6.00). The sled was sized to cary a Clam scout pro.
made a smitty today with what i had laying around in the garage and added some hindges to the crossbraces, still need to get the tow rope and some eye bolts. also gonna see how it works with the 2x4's may upgrade to 2x6's when the snow comes. -olc
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l71/rorobxb/007-2.jpg)
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l71/rorobxb/008-3.jpg)
Made my "Smitty Sled" today. Bring on the ice already!!!
(http://i42.tinypic.com/fmkq2u.jpg)
(http://i42.tinypic.com/vsjndw.jpg)
(http://i41.tinypic.com/9isrxf.jpg)
they all look cool, but think if you have to pull it through deep snow it will be more like a plow if it's to low to the ice.
Thanks for the great ideas. I think I'm going to build a new sled.You won't regret it ever.
You won't regret it ever.
KB where does the drive motor mount?
BTW, why isnt this thread a sticky? Or at least a link placed into a 'most helpful collection'? Its one of the most informative ones out here.
Very nice Bill- can you post a few close up pictures of the Rubbermaid track and hooks? I love the idea of the auger and Fatfish on the sides of the sled!Thanks, my name is Don though. Next post by mjmeyer shows a link to the product.
http://www.rubbermaid.com/Category/Pages/SubCategoryLanding.aspx?SubCatId=FastTrackGarageOrganizationSystem&CatName=GarageOrganization (http://www.rubbermaid.com/Category/Pages/SubCategoryLanding.aspx?SubCatId=FastTrackGarageOrganizationSystem&CatName=GarageOrganization)Thanks for posting the link. Yea, I walked around Lowes for two hrs one day last week, just looking at products and bam, I brainstormed this setup...I flippin love it! They go off and on easily.
What I great idea. I NEED to do this!
Thanks, my name is Don though. Next post by mjmeyer shows a link to the product.
did you reinforce the inside walls or did you use the anchors?No reinforcement, I just drilled and mounted
Nice lookin custom sleds here!! :tipup:
if i had time would love to build one. I got a Otter Pro which will have to do for now.
With downhill skiis having metal edges on them, what do you do to keep them from rusting? Do you polish and then put wax on them?You don't have to worry about it, at least I don't. I,m going on my 3rd season, and no problems yet.
Anyone have any pics of a tow bar on a smitty? Looking for some ideas.The original smitty sled is just for hand pulling since nothing is bolted together, however, with mods, anything is possible.
My uncle used a wagon. Took off the wheels and built a u bracket onto a pair of ski's used the original axles still, with a quick pin to hold the axles in. Pulled the handle off, and made a new pin, that is long enough for a quick pin too. Still works for a wagon all summer.I like the idea, thanks for sharing.
Just finished last weekend- towbar for the sled, long rope for early ice- dragged it all over my yard loaded with gear and 10" of snow ;DLooks great 600! Hope ya get to use it soon! I'm still waiting too. Thanks for sharing.
(http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk92/mxzxracer/2012009.jpg)
(http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk92/mxzxracer/2012008.jpg)
(http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk92/mxzxracer/2012007.jpg)
(http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk92/mxzxracer/2012006.jpg)
only hardware for securing the shelf, tub and crate
(http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk92/mxzxracer/2012010.jpg)
Breaks down like a charm, fits perfect in the truck
(http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk92/mxzxracer/2012011.jpg)
Really, the end result we are all looking for....spicy lime beer battered perch ;)
(http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk92/mxzxracer/2012002.jpg)
Thanks for the rope hookup and length info! I attached the Rubbermaid Fast Track with short bolts, flat washers, and lock washers; that fit the diameter of the holes that are pre-installed with the Fast Track. In my pics, You see a black sliding cover, that covers the bracket and screws, for a clean look. You have to buy each bracket separately, and they have several styles of configurations to choose from. I throw the four brackets in a bucket for transporting to the lakes, and then just place them on the tracks once there. I knew I didn't want hooks or brackets permanently mounted on the sled, as sometimes I pack a buddy's sled in my truck, and brackets on each side during transport would take up too much truck bed space.
Anyone put plywood across the top of their Smitty Sled for days when you don't want to take out you shanty? With this warmer weather I thought I could mount brackets to the plywood so I could carry my bucket, tackle and auger and be very light weight.Jbird, sure you could, anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
Anyone put plywood across the top of their Smitty Sled for days when you don't want to take out you shanty? With this warmer weather I thought I could mount brackets to the plywood so I could carry my bucket, tackle and auger and be very light weight.yep
Anyone put plywood across the top of their Smitty Sled for days when you don't want to take out you shanty? With this warmer weather I thought I could mount brackets to the plywood so I could carry my bucket, tackle and auger and be very light weight.
Added a Hand Auger Rack to the rear of the Smitty Sled....
(http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b104/chevy343/Jigs100.jpg)
Looks like it might be sturdy enough to carry a power auger. Looks nice.
Matt
Looks like it might be sturdy enough to carry a power auger. Looks nice.
Matt
Can you post a pic of where it is attached to the sled?
Looks like conduit pipe drilled out on the bottom for some wood screws to secure it to the smitty sled. Then holders attached to the top with predrilled holes and some small bolts. Couple of rubber end caps to prevent conduit from snagging or cutting somebody if there is any sharp edges.
Matt
Very Good eye Matt...Yes I used 26" lengths of 3/4" conduit and flattened in a vise a little at one end and attached to the back with 1/4x 2-1/2" lag bolts. I made a angle bracket out of 1/2" conduit and attached this to the 3/4" conduit to the top of the 2x4 using 1/4x 2" bolts and 1" x1/4 lag bolt.Also added 7/8" chair leg caps to the top of conduit.
Finally got my Smitty Sled out for a test run. What a difference!!! On the way down to the lake I almost got run over by my sled and I walked down the hill. Once I got going I had to walk behind the sled holding the rope so it wouldn't go down without me. On the ice was easy as I pulled it over the fresh snow. Up the hilll after fishing was still a chore, but nothing like when I was pulling my shanty by itself. Glad I built it this year.I'm glad it worked out for you, I knew it would help you a bunch.
thanks Smitty.
Ok, dumb question here. May have been answered earlier but I couldn't find it. The guys that put wheels on, do you take them off across the snow? I like the one with the wood in the sled. It would be nice for going across the parking lot.Read this page, should help you.
Mine setup for my Scout TC. I made myself some quick disconnect buckle/straps for securing to the sled and for easily removing my 8' tow ropeLooks fast! Great job!! Thanks for showing us!
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg113/HCHHARDCOREHUNTER/hg2.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg113/HCHHARDCOREHUNTER/hg1.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg113/HCHHARDCOREHUNTER/2012-01-19_19-39-47_947.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg113/HCHHARDCOREHUNTER/2012-01-19_19-39-06_659.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg113/HCHHARDCOREHUNTER/2012-01-19_19-39-18_437.jpg)
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg113/HCHHARDCOREHUNTER/hg5.jpg)
Made mine on Sunday. I figured since I do everything out of my Small Team Wild sled anyway, including the sled as a bench most of the time, I just attached the Smittysled directly to the bottom of the wild.well lets see it!!!!!! ::)
Thing pulls like a dream, and with 2x8"s holding it up, it's got enough height for my milk crate seat, keeps me out of the slop, and STILL fits in my 2 man popup. Can't beat that with a stick - I think I may need to move my Glide-lite along if I keep using this one like I am.
I used my skis as a ramp today to easily unload/load my Clam Scout TC. Another bonus for these setups Smitty!Way to think outside the box, great tip!
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg113/HCHHARDCOREHUNTER/2012-01-25_09-43-02_178.jpg)
Wow.... Tomar will be 3 years of posting on the Smitty sled!! Congrats Smitty and Happy Anniversary on a great DIY.... This is my first time on this post.. I was sent here from a shanty member after my first outing this sat with my shappell s3000.. We just got 6 inches of snow and started out on my local lake..... I've only made it 10 feet on the lake and left my shanty there with a for sale sign on it. >:( It plowed snow better then my 4 Wheeler... After looking at your design and other members builds/ comments..... My shappell is no longer for sale.. ;D I've haven't started my build yet.. because I'm searching for skis. today I found 3 sets at a local flea market but they were pricey and I think to short. My only question for you smitty and it might have been posted before is what length are your skis tip to end with the 6 inches cut off.. the shappell is 4 feet long and on your original design the skis look like they protrude out about 2 feet? I'd like to build your original design senice it worked well for you. also hows the shapell shanty holding up.... Thanks again.... ;DWell, got my skis today, For free :o I placed a add on craigs list and a loccal sporting goods store called and gave me a set.
I used my skis as a ramp today to easily unload/load my Clam Scout TC. Another bonus for these setups Smitty!
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg113/HCHHARDCOREHUNTER/2012-01-25_09-43-02_178.jpg)
Well, got my skis today, For free :o I placed a add on craigs list and a loccal sporting goods store called and gave me a set.Free is always good! Let's see your sled when you are done.
I built mine monday night and took it out tuesday morning....I am just amazed at how easy it was to pull the frabill ranger twin xlt LOADED with gear...holy moly, went from almost heart attack pulling plow to easy breeeezy glide... A big thank you Smitty ;)You are very welcome. Hope you enjoy it for years to come.
as long as i'm here...i'll thank you too smitty. and if my kids were up...they would be thanking you too. after i built the first one for ice fishing and used it, i went back to goodwill and paid 3 bucks for 2 more sets of skis and built sleds for the kids to use on the hill behind our house. i have now seen 6 kids wait in line at the top of the hill for those two sleds because "they are the fastest and the best ever"!! thanks smitty you are a genius!I won't be responsible for any broken bones from your kids on the hill......Will I ?..LOL, I'm glad they are enjoying them too.
matt
I won't be responsible for any broken bones from your kids on the hill......Will I ?..LOL, I'm glad they are enjoying them too.
I've been silently following this thread for a long time. I had made a sled very simular to these years ago & it works great. But now justfine I think has come up with a wonderful mod to this whole thing that might take me back out to the wood shop! This whole site is just full of great ideas.What you not going to tell us? LOL I finally got my skis off craigslist I would like some feedback on what I would like to do on my sled. I kind of would like to build mine low to the ground. I have the frabill predator, and it is about 160#s and it has it's own sled. But I wasn't sure if that would be a good idea or not. Do you think two inch blocks would be too short for snow? I will be pulling with a four wheeler anyways.
Do you think two inch blocks would be too short for snow?
Red rover...I would love to see some pics of that! My neighbor has the same shack as you do and has been looking for a new way to set it up.x2...except I have the same shack too..lol
I mainly put the skis on my tub sled because the one lake I fish on has a lot of deep snow and slush. Last year in the picture you can see that the snow melted off and there was very little left on the ice.Nice downriverbob. Thankyou for the picture. love the view where your at too. Very jealous here. Wife walked by saying hey I like the snow mobile LOL Anyways I just want to leave the smitty sled under my tub I just wondered if a lot lower would effect its capabilities? Do you just strap the tub to the sled or is there a different way you keep it succoured?
BOB
Free is always good! Let's see your sled when you are done.Finally built my Smitty sled everything except paint saving that for summer. Can't wait to try it. Doesn't work good on carpet Hopefully we get some ice here in northeast Pa. but it don't look good.
Crappiman, that is a dandy, I hope you get some ice too, our's here is melting fast, warm temps and rain yesterday. I still have not made it out. Thanks for sharing the pics, you will love it once you get to use it.Yea Smitty, Its been a bad season for ice fishin. It took till mid Jan to get fishable ice and within one week of warm weather and rain.. it was gone. Some people are getting out farther north in pa. If I do get out I won't need my shanty unless it gets really cold. so thinking about making two shorter cross members and finding a cheap or free sled. hopefully free.... so i can use it on warm days. Thanks again for the great DIY project it was fun and something to do during this bad season.
crappiman2... I like the idea of countersinking the nuts for the carriage bolts for the cross supports. I drilled my holes a bit too snug because I didn't want to lose the bolts, now I cannot get mine apart..lol. I am going to have to use a sledgehammer on mine because even though I use a pickup truck the majority of the time, would be nice to throw the sled into the car too.Yea Matt I to first tried just making the carriage bolts snug, but when I pushed them in they would wobble and pop out .. so i deciced to secure them with nuts. To counter sink I used a 3/4 inch spade bit. drilled the depth of the nut about1/2 inch.. Hope this helps. ;D
I know some are probably wondering, why don't I just buy the right sized drill bit. Well the nearest hardware store is over 20 miles from home. I built it with what I had available on hand.
Matt
Yea Matt I to first tried just making the carriage bolts snug, but when I pushed them in they would wobble and pop out .. so i deciced to secure them with nuts. To counter sink I used a 3/4 inch spade bit. drilled the depth of the nut about1/2 inch.. Hope this helps. ;D
Thanks Matt, Smitty and all the others! I got my skis Saturday and will be building my own Smitty Sled, although it may need wheels, too.LOL I have so many ideas in my head, But smittys is the main design I like you want wheels for going across the parking lot. I just want to find a set of pneumatic probably 8" and I am too cheep to go by brand new ones. I think I will check out harbor freight soon. They have cheaper stuff there.
Great ideas and designs here. I'll post my pictures when I have it together. It may never be truly finished after looking at all the modifications.
Mike
Got some pics of my "Smitty" sled this weekend. Mine isn't made for quick assembly as once I put it together in Dec I have a place to store it put together until spring. Then I take it apart & store it for the summer. The red gear box, my son & I made 15yrs ago. For me this setup works great, the only problem being this winter, the ice was never fit the few times I had a chance to go. On a nice sunny day I will just use the red box. If the weather turns cold & windy, then I take the whole thing & hide in the Shappell.
(http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i376/stevesauder/IMGP0003.jpg)
(http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i376/stevesauder/IMGP0004.jpg)
(http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i376/stevesauder/IMGP0005.jpg)
(http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i376/stevesauder/IMGP0006.jpg)
Redrover, that is very nice, thanks for sharing and hope it helps you alot(I know it will).
(http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i376/stevesauder/IMGP0007.jpg)
Got some pics of my "Smitty" sled this weekend. Mine isn't made for quick assembly as once I put it together in Dec I have a place to store it put together until spring. Then I take it apart & store it for the summer. The red gear box, my son & I made 15yrs ago. For me this setup works great, the only problem being this winter, the ice was never fit the few times I had a chance to go. On a nice sunny day I will just use the red box. If the weather turns cold & windy, then I take the whole thing & hide in the Shappell.
(http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i376/stevesauder/IMGP0003.jpg)
(http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i376/stevesauder/IMGP0004.jpg)
(http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i376/stevesauder/IMGP0005.jpg)
(http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i376/stevesauder/IMGP0006.jpg)
(http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i376/stevesauder/IMGP0007.jpg)
don't laugh until you try it!
Well,I did'nt want to be the only kid in the neighborhood to not have a SMITTY SLED.Got bored so I built one(like I need another sled),this is what I ended up with.No animals or humans were injured in the making of this sled....thanks Smitty...Very nice job skull, you can never have too many "Smitty Sleds".
(http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/dustyroads07/001-32.jpg)
(http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv345/dustyroads07/002-27.jpg)
Lots of nice sleds in here, just one question though, and it honestly probably isn't much of a big deal at all. Whether you are using 2x6, 2x8, etc...most people are cutting them at a slant(less aerodynamic drag, right? :P). However, most of them have the slant angling towards the rear of the sled and up. I would think if you got into a little deeper snow, and the skis did not hold the sled up above all of the snow, then angling them like this would push the sled down into the snow. If you angle them the other way, depending on the snow and other variables regarding the conditions at the time, it would push the sled up. I know, I know....totally overthinking it. Just trying to be scientific about it :PSounds absolutely correct! I need to make mine slant this way. Just like the upturned ends of the ski. Create lift instead of submarining.
So my youngest daughter age 10.... Her school/classes had a homemade sled building contest and today was the day of sledding....Needless to say, this morning I packed her and her "smitty sled" up in the jeep and took her to school..... Well, I just picked her up and she was very happy to show me her gold medal that she won for having the best homemade sled.... Out of 80 kids she said she won because she was the fastest and went the farthest ;D .. I had no doubt @)I love it! Glad she was king of the sleds!
Thanks again Smitty
So my youngest daughter age 10.... Her school/classes had a homemade sled building contest and today was the day of sledding....Needless to say, this morning I packed her and her "smitty sled" up in the jeep and took her to school..... Well, I just picked her up and she was very happy to show me her gold medal that she won for having the best homemade sled.... Out of 80 kids she said she won because she was the fastest and went the farthest ;D .. I had no doubt @):clap: :thumbsup: :clap: :thumbsup: :clap: :thumbsup:
Thanks again Smitty
THAT ROCKS!!!gonna build one !Cant wait to see it.
I have enjoyed reading this thread for a long time now. Great ideas and variations! Indeed Smitty cool deal! I thought of this thread when I saw this pic and had to share it.what is the dirt bike lookiung thing behind ur sled
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bvoKZ0aO60g/T07vY9bwf-I/AAAAAAAAIrs/DQtaxTz-Zos/s480/buckeye%2520lake%25202.JPG)
I have enjoyed reading this thread for a long time now. Great ideas and variations! Indeed Smitty cool deal! I thought of this thread when I saw this pic and had to share it.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bvoKZ0aO60g/T07vY9bwf-I/AAAAAAAAIrs/DQtaxTz-Zos/s480/buckeye%2520lake%25202.JPG)
Gotta thank you again Smitty, the sled is awesome. Put 5.5 miles on it yesterday according to the GPS, all on foot. Had one small mishap crossing a 2' gap (ski tip got caught, but I build it with short skis so it's my fault, not the design), but after "fishing" out the items that went for a swim, I was on my way again. Honestly don't think I could have ever attempted that with a normal sled - for those of us without a four wheeler (yet! Please, please, please Santa if you're watching!!) these thing are a Godsend.Your very welcome, I'm glad you like it.
Ran across a neat setup the other day on my way out on the ice and thought you guys would like to see it.Nice sled, but I think it cost more than $15 to build.
(http://i43.tinypic.com/359deg0.jpg)
(http://i42.tinypic.com/10x4ltx.jpg)
Left over lawnmower handle, left over wood scraps, free skis, its possibleYa....I guess it would be possible, sorry my quick judgement.
Ya....I guess it would be possible, sorry my quick judgement.Actually, I have the skis, wood scraps, mower parts and PVC to build the exact same sled for zilch (just missing cushion for the cooler). Posted it as I thought some might like it and get some ideas. Sorry to encroach on your thread. Have a nice Summer. ::)
now if Smitty would post plans for a $15 home made flasher, I would be set.
Got mine done this winter.
Went with a hard top as I don't have a jet sled to top load.
(http://i857.photobucket.com/albums/ab132/perchmasterson/perch067.jpg)
(http://i857.photobucket.com/albums/ab132/perchmasterson/perch077.jpg)
all items came from my garage so no outlay of cash.
didn't have eyebolts so went with holes in hard top to hook bungies.
now if Smitty would post plans for a $15 home made flasher, I would be set.
Hey Iceballs,
Did you use your sled in deep snow? I was wondering if your platform was high enough,what are the risers 2x4s?Thanks,
FISHN NIK
Well I started My Smitty Sled. It's not finished but it's starting to take shape..
(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f341/ammoguy5/Ice%20Fishing/IceFishingSled001600x450.jpg)
(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f341/ammoguy5/Ice%20Fishing/IceFishingSled002600x450.jpg)
You guys are all doing awesome with these!! Keep building em' and keep making your life easier out on the ice.
I've only been on this forum a short time, but I have spent nearly every waking moment since joining studying this thread ;D
We are lucky here in Yellowknife to have a scavenging area at the dump where gently used lumber, conduit and mattresses are there for the taking. I'm making a trip this week, and I will be posting pics of my Smitty-Sled when complete!
Good luck and have fun building it. I am still trying to figure out the best way to transport the whole thing to the lakes across parking lots. I have a 2 wheel dolly that might work but then I have to haul it once at the lake. I tried wheels on the back of the sled and it would work but I need to have them removable once at the lake. They are removable but I don't like taking too much time doing things like that once I get to the lake. Hit the lake and I want to drill as soon as possible.
My version:this sled is AWESOME! wish i knew how to weld
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg44/mud_n_fun/Ice%20equipment/DSCF0021.jpg)
Ran across a neat setup the other day on my way out on the ice and thought you guys would like to see it.what are thise black and white things hanging of the back?
(http://i42.tinypic.com/10x4ltx.jpg)
what are thise black and white things hanging of the back?I took that shot last year at Pactola Reservoir in SD. I'm not sure what those are hanging off the back. The sled belonged to someone else and I happened to take the shot because I liked the mower handle and overall setup and wanted to share the idea here with others. Maybe someone else recognizes what it is?
what are thise black and white things hanging of the back?
in the close up of my rods anyone know where a guy can get some more of the rod second from the right i love that rod from ht and i cant find them anywhereRocky Mountain Discount in Gillette, WY has rods similar to that one. Unsure of the brand now, but I was there looking at rods the other day and recall seeing rods with the bend just after the reel seat.
in the close up of my rods anyone know where a guy can get some more of the rod second from the right i love that rod from ht and i cant find them anywhere
in the close up of my rods anyone know where a guy can get some more of the rod second from the right i love that rod from ht and i cant find them anywhere
I like the one were conduit fits under the lip of the tub. I was wondering how to make that where you can have it pivot buy pulling two pins and the tub lays on the ice. Then when your ready to go just lift and replace pins.
I like the one were conduit fits under the lip of the tub. I was wondering how to make that where you can have it pivot buy pulling two pins and the tub lays on the ice. Then when your ready to go just lift and replace pins.Oh sure, blab out the next one I am going to build. Plans are in the works for my Kodiak!
Oh sure, blab out the next one I am going to build. Plans are in the works for my Kodiak!
Oh sure, blab out the next one I am going to build. Plans are in the works for my Kodiak!LOL, sorry! Well hurry up so I can copy it!
Nice style, that is one custom smitty sled.
Broke my smitty sled today. First, I had it loaded in the back of my truck and as I was letting it down to the ground I dropped it and broke the cross members. Managed to make new ones but my bolt holes didn't line up. I got it reassembled and did go fishing. Then after getting home, I was taking it apart and the top of one of the risers broke off. That'll take a bit more work to get that fixed. Might have to start over with new risers and stronger cross members. Then I noticed the weld on one of the forks on my auger track broke. Didn't make for a very productive day.
here's our sled...built with nicjohnsrud who posted the mini smitty on the previous page...he did more working, i did more PBRing.
broke down
(http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p487/yesimshaking/DSC_5926-1.jpg)
assembled
(http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p487/yesimshaking/DSC_5939.jpg)
ths skis
(http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p487/yesimshaking/DSC_5937-1.jpg)
What is the best way to secure a nanook 2 man to a smitty sledBungee cords work great.
The sled has aluminum cross supports
I tried bungee cords -- ratchet straps i would rather not drill any holes in the tub
Thanks
Very nice looking set up. I see you don't mess around when it comes to lounging around. I have never see anyone with a lounge chair in their set up. Better to take a nap when things are slow huh?
Very nice!! For a $15 investment you are going to have many years of fun! :thumbsup: Great job!! :clap:
Picked up a set of X country skis from Goodwill today.......$8.99. Dragging my flat bottom sled is killing me. Some of the lakes I fish require a long walk to get to the fish. I did lengthen the rope and that did help a lot. But tomorrow I'll be building a Smitty sled......ditching the old flat bottom and I bought a heavy duty tool box with a hinged lid. Time to get organized and get fishing..........more to come.
ok here is the finished sled, had to move the front bar a little back.
have to undo 4 screws to take it apart
(http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/efka2000/IMG_0188.jpg)
(http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/efka2000/IMG_0190.jpg)
(http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/efka2000/IMG_0189.jpg)
why is it called smitty again?
Here is one I built this year. I love it!..It's a little heavy to load in the truck, but I can still do it by myself. I can also carry ALL my gear without stuff falling out, and it pulls like a breeze.
(http://www.fishingvermont.net/images/otherpics/sled/sled_side.JPG)
oh i saw the first post, i see it was created in 2009, but what made me ask this question is another post that i came along which goes to 2004
not trying to be smarta$$, but am i missing something?
1) Is there a reason why people cut an angle on the base?
2) How long do most people make there base?
Smitty was a genius. :tipup:
Smitty is a bonafide living legend.....on Ice Shanty anyway!!! lol
Is there a reason why people cut an angle on the base?
How long do most people make there base?
The angled base pieces are so it cuts through snow rather than pushes. Make your base to suit your needs. Make it so the width and length suit your needs. I went a couple inches narrower on width so it turns easier and the length suits the lodge style shanty I use.. Just run with it.
How do the angled bases cut thru the snow? The snow is flattened by the ski before it makes contact with the angled base.I think it is more of a JUST IN CASE deal with the angles. Or it could be for the young bucks that run across the ice to get to their spots. They don't want any wind dragging them down.
How do the angled bases cut thru the snow? The snow is flattened by the ski before it makes contact with the angled base.Not when you factor the Coriolis effect
Not when you factor the Coriolis effect
Au contraire ! :nono::thumbsup: :icefish:
The axis is linear. :roflmao:
Sweet build mjmeyer.Thanks, it was fun.
why is it called smitty again?
I almost made my SmittySled this year. I think I will have to for next year. This year I just put two small sleds side-by-side. Clip in front and bungee strap in back. I think I need to put slot & pin. All the gear just fits in the trunk of my car.
(http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn261/servocam/IMG_0480_zps22e4176c.jpg)
wouldn't it be easier to pull in tandem(one behind the other), should be way less drag.
Nice job Mjmeyer! What did you use for a drilling block? You have some great ideas that I will definitely be "borrowing" when I make mine!I took a chunk of 2x4 and inch and a half and measured the same distance from each edge. Used it to drill all of the holes so the cross members could be installed in any configuration. No need to mark front or back left or right. I'm abandoning the idea of the eyebolt through the cross member and replacing it with another carriage bolt. Strapping the sled tub down eliminates the need to secure the cross members. The eyebolt will go through the face of the uprights. It will slap together much quicker.
Yes, probably and that was the original plan. Didn't get around to doing that yet. It pulls easy as it is.
Yes, probably and that was the original plan. Didn't get around to doing that yet. It pulls easy as it is.
MJMeyer, My only suggestion would be to run your pull rope through the holes in your skis & attach the ends to your 2X uprights. That really helps to keep the tips up & out of the snow.Thanks, I'll try that!
MJMeyer, My only suggestion would be to run your pull rope through the holes in your skis & attach the ends to your 2X uprights. That really helps to keep the tips up & out of the snow.I ran the rope through the bottom of the ski and put the knot on the top side to get lift. I did not use any quick links. I also have a pretty good length off pull rope that is tied with knots that are easy to untie in case a need a rescue rope
ok guys im curious how the smitty sleds are working with any type of flipover style sled i have a kenai and when its fully loaded with any snow it can be a real bear to drag anyplace or is there a better suggestion that might help making pulling it easier?
ok guys im curious how the smitty sleds are working with any type of flipover style sled i have a kenai and when its fully loaded with any snow it can be a real bear to drag anyplace or is there a better suggestion that might help making pulling it easier?
Are you saying it is still hard to pull using a Smitty sled or just as it is? With a Smitty sled it should be a lot easier.
ok guys im curious how the smitty sleds are working with any type of flipover style sled i have a kenai and when its fully loaded with any snow it can be a real bear to drag anyplace or is there a better suggestion that might help making pulling it easier?
ok guys im curious how the smitty sleds are working with any type of flipover style sled i have a kenai and when its fully loaded with any snow it can be a real bear to drag anyplace or is there a better suggestion that might help making pulling it easier?FYI, Just came back from upper Wisconsin and there was quite a bit of snow on the ice. I have the frabil predator and with probably 150lbs of equipment in it. If I didn't have the smitty sled I probably wouldn't have made it out where I needed to be. I walked a heck of a ways and the sled pulled great. Now if you stop, it takes a little tug to get it going but it goes great. I may try waxing my skis too. I would say that may help.
FYI, Just came back from upper Wisconsin and there was quite a bit of snow on the ice. I have the frabil predator and with probably 150lbs of equipment in it. If I didn't have the smitty sled I probably wouldn't have made it out where I needed to be. I walked a heck of a ways and the sled pulled great. Now if you stop, it takes a little tug to get it going but it goes great. I may try waxing my skis too. I would say that may help.
So I just bought a Clam 5600 and I'm going to build one of these "smittysleds" but I was wondering if I some how built my sled so that after I set up the ice shelter I could put it on top of the sled and fish from it. ...................... ...................... ......... or would I need a sheet of plywood. Obviously o wouldn't want it to get too heavy that i have trouble pulling it. Maybe I'm over thinking this but I figure I've got all off season to perfect it.
Thanks to everyone who has posted pics and of course the creator of this thread. Finally made a "Smitty Sled". Well actually my father in-law made it for me. My first attempt was an epic failure which resulted in a pile of junk attached to some skis. I decided to pony up and go spend the $4 for a 2x6. I can not even describe how awesome this "Smitty" design is. I had a whole week off for spring break and intended on ice fishing the whole time. After 3 days of dragging my Nanook thru 10 inches of slush and wet snow I was rewarded on Friday with my completed sled. After a 10 minute walk (normally 20 min easy) I got to my new honey hole and had a limit of crappies in a little over an hour. I now look forward to dragging (opps I should say gliding) my new sled out.Well show it off!!!! PICTURES
Here is my sled before rounding the corners and painting it. Minimal weight, no fastners. The cross pieces are mortised into the uprights. They just pop right out.
Used it today.
(http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n617/ljc2tall/fish/IMG_0645_zps2a9f2cff.jpg)
Might even wax the skis for the first full season with my new sleigh. Super Easy design awesomeness. Can't wait for first ice. @)
Pictures here, Zero bolts.
Ok, I've put in some garage time and got a sled built............well, do you ever have it completely done? The first picture is my old fishing sled. The rods/reels aren't in there, but you get the picture. Throw everything in and hope for the best. This little sled would have me huffing and puffing across the ice I tell ya. And when its snowing or raining the thing would fill up with water.......everything would be wet.......and then freeze........well, you get the picture.I had similar setup. tried using it in deep snow. coming from parking area, had to go down slight hill.and then step down edge to ice. think tipped over. luckily, everything was locked in the box. my setup was top heavy. gonna widen the cross pieces and lower the center of gravity.
(http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/golffanman/Ice%20Sled/DSC00633_zpsece2dae2.jpg)
Now, thanks to Smitty, I have a sled beginning to take shape. I used 2x6's on the skis and 2x4's for cross braces. I'll use the Xcountry skis for now, but plan on finding downhill skis to replace them. I hope this rig isn't too heavy. I haven't really had a chance to get out since the warm up.
(http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/golffanman/Ice%20Sled/DSC00642_zps4b4ed07d.jpg)
(http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/golffanman/Ice%20Sled/DSC00640_zps6987e588.jpg)
The box I used is a Contico Xtreme toolbox. It has a hinged lid that I can sit on and will keep my stuff drier. Mounted my Nils on one side, buckets on the back and pole holders across the front. I'm working on a really nice way to store my rod/reels on the back side of the lid. I'll post that soon. We got some snow last night, so I'll take her out for a test drive today.
mjmeyer - the way you have the auger handle hanging so low, doesn't it drag in deep snow? wouldn't this be problematic?It DOES hang very low. I haven't hauled it through much snow. I wish it would mount horizontal rather than vertical. I'll need to look into it if we get much snow. It hangs naturally the way it's shown in the photo. If I find a solution, I'll post an update.
Nice job Musky8it. If you fill up all those pole holders you shouldn't have to tie a single jig on while on the ice!
Love all the ingenuity in the posts!
I made my sled from cut down 2x4's to save a little weight, and the real prize was a yard sale cooler, a 48 quart. It was surprisingly lighter than a tool box and that kept the center of gravity lower on the trip out. On the trip back it's usually full of lake trout so it has a lower center of gravity then. With little snow in southwest Wyoming, I can go with the 2x3's for the materials on the frame and not drag bottom. Another cheapy tip is to stop by the local house being built and get permission to dumpster dive. Contractors throw away a lot of scrap pieces that are gold to the sled builder.I like your tip on Dumpster Diving. Construction is far and few around here though.
wouldn't it be easier to pull in tandem(one behind the other), should be way less drag.need a bigger sled
Over 101,000 views!! Thanks for keeping the "smitty sled" going!Thanks goes to you Smitty.
Over 101,000 views!! Thanks for keeping the "smitty sled" going!yeah, but how many sleds built?
Sweet. Like the Carvings.
Carvings are awesome
Corndog.....you have taken it to the next level, the carvings look simply amazing, I am glad I could inspire you. Thanks for sharing your beautiful sled. Smitty
Don't cut them any shorter. The more surface area the more weight they can float in snow. That's why powder skis are so much wider than cross country skis.
Downhill.
I'm definitely building one this year, but I was wondering if anyone has ever tried putting the skis at a slight angle, so the metal edges of the skis have some bite into the ice or snow pack?I'd think you'd want them flat to distribute the weight,rather than biting in. Think about skiing, if you're on your inner edges you're trying to slow down. You want minimum resistance.
Got my smitty sled finished. 2x6 bases, 2x4 cross members, green treated. Skis $10, lumber $10, hardware $5.
Here is version 2.0 fully loaded with 120qt cooler, Shapell 6000, Jiffy 30 (1982!) and a folding camp chair. Four foot extra strong bungee cords to hold everything down. Ready for the ice!!! Soon!!!!
What are people using to cut the notch out of the base? I used a jig saw and made a mess of it. Got it to work some what.drill two pilot holes in the crotch of the notch out if your going to use a jig saw, rather than trying to round the cut
I tell myself this is the test smity sled and the next one will be better.
What are people using to cut the notch out of the base? I used a jig saw and made a mess of it. Got it to work some what.clamp all bases together. mark where you want the notch - just draw a line across the top of the bases. preset your table saw or circular saw to the depth that you want. make several passes to cut the notch. each pass can be like 1/8" from the last one so that you have a series thin pieces standing. knock out these standing pieces. your cross piece will fit in the notches. it's like cutting 1 and getting 4.
I tell myself this is the test smity sled and the next one will be better.
clamp all bases together. mark where you want the notch - just draw a line across the top of the bases. preset your table saw or circular saw to the depth that you want. make several passes to cut the notch. each pass can be like 1/8" from the last one so that you have a series thin pieces standing. knock out these standing pieces. your cross piece will fit in the notches. it's like cutting 1 and getting 4.Nearly exactly what I did . My clamps only allowed me to cut two at a time, but I got two for one. Exactly the same size.
hi all, new here and just started my build. i'm at the stage where i have to mount the skis/legs to the undercarriage of the sled and was wondering how far back on the skis should the sled be attached? should the back of the sled be in line with the back of the skis? should i leave a few inches of rear ski over-hang? should i put the sled dead center of the skis? any help would be appreciated! :)
I still am trying to figure out a quick wheel setup. Just for going across parking lots. Right now I have large bolts but I use my drill to put them on and take them off.
I was thinking maybe some larger wider lawnmower type wheels mounted on my Smitty's crossboards - so that it becomes a Smitty Kart when flipped over. Roll it down to the ice then detach sled/gear and flip then reattach ski side down. Permanently installing 6 or 8 inch wheels wouldn't be too hard. My crossboards extend a foot out so that I can lash the auger or pop-up.
Wow the smitty sked is a awsome idea.. the people using jet sleds on top are you screwing the sled to the 2x6's or just setting it up there and bungieing it down ??Iam definitely makinone. of these this weekend.the sled is not attached to the skis. it is bungeed or tied to them. I use nylon cinch straps with hooks. that way, the skis can be broken down for storage
I was thinking maybe some larger wider lawnmower type wheels mounted on my Smitty's crossboards - so that it becomes a Smitty Kart when flipped over. Roll it down to the ice then detach sled/gear and flip then reattach ski side down. Permanently installing 6 or 8 inch wheels wouldn't be too hard. My crossboards extend a foot out so that I can lash the auger or pop-up.post a pix if you do this.
I was thinking maybe some larger wider lawnmower type wheels mounted on my Smitty's crossboards - so that it becomes a Smitty Kart when flipped over. Roll it down to the ice then detach sled/gear and flip then reattach ski side down. Permanently installing 6 or 8 inch wheels wouldn't be too hard. My crossboards extend a foot out so that I can lash the auger or pop-up.I'm lucky my boys are done with their training wheels. I'm making a mod on my sled to slip an axle through so I can wheel across the asphalt. I'm trying to keep those $5 skis as good as the day I got them at the rummage sale!
1010 pounds? Wow. And I thought I had too much I've never weighed it, but it's nowhere close to that.I thought what? I went back and modified that post. It is 110. I guess I had an extra 0 in there.
Smitty I made a sled last year and just used it for the first time today. OH my Goosh I hardly knew I was pulling all my gear with the skis. I had to have my wife try it out and she was amazed. I have an Eskimo Z51 auger,2 Chairs with extra cushions,A fold out table, 2 3 Foot Scoops,Marcum troller and bag setup,Another bag with Tip downs,a large bag that has 6 rod/reel combos,It also has 4 double sided Lure/Jig boxes and some small boxes from Custom Jigs and spins,2 Pliers,2 other tins with Fastach and clips,A large Old Pal Tackle box,A bucket with 4 rod holders bait and Extra blades for the auger. Then I had my Shappell Wide House 6500 strapped on the side. I would say over 110 pounds easy. Pulled like a dream.
Pics or it never happened!Next trip out. I can't take pictures of what's in the back of my Explorer. Well I can it just wont show you everything. I never did like show and tell. I just liked the tell part.
I've looked and did not see this question posted, although I may have missed it in the 44 pages. Has anyone started with one style of ski and gone to another (downhill/cross country) ??? I was also curious if anyone had issues with the steel edges on downhill skis cutting or catching on anything ??? Getting ready to build a sled and do not want builder's remorse.Just used mine for the first time the other day. The only problem I had was turning too sharp.
Great designs so far fellas :)
I pre-drilled mine, and used galvanized decking screws. I counter sunk them and filled the hole with epoxy leveled off wit a straight edge. Slick as snot.
Corndog, I want to see pictures. Did you use my wheel set up??? ;)
Took it out today for the first time, worked like a charm! I could really tell once I had to pull it up the hill to the truck on how much weights I really had. Fits in the back of my jeep with no problem too!
Cheers!
....
is there any right or wrong place to mount the risers on the ski's.
My questions are?
1 being that I will be placing a full clam flip over style shelter on top
--Should I , use wood rails , or pipe/PVC ?
2 is there any benifit from having the rails set up high?
3 should I position most of my weight to the rear, to help keep the skis riding on top of the snow?
Thanks for any help
So here is my question.
I either need 1 sled that is 44" wide by 60" long or two sleds 24" wide by 60" long.
Am I better off with one big sled and about 250 pounds of gear or two narrower ones with the weight split up?
I would thing that the two sleds pulled in tandem (like a train) would be easier to handle, and when I fish with 2 or more people we can split the load up (which means I am only pulling 125 pounds).
Thoughts on this? also has anyone had issues with making one almost 4 feet wide?
So here is my question.
I either need 1 sled that is 44" wide by 60" long or two sleds 24" wide by 60" long.
Am I better off with one big sled and about 250 pounds of gear or two narrower ones with the weight split up?
I would thing that the two sleds pulled in tandem (like a train) would be easier to handle, and when I fish with 2 or more people we can split the load up (which means I am only pulling 125 pounds).
Thoughts on this? also has anyone had issues with making one almost 4 feet wide?
That puts me at 210 pounds of equipment, it really doesnt take long to add up.
Going to have to think this one over a bit.
The hardest part was getting the hardware off the skis. What a great idea! Thanks Smitty.
Just built my "Smitty" tonight after purchasing some new gear.
Pulled it around out in the snow for a bit and it worked like a dream.
Thanks for all of your post and inspiration!
Few pictures of the project.
(http://f.cl.ly/items/0x2P1x0N0f451D3N0E1a/image.jpg)
Well I'll be Damned!!! A propane propulsion system on a smitty sled! Must be a first! :P
Well I'll be Damned!!! A propane propulsion system on a smitty sled! Must be a first! :P
Well I'll be Damned!!! A propane propulsion system on a smitty sled! Must be a first! :P:roflmao: Zero to 60 in 5 seconds!
Ok, I built my sled a couple weeks ago. Used 2x6s, 3/8x4" carriage bolts (just fit snuggly into the wood no washers/nuts securing them), downhill skis acquired from Craigslist, 16' rope, bungie cords, eye bolts and PVC to make a rack. Got the idea for the rack from page 4 of this thread where a user with the same shanty as me, Clam 5600. Fits snuggly over the shanty and is secured with bungie cords. Used it last week in Northern Illinois on the Chain O Lakes. There was 4" of snow on the ground when we got there and mother nature added 4" more and the sled road on top the whole way, pulled like a dream. Now if it can only help me catch fish!
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o136/diddly4/Fishing%202014/c0385cff-fecd-488c-a055-26655c81ca63.jpg)
Sled broke down into parts for transport
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o136/diddly4/Fishing%202014/f564e2cb-d419-4ee1-99e1-b0539d067a96.jpg)
Sled put together
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o136/diddly4/Fishing%202014/420c1d09-09bf-49d9-acdd-5c5a00475326.jpg)
Shanty (Clam 5600) on top
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o136/diddly4/Fishing%202014/7c4a2e4b-cd65-4147-88bc-cdaeaa3d076e.jpg)
PVC pipe storage added
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o136/diddly4/Fishing%202014/1cc80a22-c5cd-4607-8b52-89a264df2ff3.jpg)
All loaded up and a friend to pull it!
I would agree. Narrower skis = less resistance which makes easier pulling
The wider the surface, the harder the pull. Years a go I used water skis, pulled much harder than downhill or cross country skis.
Anyone mount skis directly to their sled?
I am sure you could. I would consider using something on the inside of the sled to screw to. Like either fabricate a plywood bottom in the bottom of your sled or just some 2-3" strips. That way you will have some added support so that the skis won't rip off the bottom. Maybe also adding some water proof construction adhesive between the skis and tub as well.
Just my thoughts...
Yeah I was thinking about putting a couple of 3/4 by 2 inch pieces of wood along the inside and screw that to the skis. Or maybe a piece of ply on the bottom of the sled. I'm just looking to protect the bottom of my sled, and those hyfax kits are too expensive and I have some skis I could use.
Anyone mount skis directly to their sled? I just realized I wore a hole through the bottom of my jet sled after running it on some pavement after a hike to a lake. I like the idea of the smitty sled, but dont like the idea of the extra bulk of risers/cross membersI talked to a guy yesterday on the ice with skis mounted directly to the bottom of his old one man flip shanty. only had about a 3" gap in front down to a 1" gap at the back, where the seat is. He screwed it thru to a piece of wood on the inside part of sled and used caulk under the wood before he tightened up the screws. said he had no problems with water leaking thru. he says it slides good. couldn't afford a new one so he did that instead.
Just built my "Smitty" tonight after purchasing some new gear.
Pulled it around out in the snow for a bit and it worked like a dream.
Thanks for all of your post and inspiration!
Few pictures of the project.
(http://f.cl.ly/items/0t2q3G0c2D1A1m0x0q0I/Screen%20Shot%202014-01-03%20at%203.18.29%20PM.png)
(http://f.cl.ly/items/0x2P1x0N0f451D3N0E1a/image.jpg)
http://www.geteskimo.com/Foundations/Store/shopdetail.asp?params=15575 (http://www.geteskimo.com/Foundations/Store/shopdetail.asp?params=15575)Bet it isn't no 15 bucks! LOL Looks heavy duty. I am surprised none of the shack makers hasn't came out wit a pop out skis. Shappel had something close, but it wasn't verygood for heavy weight.
Eskimo now has a Smitty Sled!
Found the Eskimo "smitty sled" - $700!!! Yeah just a tad over $15. I only have $4.22 invested in mine so far and it hauls over 300 lbs of stuff. Of course it doesn't have a lowering feature, but i dont want to fish off it so its all good.Yeah, it's a bit overengineered and overpriced, but I was surprised at a commercial offering. And only 5 years behind Smitty! I'm VERY happy with mine! I may have $30 in mine with the additions to hold my auger one one side and my tent on the other. Thanks again Smitty!
So a dumb question that has probably been answered a few times but...I want to build one for my otter sled how are you attaching it to the smitty? Is it held in place just by the bungees and weight?eye bolts on the uprights and use bungees or ratchet strap
So a dumb question that has probably been answered a few times but...I want to build one for my otter sled how are you attaching it to the smitty? Is it held in place just by the bungees and weight?
http://www.geteskimo.com/Foundations/Store/shopdetail.asp?params=15575 (http://www.geteskimo.com/Foundations/Store/shopdetail.asp?params=15575)Wow the sled itself is 144lbs. Common where is the aluminium frame.
Eskimo now has a Smitty Sled!
Used my new sled today. AWESOME ! That thing worked just like everyone said it would. Totally happy with it.
this one is a snowblower cover mounted on a chair mounted on wood mounted on 1/2 of 55 gall plastic drum .oyea a can for a cuppie holder(http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w549/thomps3/IMG00531_zpsc476c1ec.jpg)That is awesome!
Wow went fishing with my boy last night, Got there and set up no problem. Now coming off the ice it snowed and there was probably only 4 inchs new. My sled pulled like heck. Don't know if is because skis need waxed or what. Maybe I need to shed some stuff. (NEVER) ::)possible ice build up under the ski
my sled was only 5 bucks for the walker free skies most the other stuff laying around
this one is a snowblower cover mounted on a chair mounted on wood mounted on 1/2 of 55 gall plastic drum .oyea a can for a cuppie holder
Smitty your a genius. Just tried out my Smitty sled for the first time today, wow, night and day difference. So easy to pull now. Thanks for the great idea :)
my sled was only 5 bucks for the walker free skies most the other stuff laying around(http://i1329.photobucket.com/albums/w549/thomps3/IMG_7609_zps5961165b.jpg)Just wondering how it pulls threw the deep snow with the tip of the ski's toed in like that? I know from sking that when you toe in the tip's it slows you down.
Just wondering how it pulls threw the deep snow with the tip of the ski's toed in like that? I know from sking that when you toe in the tip's it slows you down.
Just wondering how it pulls threw the deep snow with the tip of the ski's toed in like that? I know from sking that when you toe in the tip's it slows you down.pulls like a dream
when you pay your bills and have little left you better use your noggin! hope this helps others out that's all
thanks hope to see ya on the ice some day soon c-dog! the thing I like is thatSo true about the feet...
your up of the ice on ply wood if you notice I been making most my huts like that.your feets gonna love it
5th year anniversary of this jewel of a sled today.
Congratulations and thanks Smitty. :thumbsup: :clap:
First time out with mine on Saturday. Some of the guys out there took pictures. Some asked "what's that contraption?".. But all of them were impressed.
Thanks again Smitty and all the others that inspired me to build my" contraption ". It work flawlessly.
(http://i817.photobucket.com/albums/zz93/EnFuegoUno/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140125_135618_829_zpsbc9353f5.jpg) (http://s817.photobucket.com/user/EnFuegoUno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140125_135618_829_zpsbc9353f5.jpg.html)
(http://i817.photobucket.com/albums/zz93/EnFuegoUno/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140125_135630_810_zps3921ed3e.jpg) (http://s817.photobucket.com/user/EnFuegoUno/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140125_135630_810_zps3921ed3e.jpg.html)
Here are a few pics of the completed drop down smitty sled. I do have to move my skis about 3" back so it will fit in my truck. Minor detail, won't affect the build or performance at all.
Wow this is very nice great craftsmanship and ingenuity well built
(http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n617/ljc2tall/photobucket-10661-1390431765080_zps993a0fd5.jpg) (http://s1142.photobucket.com/user/ljc2tall/media/photobucket-10661-1390431765080_zps993a0fd5.jpg.html)
(http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n617/ljc2tall/photobucket-55653-1390431824836_zpse0726746.jpg) (http://s1142.photobucket.com/user/ljc2tall/media/photobucket-55653-1390431824836_zpse0726746.jpg.html)
(http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n617/ljc2tall/photobucket-7931-1390431914975_zps0f772a79.jpg) (http://s1142.photobucket.com/user/ljc2tall/media/photobucket-7931-1390431914975_zps0f772a79.jpg.html)
(http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n617/ljc2tall/IMG_1295_zpsdb3470ef.jpg) (http://s1142.photobucket.com/user/ljc2tall/media/IMG_1295_zpsdb3470ef.jpg.html)
(http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n617/ljc2tall/IMG_1296_zpsef4bfedd.jpg) (http://s1142.photobucket.com/user/ljc2tall/media/IMG_1296_zpsef4bfedd.jpg.html)
You can see how I put a brace on the outside of the leg stop. This keeps lateral movement to a minimum.
Now if the weather would warm just a little I will get it out on the lake.
I love it!! I'm glad questions were asked......Smitty
Thank Smitty for inspiring all of us.
As you all know we cannot stop tinkering with what we have built. I took my drop down smitty out on Oneida Lake yesterday. It work very well, but when raising it up loaded on the snow it would slip alittle. So today I added a feature that will help with that. I put a spring attach to the pivot points. Now the spring assists in lifting the tub up.
Thank Smitty for inspiring all of us.
As you all know we cannot stop tinkering with what we have built. I took my drop down smitty out on Oneida Lake yesterday. It work very well, but when raising it up loaded on the snow it would slip alittle. So today I added a feature that will help with that. I put a spring attach to the pivot points. Now the spring assists in lifting the tub up.
(http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n617/ljc2tall/IMG_1304_zps299c9d91.jpg) (http://s1142.photobucket.com/user/ljc2tall/media/IMG_1304_zps299c9d91.jpg.html)
(http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n617/ljc2tall/IMG_1305_zpsd49b3a55.jpg) (http://s1142.photobucket.com/user/ljc2tall/media/IMG_1305_zpsd49b3a55.jpg.html)
Thank Smitty for inspiring all of us.
As you all know we cannot stop tinkering with what we have built. I took my drop down smitty out on Oneida Lake yesterday. It work very well, but when raising it up loaded on the snow it would slip alittle. So today I added a feature that will help with that. I put a spring attach to the pivot points. Now the spring assists in lifting the tub up.
You guys are all welcome!! Smitty
Yea thanks smitty, if I ever get back out that way I'll buy you a Manny's pizza. Mine cost $3.00 (for the tele skis, had everything else laying around).
How long is everyone's rope? (I know a bit personal).I bought a 25 foot rope. Pulls much better than the short rope (scrap) I originality had. I went with a fairly large diameter soft nylon braid. I stays supple and warm in the cold. 1/2 inch or 3/8 I cannot remember. I used to hook it over my neck and under each arm like a harness, but then I watched someone else pull it and he put the rope over one shoulder and under the other arm. Much more comfortable!
I've decided the track on my Smitty is too wide. Out on 10" of soft powder today, started out -3F, pulled the sled 1 mile each way to where we were fishing. I figured I would give it a day so we could walk in snowmobile tracks, and there were tracks but my Smitty is too wide. Going to modify by bringing the skis closer together so they fit in a snowmobile track.
For you guys that build them to take apart, prolly would be smart to have a wide track/narrow track option. They are OK over a little snow but with deep powder it is still a real haul. Need to take advantage of those snowmobile tracks.
Top knotch nessman, thanks for sharing your experience. Smitty
Here is mine homemade sled/shelter:Very nice.
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p170/wilsbr5/Mobile%20Uploads/f9e5aff7-fd03-44bf-8cd9-7c1f08efd4ce_zps7294001a.jpg) (http://s128.photobucket.com/user/wilsbr5/media/Mobile%20Uploads/f9e5aff7-fd03-44bf-8cd9-7c1f08efd4ce_zps7294001a.jpg.html)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p170/wilsbr5/Mobile%20Uploads/375164c6-c4cd-4ccf-a251-506e01c0c858_zpse17234ff.jpg) (http://s128.photobucket.com/user/wilsbr5/media/Mobile%20Uploads/375164c6-c4cd-4ccf-a251-506e01c0c858_zpse17234ff.jpg.html)
Pulls real easy. orig had leftover pieces of paneling for the skis. They worked but broke quick. Buddy gave me old downhill skis, and they work amazing. I see people struggling with big sleds that a lot of people use. This glides nice and easy the skis are key.Creek freak.. Sent you a private message(PM)... Awesome shanty/sled
Lefty how does that pull on the ice, that is just an awesome combo.Wrong name.
wax the skis
silly question, but it just popped in my head... anyone try water skis skinned with uhmw plastic?I tried it out on cross country ski, Smitty Sled. 3/4" X 3/4" from curve bottom to back of ski, 5' long. Cut an angle in front to ease the entry.
here's our sled...built with nicjohnsrud who posted the mini smitty on the previous page...he did more working, i did more PBRing.
broke down
(http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p487/yesimshaking/DSC_5926-1.jpg)
assembled
(http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p487/yesimshaking/DSC_5939.jpg)
ths skis
(http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p487/yesimshaking/DSC_5937-1.jpg)
They most likely came that way,I worked at a ski resort for 21 years and have seen a lot of them miller,bud,Coors and also crown royal,jagermister,Jim beam,jack they all use them as promos for there products,
BUT, his bucket is likewise adorned.
Built my smitty sled and used it on the river. what a difference. Only thing wrong was my measurement of the clam flip over I put on it. I measured the top not realizing that the bottom was smaller, now my cross pieces are too far apart and the tub falls down between. I have some 1/4in plywood that I will put on the cross pieces to make the top flat, and ratchet strap everything to that. I like the idea of leaving the flipover on the sled while fishing going to try that next trip. I'm also going to add a crosspiece of plywood to the front of the ski's and put my 10lb propane tank there instead of in the shanty. Thanks everybody for the tips and pics of your builds, and again smitty, I'm buying if you get up to Saginaw Bay in Michigan.Didn't put the plywood on the sled, instead moved the rear riser 5in towards the front, the clam is still falling in between can't seem to keep it on the cross pieces. Used it yesterday, left the clam on the sled, and from my fat a$$ moving around inside, the clam slid in between the cross pieces with me in it. what a surprise that was. Not going to fish again with the clam on the sled, too much gap under the front letting wind in and freezing the holes and me. I have thoughts of getting some stick on non skid from the rv store that you put on the rv's steps on the cross pieces maybe it will stop the clam from sliding. I do use ratchet straps but it still slides............late r
Hi Al. Sounds like the problem I had with mine. Check the bottom of your shelter. If it has molded in runners, and if your cross bars are too far apart, Your only making contact with the impressed runners over a tiny area. In the case of my flip-over I also had the uprights too far apart. I narrowed the sled to 27in wide, then added two front to back 3/4" wooden slats spaced to match the inside width of the tunnel created by the molded in runners. This greatly increased the contact area with the bottom of the tub, and it prevents any side to side motion. The slats are held in place by 10 penny nails which are used as removable pins through predrilled holes, and are thus easy to remove for transport. Problem solved; shelter stays put going up, down or flat. :)never got back out last winter, but like your idea, I bought another flip over at a rummage sale this summer that's a lot bigger than the clam pro that I'm using now. haven't put it on the smitty yet. Material on new shanty is full of mouse holes and needs a new cover, it's august already, I better get busy. Later
I got a set of kids skis last year and haven't built anything for them yet. I'm thinking of a box for those days when I don't need to haul out the shanty. Would like something with easy access to rods without having to use a rod bag or a case. Then have room for tackle bag, showdown, scoop, bait, etc. In my mind I'm thinking two side compartments for 4 rods with doors that hinge down and storage space in between. I'm not great at working with wood though. Also a bracket to hold a bucket on the front for carrying all the fish I plan on catching.Looks really nice. Something I couldn't build as I am not a carpenter. I can cut risers for my ski's and that is about it.
This is what I have in mind.
(http://www.frontiernet.net/~jaycub/IceBox.jpg)
I can't cut a board straight with a circular saw. I know someone who can but he would probably charge me a bunch.
I can't cut a board straight with a circular saw. I know someone who can but he would probably charge me a bunch.
This is a box that my grandfather build close to 40 years ago.
Awesome! How do you like the Frabill Frontier?
Found it one sale for $89 at a local sporting goods store last year, so for the price I'm very happy with it.
Wider skies are better they help to keep the sled on top of the snow
I'm assembling materials for a "Smitty Sled" and I'm going to our local high schools ski swap soon to get some beater skis to use. My question is do you guys that have built them like the wider downhill skis or the narrower cross county style better. I like that the cross country skis don't have sharp metal edges to slice me or my car up but I can see the wide alpine skis floating better?
some pics of mine
Can someone give me the measurements of the braces that screw to the skis?? Thanks
Can someone give me the measurements of the braces that screw to the skis?? Thanks
Here is the picture of mine. Looks like most of the rest.
Nice. Didn't mean to rush on a picture,was just joking really.
Getting ready to build one of these gems. Got a question? I see a lot of you hanging the bag type shelter on the side of your sled. Doesn't this cause one ski to dig deeper than the other because the weight being directly over that ski? Does it track funny that way? I am thinking of putting my bag across the back sideways on the skis but this could be another problem if entering though a gate or poles near a parking area. Be putting up pics soon as I get started.....Wife sayin sumtin bout Christmas lights :-\. Suppose I better get it done its almost 50 out and we all know "a happy wife is a happy life".. ::) Or I could go get in my tree stand....lol.As mentioned, just load it on the middle, lengthwise, parallel to the skis. But I'm sure you will have other equipment.
I don't have a power auger to use as a counter weight on the other side of the sled. I see a few guys built that way but was just not to sure how it would pull with the" hut in a bag " on one side and nothing on the other. still looking into different ways to load stuff so we'll see what happens.Drinks,food tackle on the other side. Those tents are not very heavy. Mine is the Shappell Wide House 6500 28 LBs. The tent stakes go into a setup bag I have.
Hello all
New guy here and wanted to share my new Smitty I built this fall
Hope you like.
I was making a smitty sled and was wondering what everyone used to cut out the piece of would in the top of the 2x8 for the 2x4? Thanks for any help.
i have the shappell 4000 and it has the ski's on it but when you pull it with a machine the skis get mangled. I am looking to build something to put it on to tow it with a machine.
just got my skis,5 bucks from the goodwill,no hurry to start too warm >:(I am looking forward to the pics when you get her built..........Smitty.
Well after dragging my 5600 clam and gear across the lake without a sled I found that I'm to fat and out of shape to do this again. So out Christmas shopping I stop at the goodwill and found some skis for $9.99. now its time to start the build. I've read all 57 pages to get some good ideas hope I can come up with some thing that works for me and my 5600 clam. I will post pics when I'm done :icefish:
Here's my smitty I built this year.
Here's my smitty I built this year. All tig welded aluminum. (http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb447/muskratbay1/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-11/4837061E-9515-4594-9FF4-15996B8989BD.jpg) (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/muskratbay1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-11/4837061E-9515-4594-9FF4-15996B8989BD.jpg.html)
Couple shots of two of ours.
(http://imageshack.com/a/img537/6592/Lrk8MC.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img540/202/FJc80J.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img661/5141/1BMGlM.jpg)
my 3rd sled but my 1st Smitty! The others were basically coffins (box on skis and felt all the weight) This one pulls like a dream, Thx Smitty!!
(the sled is a little far back on the mounts, didn't notice at the time, didn't move at all, might have been because of the grip tape on the cross members.)
(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e244/johnnyohmy/IMG_4864_zps1a2a50ba.jpg) (http://s40.photobucket.com/user/johnnyohmy/media/IMG_4864_zps1a2a50ba.jpg.html)
(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e244/johnnyohmy/IMG_4865_zps768c57fe.jpg) (http://s40.photobucket.com/user/johnnyohmy/media/IMG_4865_zps768c57fe.jpg.html)
(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e244/johnnyohmy/IMG_4866_zps92c4300e.jpg) (http://s40.photobucket.com/user/johnnyohmy/media/IMG_4866_zps92c4300e.jpg.html)
I'm going to attempt building my smitty today. I think im going to use one of those deer drag harnesses as my pull rope. My question is, where do I put my Jiffy? I have a couple hooks that I would like to put onto the sled, but i dont want to make it unbalanced. I didnt see many mounts, just wondering if you guys just put it in/on the sled? I was thinking about making a mount on the back where it would lay perpendicular to the skis...anyone see any cons to this? Thanks!!
I'm going to attempt building my smitty today. I think im going to use one of those deer drag harnesses as my pull rope. My question is, where do I put my Jiffy? I have a couple hooks that I would like to put onto the sled, but i dont want to make it unbalanced. I didnt see many mounts, just wondering if you guys just put it in/on the sled? I was thinking about making a mount on the back where it would lay perpendicular to the skis...anyone see any cons to this? Thanks!!
You guys see this yet!
http://smittysledpro1-2.kickoffpages.com/?kid=55C0J
I wonder who's trying to get rich off of smitty's idea? Not cool.
MMMMMMM.......you may be right.
Smitty?
You guys see this yet!
http://smittysledpro1-2.kickoffpages.com/?kid=55C0J
You guys see this yet!SmittySled pro guy is from Canada and Smitty0312 is from Fulton,IL
http://smittysledpro1-2.kickoffpages.com/?kid=55C0J
Went to the web site and none of the links work. Contact,Shop,About,Gallery and Press.
I just sent the guy an email. I told him that Smitty and myself were not happy with him taking our ideas for profit.
Well.......somebody using my name to make $.........doesn't impress me...... this thread is for somebody on a budget and who has a car to get their gear into, go to page 1 and see........let's stay on track boys......Thanks Smitty
Well.......somebody using my name to make $.........doesn't impress me...... this thread is for somebody on a budget and who has a car to get their gear into, go to page 1 and see........let's stay on track boys......Thanks SmittyYep - using the name is not so great. The guy/company is taking advantage of the name (as it was popularized, here on IS, and other fishing forums. The design, I'd say is available as far as patents go. The idea will never die - it will always be available to individuals that want to build a "Smitty Sled". i'd go after this dude for using the name.
Smitty you have created something that a lot of guys and gals and their backs thank you for, you didn't do it for profit and shared it out of kindness and let me speak for all of us who have made one of your fantastic sleds, "Thank you for your free design and much respect to you!" Hope the fish gods smile on you!
I checked this guy's site out and did not see a price. you think the price w/b about $100?
If aluminum it costs him more than that.
That will be the problem with him selling it. It will have to be $300-$500 to make money, plus large item is expensive to ship. Idea is going nowhere
Don't forget its less than 10 days away from the Smitty Sled birthday ....Jan 25, 2009, 01:09 PM ...(first post) so lets parade them sleds for all to see and be encouraged ....Serving Ice Anglers since 2009I like the idea!! Let's start posting pics at 1:09pm on the 25th......Who's with me? I'm going to take a new pic of the original "Smitty" when I'm out this weekend.........LETS DO THIS!!
Thanx Smitty
I like the idea!! Let's start posting pics at 1:09pm on the 25th......Who's with me? I'm going to take a new pic of the original "Smitty" when I'm out this weekend.........LETS DO THIS!!Put it on the Main board and I'll pin it to the top.
When Ben Franklin invented the wood stove, he did not patent it because he wanted all of mankind to benefit from his invention. Smitty is our Ben Franklin of icefishing.Right on.
(http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e359/Muffateer/ben_franklin.jpg) (http://media.photobucket.com/user/Muffateer/media/ben_franklin.jpg.html)
Nice job scratcher......I really like that alot.......Thanks for sharing it with us. Smitty
Thank you Johnny.......still torks me off a little to put Smitty on it.......will see how this works out.......like you said......it's over $100 bucks.......build one for $15-$20.......keep building em boys and keep posting your pics....thanks Smitty
Hi all. Getdanet1 here. I haven't been active on this board in a long time. I have been thinking of making a sled to make things easier for the old fella to tug along on the ice. I've been reading over the pages and finding some very interesting ideas. Hope to have something put together soon to get my insulated Clam Scout up and not plowing snow. I recognized Smitty's name and Husker and Jay Bird. Sorry JBird I don't remember your real name. Hope to get by here more often and get a shot up of whatever I put together for a sled. I'll see you ICE HOLES later. GDN1
;D
Hi all. Getdanet1 here. I haven't been active on this board in a long time. I have been thinking of making a sled to make things easier for the old fella to tug along on the ice. I've been reading over the pages and finding some very interesting ideas. Hope to have something put together soon to get my insulated Clam Scout up and not plowing snow. I recognized Smitty's name and Husker and Jay Bird. Sorry JBird I don't remember your real name. Hope to get by here more often and get a shot up of whatever I put together for a sled. I'll see you ICE HOLES later. GDN1
;D
It's a work in progress. Also I am not a carpenter nor do I have any woodworking skills... but this is kind of a prototype anyway.
Finally joined the Smitty army!
2x10's and 2x4's are just stained next time going red white and blue themed. Thanks Smitty for the design and thanks hardwater diehard for telling me to make one to haul my thermal trekker dlx around!
Well done Lavman........you will fall in love with it........your back will appreciate too!!
Well fellas- I was close - I've had skis directly attached to the bottom of my Fish Trap Guide for years now!!! After seeing this thread they are now off and the smitty sled will evolve. I have a quick question-I noe have 4- 3/8" holes in the bottom of the shanty. Can anyone on here suggest a way I can plug them so that if I am in wet conditions it won't leak water into the sled? Any help or suggestions would be great! I will try to post before and after pics once the smitty is done.
Thanks,
Duane
Well fellas- I was close - I've had skis directly attached to the bottom of my Fish Trap Guide for years now!!! After seeing this thread they are now off and the smitty sled will evolve. I have a quick question-I noe have 4- 3/8" holes in the bottom of the shanty. Can anyone on here suggest a way I can plug them so that if I am in wet conditions it won't leak water into the sled? Any help or suggestions would be great! I will try to post before and after pics once the smitty is done.
Thanks,
Duane
You should leave those skis on your shanty...
For days you don't need the Smitty...
Get another set for your build... Goodwill Store $5
<*)))>{
Good idea-thanks Ice Scratcher - I really never thought of that, I think that is exactly what I'll do then I don't have to worry about plugging the holes!
Thanks again,
Duane
Do I need to have a seperate rope attached to the ski tips. Or can I just pull my fishtrap rope?
DANMAN.... You will find The Smitty Sled is much easier to pull with a much longer
rope then the one on your fishtrap.
Bob
That long rope also allows you to control the Smitty and its load from the back if you need to go down hill with it. Sure beats bruised legs for a run away Smitty.I always have to throw the rope over to the back of the sled and guide it down hills. One day I thought what the heck and just let her go. Boy did it go. About 25 yards out.
Do I need to have a seperate rope attached to the ski tips. Or can I just pull my fishtrap rope?
My first attempt at the Great smitty sled design. I milled the 2x4s and 2x8s so they key together along with 4" carraige bolts for added stability. So sturdy that I think it could handle over 500 lbs on it without any problem. Thanks for the idea smitty! The walk to and from my fishing spots(usually 1mile+) are much more enjoyable now!Nice Smitty Sled!
Do I need to have a seperate rope attached to the ski tips. Or can I just pull my fishtrap rope?I drilled a hole in the tips of the ski's ran the rope through the holes and tied the rope to an eye screw I put on the front of the risers so I'm pulling on the sled base and not the ski's. the longer the rope the better.
One of my Smitty's gets pulled behind a snowmobile all winter long over ridges and drifts of the likes most people have never seen and it holds up just fine with the caveat being that mine does not "break down" as the risers and cross members are screwed together. I made a tow bar with chain ran through sch40 PVC pipe that run from eyebolts on the tips of the skis and even at -40 I haven't had any issues. The pipe prevents the sled from slamming into the Otter sled it gets towed behind (tandem).How much do you haul on it?
Well a hardy thanks to all you guys keeping this thread going all these years. I just read the current 64 pages and have some great ideas for building my Smitty sled. Keep posting your pic's of your improvements. Its awesome to share ways of making our sport easier to enjoy. ;D I will add my creations pics as soon as I get it finished.......:-)
Great Idea! I guess I know what I'm doing on my next day off. ;DIf you have any questions while you are building yours, I will be here to help.......hope it goes well for you.........post a pic when you get her built.
Congrats on the woodies. Beautiful drake. I'd get it mounted
(http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/bradyt7/006_zps6qgqkamz.jpg) (http://s628.photobucket.com/user/bradyt7/media/006_zps6qgqkamz.jpg.html)That Smitty looks amazing........your back will thank you........great job!!
Lets try this again. You rock Smitty! Thanks for the idea. Never underestimate the mind of an ice fisherman.
Hey smitty-You're beginning to get a cult following. Great engineering from the fellow icehead. Knocked one out in an afternoon for my one-man tub-style pop-up shack. Looks like it's gonna work awesome.Lookin good there dblhaul.....love it!!
(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd148/doublehaul406/IMG_0354_zpsq8rbpxzp.jpg) (http://s222.photobucket.com/user/doublehaul406/media/IMG_0354_zpsq8rbpxzp.jpg.html)
I just finished my first Smitty. It pulls great in the backyard, but I wish I had some snow to try it on.Looking real good there GBR.....no doubt in my mind.......you will LOVE it!!
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/jzZYL3QvK9q-J1zWz1-a9XInYMy6ZYJS5DGHISLM29bzqQhrk2l6UJCIXBeLEhI3t_UTmBlc-a4UQeOMd25aFzrgKmWX-XR9DU6J7WiTaryehBSWZv9QFryFLWEjaH6TXEeNFnM-VIabttXl95Ki6wzVxMdCGzGfTCwSR426z8zX-4cBYfWkMDh0rlWs2UhRh_cTWV0DU_dttTa6WC9z6H2onMYtLVSQinufRhb_ueW1WkZyrSpLkO8mhoGSvrsBYVz_Ax26pnDckh24y585IgCfv5-jFC_VhJZNKikyX-opF_NoSj6O2nrT6EXrElnRVYMa4oPjMxYu400aBkqubeohQJdg98mBM2QjBfJn6lj5mORRG5xixkzmwCu39p_Vc-fxOzUCHILOsfSH1vFeSbtXrKLIM23S4RAEoy8XCwVoO6YuhOyDMYVOKWfkcjSYB_kezQjOYH8G4KUQL-JStApjbNcjnpDh5929mUkmqOLsA70y_oIfnwe7FHDsAU_XGPC4V6XRdyR5EXlZ5fVfMkPS25lI8zpxGh8ZXUtZxx8=w526-h394-no)
So after having read all 64 pages of this thread, more than once! I finally made my own smith sled tonight. Took me about an hour, and being the resourceful pack rat that I am I made it for free. Everything I used I had on hand from old projects. I made the sled 48" wide to leave room on the side of my flip over for my auger to rest. And totally by accident I made 2 things happen. The slot that my sled sits on is just the right size that it kinda falls into it a little. No need to strap it down or anything. And the other thing was my cross braces were perfectly spaced (by accident mind you) for my ice auger to sit on. Kinda locks right into place. Being 4' wide it was kinda springy in the middle so I added a couple braces and used my Kreg pocket hole jig to tighten it up and it did. I can sit on the sled in my flip over easily! Anyways here is my version of the smith sled! Oh yeah I have a truck so taking it apart for transportation in a vehicle was not a concern for meLooks like you followed this post & learned enough to build your own custom sled........ it looks great....enjoy it!! Your back will say "Thank You".
(http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff412/wemove2012/9F7652D1-73AD-4DC1-B1FE-09CF9BC90A7B.jpg) (http://s1234.photobucket.com/user/wemove2012/media/9F7652D1-73AD-4DC1-B1FE-09CF9BC90A7B.jpg.html)
(http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff412/wemove2012/57DE4E45-4AF5-4952-98F5-376304FDC990.jpg) (http://s1234.photobucket.com/user/wemove2012/media/57DE4E45-4AF5-4952-98F5-376304FDC990.jpg.html)
(http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff412/wemove2012/B8D4AA06-36A2-4A54-AEC2-6046C66B3B4B.jpg) (http://s1234.photobucket.com/user/wemove2012/media/B8D4AA06-36A2-4A54-AEC2-6046C66B3B4B.jpg.html)
(http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff412/wemove2012/241CBEC8-D045-4A22-A0BD-7934D9320D7C.jpg) (http://s1234.photobucket.com/user/wemove2012/media/241CBEC8-D045-4A22-A0BD-7934D9320D7C.jpg.html)
(http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff412/wemove2012/2132DFFE-CE62-4D95-9CD9-0DE4F900A892.jpg) (http://s1234.photobucket.com/user/wemove2012/media/2132DFFE-CE62-4D95-9CD9-0DE4F900A892.jpg.html)
Yes and my son had to help check out the weight bearing capabilities of the cross braces as well! All It needs now is some paint
Well last year I picked up a 2 man flip I pulled by hand once and then only took it if I had a machine.Simply a great design.......love the ingenuity that went into it.......final product is an "eye catcher".....your back will thank you if you are pulling this by hand.
I have joined the "Smitty Sled" following. Mine is aluminum.
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e98/jallyn968/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20151119_153334069_zpslxhv2duu.jpg) (http://s37.photobucket.com/user/jallyn968/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20151119_153334069_zpslxhv2duu.jpg.html)
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e98/jallyn968/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20151119_153321645_zpsyusukxgb.jpg) (http://s37.photobucket.com/user/jallyn968/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20151119_153321645_zpsyusukxgb.jpg.html)
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e98/jallyn968/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20151119_153312469_zpsmuqwbtdv.jpg) (http://s37.photobucket.com/user/jallyn968/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20151119_153312469_zpsmuqwbtdv.jpg.html)
Well last year I picked up a 2 man flip I pulled by hand once and then only took it if I had a machine.I have joined the "Smitty Sled" following. Mine is aluminum.
You sure are pretty crafty .... ;D ;D
That is one sweet looking smitty sled. Does it come apart at all? I would think the curved pieces on the bottom just slip over the bolts.
This is a design my friend Sean came up with, a take on smitty's design (thanks). He floats around on here from time to time. All 6061 1/4" aluminum. All counter sunk stainless bolts. Tapped into the 1/4 aluminum. Pull 4 pins from the sled and it folds together. Very strong. We are in the process of making two of these. Should pull nice! This one is almost complete. Little rounding off on the feet left on this one.
After breaking my previous PVC designed sled while hauling firewood, I decided this time to increase the weight capacity with galvanized steel legs and a wood platform. This gives me better options for using the sled overall than my previous design.Love the design..........hope it works for you.......remember the long tow rope........
(http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt135/Joseph_Whitney/IMG_4401.jpg)
(http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt135/Joseph_Whitney/IMG_4402.jpg)
Go back to about page 64 and look at some of the sleds there and how the builder put eye bolts in each one of the risers to hook ratchet straps. That will keep things from falling off. Another thing that makes for easy towing is a longer rope, your's looks kind of short. Good job on it though.
guess I didn't notice them on your original post. I like your rod holders in the box with the pvc and the clear plastic.
My cross braces over hang some ...my theory is it help the ratchet strap from slipping back while going over tough/rough terrain .... a 14-16 ft rope is a must.
Thanks Ice Scratcher, how is your sled working for ya?
Wished we could safely fish Lake Michigan through the Ice? And wish we had 25+ inch eyes. You lucky dogs on Erie.
I wish we had salmon, and lake trout, those Lake Michigan guys got all the good stuff!! Lol just kidding.. I'll take walleye any day.. But honestly I'm sure there are guys stuck on Erie wishing for lake MI...
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Mine scissors a little but it doesn't effect it. You could shim yours or add a second pin.
Hi Guys,
Have a look at my Smitty on page 19. I had the same problem with scissoring until I installed the angle brackets. Or, you could do what I did with version 2.0 on page 41, double bolts on 2x6 crossbars.... ;)
Mine scissors a little but it doesn't effect it. You could shim yours or add a second pin.
My Smitty construction begins, nearly left my spine on the ice last weekend. It shall be custom, oh yes, yes it will.Please post pics when you it done..........ask me questions if you need to.
Thanks Smitty for the innovation!
I would shim it like others have said, I don't know how much "play" you have....do you have any pics of it?......could also wrap blue painters tape around the ends of your cross braces, keep wrapping and testing till you get a good snug fit.......without doing anything, I think it would still be ok as long as you are pulling by hand.
Keep the questions coming, we will help the best we can.
I took advantage of the too warm to ice fish weekend to build my Smitty sled. Now we just need some snow and colder weather to try it out. It's a permanent build based on the 67 pages of previous awesome designs on here. I added a rigid hitch to pull behind a snowmobile but used spring clips to be able to swap out for a rope.
(http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h362/craigweaver/2016IceFishing/23005c9d-a50d-498e-bac0-12c3dba69dd1_zpslcw72gq9.jpg) (http://s1106.photobucket.com/user/craigweaver/media/2016IceFishing/23005c9d-a50d-498e-bac0-12c3dba69dd1_zpslcw72gq9.jpg.html)
(http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h362/craigweaver/2016IceFishing/bb9cc28d-72c3-4a49-b4ca-26c99b173974_zpsntzztrai.jpg) (http://s1106.photobucket.com/user/craigweaver/media/2016IceFishing/bb9cc28d-72c3-4a49-b4ca-26c99b173974_zpsntzztrai.jpg.html)
(http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h362/craigweaver/2016IceFishing/81df24f8-4e66-4084-a556-90f451b69917_zps2cgi87js.jpg) (http://s1106.photobucket.com/user/craigweaver/media/2016IceFishing/81df24f8-4e66-4084-a556-90f451b69917_zps2cgi87js.jpg.html)
(http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h362/craigweaver/2016IceFishing/fad4a450-8de4-48f2-9b10-233c310ab5f1_zpsnwgdwma0.jpg) (http://s1106.photobucket.com/user/craigweaver/media/2016IceFishing/fad4a450-8de4-48f2-9b10-233c310ab5f1_zpsnwgdwma0.jpg.html)
Thanks for all the great ideas on here and thanks Smitty for the original!
Ok guys here is my smitty sled! Have any questions just ask!(http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l602/Rangerboatphil/Fishing/1955B2E0-3897-49E3-B6CA-F50E81BBE8E7.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/Rangerboatphil/media/Fishing/1955B2E0-3897-49E3-B6CA-F50E81BBE8E7.jpg.html)(http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l602/Rangerboatphil/Fishing/458DF355-AA2D-42C5-826A-895A6ECF8F79_1.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/Rangerboatphil/media/Fishing/458DF355-AA2D-42C5-826A-895A6ECF8F79_1.jpg.html) (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l602/Rangerboatphil/Fishing/23451916-6AEB-4ABE-AB11-6B564885DBFF.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/Rangerboatphil/media/Fishing/23451916-6AEB-4ABE-AB11-6B564885DBFF.jpg.html) (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l602/Rangerboatphil/Fishing/28E8369D-2A07-4467-8D54-478205A4DD9C.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/Rangerboatphil/media/Fishing/28E8369D-2A07-4467-8D54-478205A4DD9C.jpg.html) (http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l602/Rangerboatphil/Fishing/6A2617B9-5C69-4BE2-BC9D-E4ABF0A03BA5.jpg) (http://s1126.photobucket.com/user/Rangerboatphil/media/Fishing/6A2617B9-5C69-4BE2-BC9D-E4ABF0A03BA5.jpg.html) thanks smitty!
ready to rock n roll, sold the pop up and went with flip up. original bench removed, and the bench seat installed on the moving milkcrate that also serves as a storage.Looking good efka......hope it works good for you.......as far as securing to the "smitty sled" when half up, I would put eye bolts in your risers and use bungee straps to secure. Tight lines!
it's also lower which gives me more room for hooksets, and moved more towards the back which gives me more fiashable area. i can also comfortably sit with windbreaker while the hut is on smitty.
what kind of method are you guys using to secure flip hut to smitty so it can be used half way up? thanks
(http://s7.postimg.cc/of1lkbh2j/12722099_10153940033951133_101523539_n.jpg) (http://postimage.org/)
what kind of method are you guys using to secure flip hut to smitty so it can be used half way up? thanks
Smitty sled came in handy today, snow was wet and many guys were dragging sleds all over lake. Had a few lookers when we pulled by.I did the same thing one day. Couldn't figure out why the cross pieces wouldn't go in. Then I saw the Eye Bolts were on the inside.
We did find out one thing it does not go together if you put skis with eye bolts facing inwards. Took me awhile to figure it out and I was in hurry.
So excited to start my sled. Just went to the Salvation Army at lunch and picked up a pair of skis with bag and poles for $6. Not to bad. I will post some pics once I get it together. Thanks for all the great ideas everyone!...........................................................................
hays47 - sweet! can you list the materials list for that sled? Home Depot carries 1" square stock, but yours looks larger.
Last year I built my first Smitty sled and became an instant convert. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was turning. Has anybody figured out a work around for this? Maybe shorter skis?
Shorter skis will turn better, but pull harder because you concentrate the weight over less area. It will cut in deeper, also. I laugh at my 60' radius turns. On glare ice no problem, you can spin it in place. It's in the snow where turning is an issue.
X2 Thankfully we usually only need to go straight.. For shorter turns, I'll chinch up on the rope and lift the front of the sled to turn it around and such...
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heres a newbie question, im going to be building my first smitty sled pretty soon to tow my frabill commander (full thermal fyi if that matters) i just got a free pair of skis from a coworker (perfect price right!??!) only thing im wondering about is the length of the skis themselves. i dont know the exact length off hand right now but when i put them up to my commander they werent a lot longer than the tub itself. my question is should i take these free skis and just build the sled and see what happens? or should i save these particular ones and find a longer pair at a goodwill that might fit my commander better?Get regular down hill skis........they are around 5 1/2 ft long
any input will be greatly appreciated :)
-b-
I have looked at every page of this thread...
A lot of your answers specifically here..
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=333751.msg3535842#msg3535842
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Put your auger on the floor next to your sled, and make your smitty that wide, or a little wider. install some screw eyes into your risers for a place to hook ratchet straps to. I put screw eyes in the front risers facing the ski's and ran my ropes through the ski tips and tied them on there. I use it on the river here, walking. When out on the bay I have a clam 2 man and the smitty hooked to my snow machine.
I'm planning on building a smitty to be pulled by one of my machines....a snowmobile or rzr side by side. I can't see where pulling the sled by the tips of the skis does anything special. Ever watch people sking in deep powder snow? The tips of the skis will always rise up and break thru the snow....its why they are designed the way they are. Aint no one in front of the skier pulling him by the tips of his skies. My only concern is the length of the tow bar being too short causing the sled to perhaps hit the back of the snowmobile or the tires on the sxs. Modifying the tow bar with a suitable length of 1/2 inch conduit should take care of that though.
I read through your other post. Thank you. When you say use two bolts do you mean similar to the sled pictured a few posts above my questions post? Also forgive my ignorance but what is "counter sunk" exactly
I am with you on that. I already had plans to extend the tow bar. And I agree with your point on the ski tips. I only became concerned while reading through the thread about some issues with the front tips of skis digging. I was thinking if there is ever a concern for this I will be a prime candidate given the overall weight of the set up thats built in my mind
When I use the word bolt, I'm talking about a fastener that has machine threads and will accept a nut.. VS a screw that just makes its own threads..
Counter sunk= not protruding, flush, or lower than the surface they are being driven into..
Good luck!
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IMO the point where people go wrong is placing cross member supports way to close to the tips of the skis. If there is too much weight forward, they can't do what they're supposed to properly. Look at the sled Ice Scratcher built and the way he centered his support on the skies. The bulk of the weight of the shanty will be over the center allowing the skis to flex, never bogging down. I know people think my shanty base is long and heavy so I have to spread the supports out but they don't as long as they don't make the spread too short. If you take the length of the base, divide it in half then divide that in half and center them over the middle of the skis (where the bindings would be), that is where you can put your supports. That should allow the skis to flex. Think of it as a really heavy person on the skis...they'll do what they are supposed to no matter his weight.
I have looked at every page of this thread. I have not read every post but I have looked at every photo and screen shoted several builds. Two buddies and I are meeting this weekend to make plans to build 3 smitty sleds.
I have a few questions and hope I can get input on each. My sled is big! Its the otter XL pro (see photos of size you can see the 1 inch auger and fat fish inside the sled to give perspective). I have already built a rod rack on the back that is fairly light but the entire sled when packed down with hut, auger, and gear is too heavy to pull by myself. I basically take my wheeler every trip just to pull it. This is an ok situation but I suspect it is something I will need to consider when building a smitty.
#1: Is there a reason (other than storage) that most guys have built the smitty with the plastic sled tied down to the smitty as opposed to bolted to the lumber? I am inclined to bolt mine as I already have holes in my sled from hyfax runners. I dont anticipate needing to take it off as long as it works well.
#2 Concerning weight and the width of the skis, Ideally, I would like to build the smitty wider than my sled so that I can build an auger rack to the the side of the sled. For those of you with wide smitty sleds and or heavy sleds. Will this be an issue for pulling it? will my sled be a pain in the ass?
#3 I see most guys have drilled holes in the tips of the ski for rope. Since my sled is wheeler only, I like to use a tow bar. Once the smitty is build, will I have issues attaching a tow bar to the sled itself rather than the front of the skis? I am wondering if I will have issues with he front of the skis digging in if I dont pull from the ski tips?
(http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah167/prosty411/A3CC2887-183E-49A6-8B22-477414071B9D_zpswclrbpri.jpg) (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/prosty411/media/A3CC2887-183E-49A6-8B22-477414071B9D_zpswclrbpri.jpg.html)
(http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah167/prosty411/5821203E-3239-4347-8993-6320EC05263B_zpspyginxtz.jpg) (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/prosty411/media/5821203E-3239-4347-8993-6320EC05263B_zpspyginxtz.jpg.html)
Most everyone has the base boards (attached to the skis) cut at and angle as opposed to a rectangle-esk shape. Any reason why?
prosty41, this isn't my smitty but a pic I took off another post someone else made, you can get an idea of how your sled would fit where the flipover is, and the auger next to it, hope it helps.
(http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o750/aburke120/smitty%20with%20auger%20holder_zpsdpu1mstg.jpg)
SUZIE'S SMITTY SLED...
Well, today I helped my friend Suzie build her Smitty Sled. These aren't the greatest closeup photos; but it's made pretty much like Smitty's Original Sled on page 1 of this thread. If you're like us, you've looked at all the pictures for ideas. So there is nothing new here. I had a good day with an old friend doing this and she is thrilled to have her own Smitty Sled. I don't ice fish any more; but now I want to build one for myself...lmao, just because they're soo kool! Thanks Smitty for such a great and simple design! ><{{{{;>
(http://i1156.photobucket.com/albums/p573/Dsmthcrft/Suzies%20Smitty%20Sled%202.jpg)[/URL]
(http://i1156.photobucket.com/albums/p573/Dsmthcrft/Suzies%20Smitty%20Sled%201.jpg)[/URL]
Just a detail question: how do you cut the vertical pieces so that the X-bars sit flush?
There are a dozen ways, the quick, easy way would be make two cuts and knock the chunk out with a hammer. Helps to score the break with a knife before knocking it out..
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IMO the point where people go wrong is placing cross member supports way to close to the tips of the skis. If there is too much weight forward, they can't do what they're supposed to properly. Look at the sled Ice Scratcher built and the way he centered his support on the skies. The bulk of the weight of the shanty will be over the center allowing the skis to flex, never bogging down. I know people think my shanty base is long and heavy so I have to spread the supports out but they don't as long as they don't make the spread too short. If you take the length of the base, divide it in half then divide that in half and center them over the middle of the skis (where the bindings would be), that is where you can put your supports. That should allow the skis to flex. Think of it as a really heavy person on the skis...they'll do what they are supposed to no matter his weight.So, as I understand it you are saying to divide the ski length by 4 to determine how far apart the supports should be, then center the supports on the spot wher the bindings go?
Thx---that's my level of wood butchery. I thought maybe there was a slicker way of doing it.
So, as I understand it you are saying to divide the ski length by 4 to determine how far apart the supports should be, then center the supports on the spot wher the bindings go?
Smitty, help these guys out, tell them is aint rocket science
Long day of making my otter xl into a smitty. It's a tank but it turned out good. Still have to finish the auger caddy but maybe my design will give others ideas.
IMO the point where people go wrong is placing cross member supports way to close to the tips of the skis. If there is too much weight forward, they can't do what they're supposed to properly.
If you are planning on using a machine to pull that you are all set for the most part.. If pulling by hand, I would want the skis to be a lot longer if you get snow. The longer the ski, the easier it is to pull even on bare ice, longer skis also float the load on top of snow better.
The best Smitty ski IMO has at least these two things, around 6ft, and light colored, dark skis always melt in and can get stuck if you let it freeze back up..
<°)))>{
Nice smitty! Is there room in the tent for someone else to set up a chair and fish or is it solo only?
I'm building a smitty Jr its gonna be cool Stay tuned.
I've had similar thoughts, for my kids to ride sledding..
Looking forward to your pictures..
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How to determine where to mount the risers on the ski's?
I purchased my Original Smitty Sled Kit today. Excited to get it delivered. Great idea!you're gonna love it
Finally finished mine. Just have to get rope and some longer bungees.Looking forward to seeing it.......post a picture
They aren't made to be pretty it's all in the function.
So I'm getting ready to build a sled. I just have a quick question. All you guys who are attaching wood to the skis, do you drill from the bottom of the ski up or from the wood down? If you drill from the bottom of the skis and connect to the wood, does the bolt or whatever you are using cause very much drag on the ice? And if you drill through the wood down into the ski how do you not go through the ski? I built something over the weekend using the binding holes and just left the binding on the ski. It works for carrying just a little bit of stuff, but I want to make the ski base wider and make it so I can carry more things. The use of wood seems like the best way to do that since I'm using just a milk crate now. Thanks.Like others have said.......drill up from bottom of ski, countersink hole so screw head is flush with ski surface, 3" wood screws are sufficient, the "Original Smitty" still is holding strong with 3" screws......hope you have fun with your build, post a pic when you are done........Happy Holidays!!
Like others have said.......drill up from bottom of ski, countersink hole so screw head is flush with ski surface, 3" wood screws are sufficient, the "Original Smitty" still is holding strong with 3" screws......hope you have fun with your build, post a pic when you are done........Happy Holidays!!
What size of bolts did you use to go thru the X beams and down into the supports? Thx.3/8" 3.5"L
I'm planning on building a smitty to be pulled by one of my machines....a snowmobile or rzr side by side. I can't see where pulling the sled by the tips of the skis does anything special.
3/8" 3.5"L
Ok so another question. It seems all the sleds are built with 2x6 pieces of wood. So the bottom of the platform is about 6 inches from the ice/snow. Is height a big deal besides getting caught on snow/ice chunks? I was thinking of having mine be about 3 inches from the ground, but putting a sled in the middle between the skis and attaching it to the main platform for if there is a lot of weight on the skis it will rest on the sled under the platform and shouldn't get caught up and skip over any things that would catch on the frame. Thoughts?
The design is for dragging your stuff out while reducing friction the higher the better. 3" is better than 0.
But your going to wish you went 6 after a snow storm drops 12" of snow.
Bungee straps and Eyebolts.
Regarding weight distribution, side to side...
I have a very heavy, and long, Cabelas portable shanty. No hard floor, just the tent, but its heavy. I'm guessing it probably weighs 50lbs. If I build my sled so I can lay that one one side, the other side would be much lighter. My Nils, my jetsled and supplies, etc. Does anyone see any issues with one side of their sled being much heavier than the other? Maybe guys with a narrower sled bump into problems, but the wider sleds less so?
i just made one but can't figure out how to post the pic !!
(http://i.imgur.com/gjLuqeb.jpg?1)
Did you chop down the length of your skis? What's the over all length?
(http://i.imgur.com/gjLuqeb.jpg?1)Looks great!! Did you buy plans or a kit?
A fairly simple question----do you make the holes in the support that's attached to the skis much bigger than the bolt dia? I have now made mine but I'm having trouble getting the bolts line up with and go down into the holes. There is a certain amount of 'slop' in fitting the X-beams into the supports. IMO, there needs to be so that it's readily assembled once you take it from the vehicle. That 'slop' seems to make lining up the bolts a bit of a prob. The dilemma is that if I make them too big the whole ass'y will be too loose fitting.I use the same hole diameter as the bolt for a snug fit......once you get it assembled in the risers......letter or number each joint so it can go together the same each time.....hope this helps you.....tight lines.
I think I'll need to label the beams 'back' and 'front' as well as 'right' on the end that goes right anyway.
I think I'll need to label the beams 'back' and 'front' as well as 'right' on the end that goes right anyway.
It must upset these plastic tub makers to see their products carried onto the ice on homemade sleds ;)I don't use my smitty when there isn't any snow. I just drag the plastic tub across the grass.
I finally built one, and they are as awesome as everyone on here says. I used someone's 4 colors of spray paint to mark the cross bars location. Used 2x8s which are perfect height, I don't need to bend over as much to get things out of the bottom of my sled. Also the seat is at the perfect height to sit on it on the sled (I'm 6'2"). Used newer side cut skis which seem to work well (160 length).
As smitty mentioned long rope is perfect, 16-18ft.
Also I found that you might wanna cut your notches for the 2x4s in the 2x8s before doing the diagonal cuts, so it's easier to clamp to your bench. This thread is a wealth of info for anyone wanting to build one, but I am sure the plans are great as well. And of course, thanks smitty for the idea! Friends and fam are like "why is it a smitty sled?" And I do my best to explain!
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/Samuelbleary/image_zps9gavkylf.jpeg) (http://s37.photobucket.com/user/Samuelbleary/media/image_zps9gavkylf.jpeg.html)
Great looking "Smitty" Spoon.......hope you will have a lot more fun experiences with it, thanks for posting pictures.......tight lines
(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e53/Samuelbleary/image_zps8mewvhsw.jpeg) (http://s37.photobucket.com/user/Samuelbleary/media/image_zps8mewvhsw.jpeg.html)
I've had thoughts of making a big box like that but adding an Ontario style shanty on top, then I'll have a place to fish from instead of out in the elements, and also have all my gear covered.
That came out great Lav.
Thanks Pete, Little Lav was pulling it around the yard Sunday with relative ease so my two mule team should be good to go on long hauls ;D ;D
That would be cool. One drawback is that if the parking lot where you are deploying from is bare ground the heavy box has to be carried to the ice - or wheeled. I gotta figure that part out. I think I can dream up a simple 2 wheel dolly with a long draw bar that will be easy to use.that's where sleds and quads come into play,
that's where sleds and quads come into play,
This is sort of what I have in mind. Something very simple, set the Smitty onto this and the two non-union mules can easily cart the whole sled to the ice then put this cart back in the truck and lock it up.
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/12/49/cf/1249cf943828ae49bc3d1060f213f77c.jpg)
Spoondangler, can you buy just the seat for that tub or is that off a flipover? I would love to have the back support and not use a regular folding chair. Nice SSled too!
That's cool you could pin skis to the axles and have the best of both worlds!Consider this design......all-in-one....... http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=333848.0
Consider this design......all-in-one....... http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=333848.0
Or you could check out post 69-74 at this link.
http://www.lakesimcoeoutdoors.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=22047&hl=smitty%20sled&st=60
Gotta be a member to see pictures there...
<°)))>{
Yup, could not see pics, can you repost them here?
I've had thoughts of making a big box like that but adding an Ontario style shanty on top, then I'll have a place to fish from instead of out in the elements, and also have all my gear covered.(http://i64.tinypic.com/1zn5tts.jpg)Exactly what I did a few years back... still use it. I made the sides tall enough for 5 gallon buckets to sit upright inside. The Ontario shacks are nice but I hated taking everything in and out before moving it around. Mine is shown here with wheels that come on and off, but it now has runners. It is nice, I use my coleman lantern for both light and heat, and when I am done, I put it inside an old metal bucket and can fold the shack sides down without worrying about melting anything. I can leave my finder and gear all in the bottom and it's ready the for the next time I go out. I have the pole holders and the skimmers all mounted inside so I literally just pull the ceiling brace drop the sides and put it on the trailer to leave. No teardown or reorganization. You can fish right up to when you have to leave. When I get home, I leave it on the trailer and put the sides up to let it dry out and pull any essential gear out there. If it was lighter or I had a four wheeler, I probably wouldn't have built a wheelhouse. Weight is an issue. My friends call mine the "Green Giant". It's only a two person job if there is a lot of snow, otherwise I can take it nearly anywhere on the ice by myself.
If someone can give me a simplified guide to posting pix on this site I'll give it a go.
Anyone make a Smitty with 3 skis? Two in back and one in front that pivots to steer. Started looking at wooden bobsleds on the net and there some ideas from photos I have found. Still needs to be portable, though.
Something like this but wider.
(http://www.frontiernet.net/~jaycub/Sled.JPG)
I've thought about something like this for some time now. Only because my skis are long and don't turn very well in the snow. The edges of the skis just drag sideways. But I don't want something that is tippy when you put a sled and gear on it.
The only way to relieve the drag on the front is to make a large turning motion. if I gradually turn it isn't near as bad. On the other hand if you at a place already and plan to go home or back the way you came ,it would be better to turn your ski's around before loading them up with everything.
For tight spots, I just chinch up on the rope near the front, lift up the front and re point it..
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For tight spots, I just chinch up on the rope near the front, lift up the front and re point it..
<°)))>{
I just ordered my kit. So excited! I've been using skis permanently attached to my jet sled but now also have an Eskimo quick flip 1. The Smitty Sled will let me move back and forth between the 2 depending on whether my girlfriend fishes with me or I'm alone. Thanks Smitty!!!It's in the mail.......thank you for the purchase.......I'll be here for any questions you may have.......tight lines
It may not be good but, it's caveman easy. That'll be 'tinypic.com'.
If I ever find a good hosting site, I'll try to post a few pics.
Looks great dtour.....are you pulling by hand? Appears it may be a little heavy with that diamond plate box on it......wait, it's a "Smitty"......load it up.....tight lines
My kit arrived a few days ago, thanks for the super fast shipping, Smitty. The build should happen this week, but I have an initial question. My plan is to build it as is for hauling around my quickflip 1 when I'm alone. I had a thought to also make a wider platform by drilling longer 2X4's in order to hold my full kit when I have other people with me. Here's the question, do I keep the skis at the same width and canteliver the 2X4's to the outside in order to gain the width I need or do I spread the skis out that much further? I'm wondering if anyone has seen a difference in pulling ease with it either wide or normal width.Wider will give you more stabilty........you are still pulling 2 skis no matter what, you will have the same amount of drag.......post a pic when you get it put together......tight lines
My kit arrived a few days ago, thanks for the super fast shipping, Smitty. The build should happen this week, but I have an initial question. My plan is to build it as is for hauling around my quickflip 1 when I'm alone. I had a thought to also make a wider platform by drilling longer 2X4's in order to hold my full kit when I have other people with me. Here's the question, do I keep the skis at the same width and canteliver the 2X4's to the outside in order to gain the width I need or do I spread the skis out that much further? I'm wondering if anyone has seen a difference in pulling ease with it either wide or normal width.
Borrowing from many of the designs on this epic thread, I have crafted my own very fine Smitty Sled. I have a Clam sixpack which is quite large. I wanted a dedicated space on the sled to toss it on and lash it down. Also I had no pre-existing jetsled or otter to attach to the top so I crafted my own lightweight box. Everything stays true to the tool-less assembly/disassembly model, the box attaches with two torsion straps to the eye-bolts on the struts.Youza......now that's a great set-up....tight lines
Amazing thread guys, glad to be a part of it and a big thanks to Smitty!
(http://i.imgur.com/w9Kcpuh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/LCneF1X.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/EHftUO7.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/yR4Ve0L.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/K3Nm78S.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/vEmQZvv.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/xtg1JbO.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/uo49ZIQ.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/usO2E3D.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/gOEwsdM.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/CKV4B4P.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/xbP8Mcn.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/bdaPVvS.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/2ZRYlma.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/CpG99UE.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/ePomM3Q.jpg)
MB
Quick question for all you guys. It is possible that this has been asked and answered elsewhere in this thread but I have not read in detail all 77 pages!
I am interested in building a custom hitch to connect my smitty to the back of a snowmobile or ATV. I'm wondering if any of you have any input on how I should go about this? The store-bought kits don't look like they will work for my application. I am thinking about going with 3/4" steel conduit with flattened ends drilled out with carribeaners to connect to the smitty/atv (hopefully through the ski-tips). Any experience towing a heavy-ish smitty behind an ATV/Snowmobile?
Thanks!
Any experience towing a heavy-ish smitty behind an ATV/Snowmobile?
Welcome to Ice Shanty Hans, I hope you'll get more use out of it than most of us here in the US are getting. It looks good.
I picked up a free pair of downhill skis today! Win! I'm going to save them for my next sled, after I figure out what I want to change off sled #2.
Smitty, what's the best size risers to use? I have 2x6s, 2x8s, 2x10s, and 2x12s laying around I can make them out of.
Thanks for the info Smitty0312. I was thinking the 2x8s would be better since I'm going to recess the 2x4 cross pieces.
Thanks for the tip Pal, how far in from the arch of the ski did you put your front riser?
I'm thinking about moving the ski on the sled side in some, maybe 3 or 4 inches or so from the end of the cross piece that way the sled helps balance the load better with the auger on.
0
I need to make one!!I can answer any questions you may have Pike. Tight lines
Not sure if anyone else has done this or not but. I just made my first smitty sled and decided to use carabiner’s to hook the pull rope to the ski’s. I figured that it would be dual purpose with easy on / off of the rope to the ski’s, as well the rope could then quickly be used as a rescue tool if needed.Great Idea Russ! Tight Lines!
Russ C
Built my second Smitty sled this week for the new house :)Very Very nice!!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-K6RtkFN/0/8dcf6541/L/i-K6RtkFN-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bdjhd7X/0/14fb51ef/L/i-bdjhd7X-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SXx5Tmr/0/a716a6e1/L/i-SXx5Tmr-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-F6nVmbX/0/a4f1c68b/L/i-F6nVmbX-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FWLKdJb/0/a0526b9c/L/i-FWLKdJb-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GW4pxqW/0/7de928fe/L/i-GW4pxqW-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Xnv6fLg/0/3569921a/L/i-Xnv6fLg-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TxMHX5f/0/e7f322e8/L/i-TxMHX5f-L.jpg)
All I need now is ice >:(
Nice PaddyO! Bought the same clam last year. My smitty was layed out for a Yukon, so I need shorten it a bit. I'll try and get a few pics.Its set up to add on the extra supports and the large storage container - grill, charcoal, food, drinks, ect, ect
Folks: Which is better in your opinion for the sled ? xcountry skis or downhill skis? Why?
Down hill, the front of the ski is wider and float over the rough crap and humps easy.
Can I see how you guys store your tip UPS in your sleds
have you looked around for any used down hill skis? I think mine cost like 10$ from Goodwill....I just grabbed a pair at an indoor yard sale for $5
So I made a smitty sled last year, but on the maiden voyage it tipped over. I went with 2x8 risers, then 2x4 cross members and put a bolt through the 2x4 through into the riser. The bolts actually bent. Has anyone else had this problem? Any suggestions to remedy it? It doesn't seem very sturdy... I am debating of cutting down the risers a bit more and trying to put in longer bolts. My bolts stick about 3" out of the 2x4 - is that sufficient?
I am debating of cutting down the risers a bit more and trying to put in longer bolts.
Alright thanks everyone for the input. What about waxing the skis should I go that far or does it not make that much of a difference and how do people do it without having the right waxing equipment?
tried candle wax...using p-tex material next time.I melted paraffin onto the bottom of the skis on my Smitty Sled with an old electric iron. It makes them slide well in a variety of conditions.
I melted paraffin onto the bottom of the skis on my Smitty Sled with an old electric iron. It makes them slide well in a variety of conditions.I should of said I used paraffin too, not a candle. It definitely helped but its not real durable on anything other than snow. It sounds like the p-tex is supposed to be way more durable.
and trying to get a more snug fit for the cross members fit into the risers.
I've seen a lot of struggling and dissatisfaction on builds regarding those notches, being lose, and or wobbly..
A little more involved, but here is a way to get rid of those issues, before or even after building it. Obviously this isn't a "Smitty" by design, but it might help some... Angle iron was cut from a bed frame.. Forces everything to be straight..
(https://s10.postimg.cc/og6v8qn9x/IMG_20150120_230013025_HDR_zpsqj12cxvt.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/og6v8qn9x/)
(https://s10.postimg.cc/lyv41hqit/IMG_20150120_230045009_zpsemnrvnk3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/lyv41hqit/)
(https://s10.postimg.cc/dtd23cx51/IMG_20150121_212339816_zps8ir5cn4c.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/dtd23cx51/)
(https://s10.postimg.cc/og6v8ssfp/IMG_20150121_234209_zpszkmaup1e.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/og6v8ssfp/)
<°)))>{
I like the plywood design. Has to be lighter than using a 2x6 for your upright. I actually snapped off one side of the notch on mine
I like the plywood design. Has to be lighter than using a 2x6 for your upright.
Spent a little time trying to design my sled that will steer. This is what I have so far. It's gonna take a little more thinking to get everything just right. The cups on the back skis are PVC end caps where my Auger Rack presses in to. I haven't added the angle brackets for the uprights or the cross beams yet.
(http://www.frontiernet.net/~jaycub/Sled-1.jpg)
This is where I got my inspiration.
(http://www.frontiernet.net/~jaycub/Sled.JPG)
Looking very cool!!
Looks like the front skis are closer together than the back. I highly suggest the front skis are followed by the back skis, otherwise, you are cutting four paths when going straight..
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If I did it again, I would go with aluminum instead of the steel plates to save some weight. I live out in the sticks and the steel plate is what I had to work with.
On the 2x4 crossbars I glued in two steel bushings per end to keep the hole from enlarging. I believe the pin and bushing combo really helps to lock the crossbars 90 degrees to the skis.
The bushing method for attaching the cross members looks great. I had trouble getting a tight fit on my first attempt using the bolt and drilled hole method. My sled had an annoying wobble which is probably due to my poor carpentry skills more than the design. So I used the extra braces in the pictures. It is very stable and strong. It doesn't require any bolts to hold it together.Nice Smitty
(https://s13.postimg.cc/rpjfk6kxv/Smitty_Ver_2_4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/rpjfk6kxv/)
(https://s13.postimg.cc/ey59dp60z/Smitty_Ver_2_15.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ey59dp60z/)
The bushing method for attaching the cross members looks great. I had trouble getting a tight fit on my first attempt using the bolt and drilled hole method. My sled had an annoying wobble which is probably due to my poor carpentry skills more than the design. So I used the extra braces in the pictures. It is very stable and strong. It doesn't require any bolts to hold it together.
(https://s13.postimg.cc/rpjfk6kxv/Smitty_Ver_2_4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/rpjfk6kxv/)
(https://s13.postimg.cc/ey59dp60z/Smitty_Ver_2_15.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ey59dp60z/)
Going on year 5 with this one keeps the weather off my gear traveling to the lake .can haul lots of things strapped to the top. Does not break down like the true smitty design. Built it for running miles point to point on a Big lake in Montana setting tip-ups :tipup:I have a dog sled that i have an enclosed box built on. Added brackets for the jiffy on top. Had it for a long time.
Going on year 5 with this one keeps the weather off my gear traveling to the lake .can haul lots of things strapped to the top. Does not break down like the true smitty design. Built it for running miles point to point on a Big lake in Montana setting tip-ups :tipup:
IP, try any place that sells skis. people bring in their old skis and have their bindings transferred to their new pr. they abandon the old pr. also try a ski resort. the rent skis and get in new ones. Goodwill somestimes has them.
How did the wheels work out? What size are they?I believe they are 3" wheels......yes they work good when u need them.....also u don't have to dis-assemble when ur not using them.....tight lines
Good suggestions! Luckily lots of used skis on craigslist in my area, picking a pair up for $5 after work!I got 2 pr for free from my local Dicks one of their last years that they carried skis
mine broke today >:(
mine broke today >:(
Not meant to ride down hill, over and over again! Lol. :o Fast and fun though, bet the neighborhood kids could barely keep up!
(https://s10.postimg.cc/5ztldeq3p/20180103_162617.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/5ztldeq3p/)
(https://s10.postimg.cc/96o4x37zp/20180103_162634.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/96o4x37zp/)
(https://s10.postimg.cc/ei31hujsl/20180103_162649.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ei31hujsl/)
(https://s10.postimg.cc/kvs4l5tud/20180103_162720.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/kvs4l5tud/)
(https://s10.postimg.cc/matpa3sf9/20180103_162811.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/matpa3sf9/)
Icefishwyo, how does your sled perform in deep snow and slush, if you get much of that in your area?Usually gets blown off in my fishing area but last weekend had both and if you deal with this a lot I would make the risers from skis to box taller and slush build up did make it heavier.
I made mine from 2X6 pine but in the interest of strength I sistered a piece of 3/4 marine plywood to the uprights using liquid nails and SS wood screws... the cross pieces were drilled for an axle made of 1" conduit with a spindle weldment to fit a set of discarded lawn mower tires ( and Ive yet to need the axle/tires since I made that mod.)... the tenion is drilled to fit a 1" conduit sleeve .. a 1/2" lag was screwed and glued then cut to size in the upwrights... a light coating of silicone grease make the whole thing a snap to disassemble... I added "stop" blocks to the cross pieces to keep the sled in place...I made 2 sets of cross pieces...one for my Nordic sled the other for my Eskimo wide one pop up shelter... the uprights are mounted to feet that allowed me to screw and glue from the top rather than drill from the bottom...
(https://s9.postimg.cc/qa2osxpu3/20171230_133438_resized.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/qa2osxpu3/)
(https://s9.postimg.cc/8k107xmjv/20171230_133444_resized.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/8k107xmjv/)
Alaska mike
Nice job on the sled I really like your idea on the pin and bushing combo.What size black pipe nipples did you use?
1/8 or 1/4 inch maybe.Only can find 1/2 inch around here.Think I will use your idea with smitty"s newer sled ,using 2x4s
Thanks.Got skunked on Lake Wentworth in Wolfeboro the other day oh well.
took her out on the maiden voyage !!! pulled like a dreamLooks gr8!
(http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh520/stickhick86/IMG_20180108_171215685_zpszra7otuw.jpg) (http://s1249.photobucket.com/user/stickhick86/media/IMG_20180108_171215685_zpszra7otuw.jpg.html)
My smittyWell done......tight lines
(https://s14.postimg.cc/dhvjjhdv1/12_D7_A606-_A094-4_E63-_B802-_ADD2_E4_E00_C87.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/dhvjjhdv1/)
(https://s14.postimg.cc/3xbwwlw8t/603813_A1-8967-4_E15-9_C9_A-_AEC2_EB29_C25_A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/3xbwwlw8t/)
Getting ready for build this weekend
What width should skis be ?? Maybe 30 inches wide pulling on foot and or snowmobile on erie maybe Polaris ranger
Heigth of risers?I was thinking 8 inches
Skis 6.5 ft long making runners 5.5 ft long Any thuoghts would be great you guys have done this already save me mistakes maybe
Brent
ok my ski doo is 42 center to center i thought that may be too wide ranger will straddle 2 corn rows maybe 36 My first thought was 30 inches
Brent
Hey full choke
I thought about it but the skis I think will work for a long time but you point is valid. This thing evolves all the time. First the auger mount and now I am thinking about bucket rings on the back. I am very happy with it. I also made it so I can haul my Frabill Trekker 2. Hope yours gets done, post pictures.
(https://s10.postimg.cc/kfmmqo1xx/A0_D14_F46-_A7_C5-4_BCC-_B181-99311166_C9_FA.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/kfmmqo1xx/)
(https://s10.postimg.cc/4vf8zt75h/9_D084_F7_A-_F9_FD-41_C3-9_A87-93_CBD0406_DBC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/4vf8zt75h/)
There is a product called 80/20 (extruded aluminum) that uses t-slots to bolt together. Lightweight and very strong, plus since it's slotted it's easy to adjust. I've made 2 sleds with this stuff and it's easy to put together and reconfigure if you need to.I guess if your building Smitty sleds with it it isn't too expensive. I figured about 14 feet at .40 Cents a foot. Then the brackets to hold it together.
https://www.8020.net
There is a product called 80/20 (extruded aluminum) that uses t-slots to bolt together. Lightweight and very strong, plus since it's slotted it's easy to adjust. I've made 2 sleds with this stuff and it's easy to put together and reconfigure if you need to.can you post a pic of your sled using this stuff? and what was your total cost (not including skiis)
https://www.8020.net
Hold on there. I thought it said 40 cents a foot. It is 40 cents an inch. Forget it.LOL! 40 cents a foot would be a no brainer! cost 12 times as much as you thought. the cost of the 30mm stock is almost half of the 45mm stock
somebody once made a sled with knock down legs so you could drop your load to ground level. then snap it back up to 8 inches when you are ready to walk home
anybody have those photos?
Yeah. I want the front skis to turn like a wagon instead of scraping on the ice. Don't know if it'll work like I plan. But I'm going to try.
Love my Smitty Sled!
Do any of you hot wax your skis? If not, I highly recommend giving it a try! The wax iron is $50 (twice what the sled cost to build) but after using it once I know I made the right choice. If you're near Wind Lake WI and want to try it without dropping the $50 on the iron, shoot me a PM.
(https://i.imgur.com/NjRxEPIl.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yftUcsRl.jpg)
All this talk about Smitty Sleds convinced me to make one. $6 for skis at Goodwill and $3 for hardware I didn't have. Everything else was sitting in my garage. Can't wait to see if they are worth the hype. ;D. Looks good and the price was right!
(https://i.postimg.cc/gnKsMNnf/image.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gnKsMNnf)
. (https://i.postimg.cc/WdbnxgZt/image.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WdbnxgZt)
Anyone ever spray rhino lining/truck bed liner on their cross braces where the sled sits? Does it help prevent the sled from sliding around?
me too LOL:)
another pretty face...:roflmao: :roflmao:
No...but I think I'm about to missoula. ;)
Didn't know missoula was a verb!! I assumed it was a desert!!
I'm cool with either 😂😂
In fact, my buddy has some roof felt I'm going to lay down first then spray that, won't soak up the bed liner spray as much as the wood. And you know what else missoula? You're not just another pretty face...YOU'RE A FRIGGIN' GENIUS!!! :bow: :roflmao:missoula I double that thought.
Looking for some ideas on using skis attached to the sides of a shanty tub which could be lowered or swung to the outsideCheck out the sled mods thread under this one in equipment last page of that thread has what you're looking for
Check out the sled mods thread under this one in equipment last page of that thread has what you're looking for
has anyone tried doing away with hardware/pins to hold crossbars at their joints to the risers and just cut the wood to hold its self?
stand the crossbars so the skinny end faces up/down. cut out the crossbar half way near the end so it sits on top of the risers that are cut the same depth as the remaining crossbar sections. the straps to hold the cargo would make sure the joints don't come apart along with the weight. if the joints are too sloppy you could glue more wood on the inside of risers at the joints.
thinking how they used to do things before metal came to be.
Making my first Smitty sled! Anyone know how to remove riser plates from slalom skis? Can’t find any screws..are they usually just glued on? Just rip them off, or am I missing something? The bindings came off easy, but these riser plates are annoying.
yep something like that except stand the 2x4 up on the skinny to the riser instead of flat to make a stronger joint.
I had the same issues. First, they are not glued on...they are screwed in through the top of bindings. For the fronts, at least the ones I had, there is a "cap" at the front that moves to one side or the other, then you are able slide the binding forward off the base, which you then unscrew. There may be a thin, plastic cover over the base that will expose the screws. Just peel it off. As for the back, I know I had problems getting the bindings off, but they are removable...I just forgot how I did it. Hoped this helped a little anyway. Good luck.Thanks, I’ll see if that works!
Here's my first Smitty sled -- pulled like a dream out on the snow. I'm using ratchet straps to hold it on, and it doesn't seem to be sliding too much. I might need something on the crossbars to reduce sliding, as others have said. And maybe some bolts on the crossbars for a length-wise bungee. Thanks again to Smitty!
(https://i.imgur.com/jjcoLwKl.jpg)
Here's my first Smitty sled -- pulled like a dream out on the snow. I'm using ratchet straps to hold it on, and it doesn't seem to be sliding too much. I might need something on the crossbars to reduce sliding, as others have said. And maybe some bolts on the crossbars for a length-wise bungee. Thanks again to Smitty!That's a beautiful "Smitty"......nice job! Tight Lines!
(https://i.imgur.com/jjcoLwKl.jpg)
Here's my first Smitty sled -- pulled like a dream out on the snow. I'm using ratchet straps to hold it on, and it doesn't seem to be sliding too much. I might need something on the crossbars to reduce sliding, as others have said. And maybe some bolts on the crossbars for a length-wise bungee. Thanks again to Smitty!
(https://i.imgur.com/jjcoLwKl.jpg)
I am trying to get on the smitty wagon, just having tough time finding skies less than $20!if you haven't already, try putting a wanted ad on Craigslist
Salvation Army, Goodwill and Play it Again Sports have nothing less than $20
I am also going to attempt to re-purpose 1.5" golf club tubes to rack/stack HT polars and jigging rods. All I should need are fittings to frame it up.
I appreciate the great ideas everyone on this thread have shared!
if you haven't already, try putting a wanted ad on Craigslist
Tbern, i am actually doing that right now. Do you have a camera on me? don't give about my coordinates!some guy in a red suit gave me the info...
Tight lines!
Cut back on the weight quite a bit over my wood versions by using PVC.. How did you fasten the pvc to the skis?
(https://i.postimg.cc/pm3Ctxpc/EF213717-561-E-4526-8481-96-DA9-C8-FAC54.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/pm3Ctxpc)
. How did you fasten the pvc to the skis?
PVC caps bolted to the skis. I used a hardened bolt and didn’t countersink them at all. What I lose with the minimal drag those cause I gain back and then some by a ton due to the reduced weight of PVC vs. wood.
Inch and a half PVC is what I used for most of it. On the elbows I put a reducer in that took it down to an inch. Glued 5” pieces of 1 inch PVC and those slide into the uprights attached to the skis. The only thing glued together are the cross pieces and those elbows/upright one inche pipes. The pieces that run parallel with the skis are not glued at all. They come apart when you aren’t using the thing but when it’s all pieced together they fit quite snug and won’t pull apart.
Great design. What are you pulling with it?
Apologies, I meant what are you hauling? Flipover? Jet sled? Custom stoatage?
Nice work, can you upload pictures?
My natural procrastination may work in my benefit. I have the skis, bindings off. Want to build something to hold my jet sled, with the Quickfish 3i on the side of it. These PVC designs have me thinking, love the thought of lighter. Now i need to sit down and figure out the design. I would love to have verticals coming off the cross pieces to hold both in place
You guys have advanced nicely from the primitive 1980sheres one I used to use, made from a coca cola crate
Bravo! Nice work. I might add that we didnt have heaters or shelters to haul back then. Just braved any weather and loved every minute.
(https://i.postimg.cc/34p43BTM/Screenshot-2019-01-04-at-7-00-16-PM-Edited.png) (https://postimg.cc/34p43BTM)
Thanks Al , but I always overbuild everything . Even got steel L brackets to lock over the top of the 2x8 for a little more reinforcement where the 2x4 sits in the notch . I already pull 200 lbs. of equipment onto the ice . Another 5lbs. won't make any difference . :flex: :woot: :roflmao:
Just a heads up for the guys building their risers out of wood. I see lots of guys attaching them so that the grain of the wood runs parallel to the skis. Not saying it's right or wrong but attaching them so that the grain is running perpendicular is your best bet in that they will not break if your sled is ever on uneven ground. If you are attaching them so that the grain runs paralellel, you are greatly increasing your chances for them to break.Very good advise. Now I need to go out and see how mine are. LOL
Cut back on the weight quite a bit over my wood versions by using PVC.
(https://i.postimg.cc/pm3Ctxpc/EF213717-561-E-4526-8481-96-DA9-C8-FAC54.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/pm3Ctxpc)
Yup... I'd remove all the pvc....
(https://i.postimg.cc/LnWypRK2/KIMG0163.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LnWypRK2)
Have been reading the board for years but never officially "signed on". A lot of good designs on this thread. Hate to admit it but time has passed and cannot do what I use to do. But work/play smarter not harder ! Formulating and assembling all my materials for my Smitty sled. Understand all the dimensions, but a variance is the length of the risers. Seen full ski length to simple pvc/ conduit post to the popular two riser designs. Looks like most designs average 12 " but would like input on shorter/longer length.Look at page one, the first post, first pic. Original Smitty, can't go wrong. I've built a few and like the four piece riser. It's simple, strong and eliminates a lot of weight. I try to use scrap lumber so short pieces are easy to come by and cost nothing. Make each riser long enough to be stout with room to taper the leading edge yet leave enough meat on either side of the notch for the cross piece. Just start building it, it'll take shape on it's own.
Also would be remiss to Smitty if I didn't say "thanks" for a design that has simple , cheap , and effective.
During last weeks brutal cold snap, I revamped my Smitty. It weighs under 11 pounds and folds up for storage. Now the snow is gone, and so is the ice. Pulls great in the driveway.love what you did with the aluminum! far cry, though, from the $15 cost of building the original unless you have access to scrap pieces. If you had to purchase the stock from like a HD, I'm guessing about $80, not including hardware. I would definitely do that if I had access to scrap pieces
(https://i.postimg.cc/9D1cp5Gg/19-FISHING-001.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9D1cp5Gg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/06M22Xwt/19-FISHING-002.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/06M22Xwt)
(https://i.postimg.cc/5YmRLbcn/19-FISHING-004.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5YmRLbcn)
(https://i.postimg.cc/4nP3N90h/19-FISHING-005.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4nP3N90h)
This being my first season with a Smitty Sled just brought something to mind... I won't leave the house without it anymore than I would my locator...I'd go back and get it if I forgot it. I've gotten so many compliments on that damn thing it's unreal. And it's made this 'ol man's fishing trips SOOOO much easier...unbelievable. A simple design with big rewards. Thanks again Smitty. 😉
looks good, you're the only one that has to like it. With the front of the ski's open like that it's real easy to load onto the tail gate of a pickup, then push it in. good job.
Every time. Slush frozen to your sled is miserable.
I have definitely experienced that. It is completely miserable!
And yeah my next idea is to just simply redrill the skis and move the whole thing forward. Couple extra 1/8” holes can’t hurt too bad
i hardly ever use mine because, by the time we get to the lake, I am so eager to get fishing that I won't take the few mins to assemble! ;D. If you can transport it already assembled you are ahead of the game!With a little trial and error I'm able to assemble and disassemble in about 60 seconds. Remove the bungee cords holding the sled on. ( 1 hook on each is "pinched" to the eye bolt on risers so it doesn't come off ). Remove stringers. Place skis together bottom to bottom, eye bolts facing up and hold skis together with small spring clamps at top and bottom. Place stringers on top of risers, bolts facing up. Wrap bungee cords around skis as shown in pic. Just get the right length bungee to hook to either riser eye bolts or stringer bolts. I also put eye bolts through tips of skis and attached quick connects on each end of tow rope. Done this enough times I can almost do it blindfolded. Hope this helps.
<°))) >{LOL - where's YOUR skis?
LOL - where's YOUR skis?
I stayed with the basic Smitty sled design, because it is simple. The only change I made was the 2x4 cross members which I made longer, this allowed me to put my auger and shelter on the sled. I can pull the sled with 2 fingers through the snow. The key is to make your rope long enough. My buddy and I made them about 3 years ago and we take them on every trip whether there is snow or clean ice. The other great feature is that the whole thing comes apart so they fit in our SUV. Thanks Smitty!I use a very long rope for towing my smitty, I have a bank to slide down going onto a river I fish and it's easier to let the sled down first with the rope under the sled, ski's pointing to the river, then pull it up on the way off the ice. Just my .02
JG
Here's my new homemade sled for my suitcase shanty. I got tired of it being a snow plow instead of it riding on top of the snow. Now it is like pulling 5lbs behind me when I have probably 85lbs of gear on it. It puts together in 30 seconds and takes apart in 15 seconds. It glides so easy over the snow! Now I'm not afraid of walking a long distance to a hot spot if I have to. It can be built for $15-$20 depending how cheap you get your skis for and what other stuff you have on hand. My skis only cost me $5 at our local thrift store. This also comes apart really easy so you can fit in your car like I have to, NO TOOLS REQUIRED! I thought I should share this for anyone on a budget or for one to get into your car Like I have to. Smitty
(http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr75/smitty0312/Untitled-24.jpg)
(http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr75/smitty0312/Untitled-23.jpg)
(http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr75/smitty0312/Untitled-21.jpg)
Here is what I did for smitty sled #2:On the top of the cross bars you have vertical pieces with bungee attached. what are these for? I love the design
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZRjjXNwN/20190130-131000.jpg)
I wanted to make the sled lighter, still be toolless assembly, but strong enough to carry the weight. I also wanted the option of 4 wheels. The last smitty had wheels mounted off the back of the skis so you could pick up the front of the sled and roll it across the parking lot. Worked good on the level but not so good when you were trying to to pull it up the long steep boat ramps we have in our low water reservoirs. So this is what I came up with.
I went with 3/4" acx plywood for my risers instead of 2x's. I can't believe how much of a weight savings this was. I secured the risers with some aluminum angle to the skis.
On the top of the cross bars you have vertical pieces with bungee attached. what are these for? I love the design
The vertical pieces are on both ends of the cross bars. One side holds my auger as pictured and the other side holds my spud bar. The bungee's I use to strap the auger and spud bar down. Thanks for "I love the design".saw in your pics that you used corner brackets on both sides of the 3/4" plywood uprights. is this necessary? I have 6' of 1-1/8" x 1/8" corner bracket
So a quick question. Noticed most of the pictures of sleds have the leading riser cut to an angle. Is this because it looks good, or is it functional? Just wondering.
Keep it safe! JDL
Looks and its cuts down on weight some ..on mine I used a 2x3 instead of 2x4 for same purpose.Thanks! Just two more cuts if not needed. Agree it looks better.
So a quick question. Noticed most of the pictures of sleds have the leading riser cut to an angle. Is this because it looks good, or is it functional? Just wondering.I cut the angles on the risers to help cut through the snow better & also for looks.....tight lines
Keep it safe! JDL
I cut the angles on the risers to help cut through the snow better & also for looks.....tight linesFirst I have said this before but once again you must be pretty proud that your simple little design caught fire like it did!
First I have said this before but once again you must be pretty proud that your simple little design caught fire like it did!My kit is cut at 40 degrees.....
Second just any angle or like 45 degree? Thanks!
Keep it safe! JDL
I'm a quality engineer at an aerospace firm... what's the tolerance on that angle? LOL! ;DThere is one in every crowd. NL
I did a search but didn't see anything on using snowboards for the skis...any experiences or thoughts on this?my bud tried it.it would not track straight and rocked left and right.not good.
my bud tried it.it would not track straight and rocked left and right.not good.
I'm a quality engineer at an aerospace firm... what's the tolerance on that angle? LOL! ;D
There is one in every crowd. NL
Thanks Jay...buddy has a pair and wants to try them. I'll have a word with him.😉he started out with 2 then 1 both resulted in a left right sway.maybe cut in half idk.my buds was kind of a smitty but more of a big box that held gear on the snowboards.
Just about to build my sled since I procrastinated all spring and summer. Looking through the threads and was wondering why don't I see more people bolting down the sled to the risers? I'm thinking about screwing in threaded rods into the risers and then drilling holes into the 2x4's and in the sled lining everything up and then securing it from inside the sled with a nut or nut caps or something. I just don't like the idea of having a loose sled being secured to the risers with bungee cords.
Another option with bungees is i use eye bolts in my risers and bend one hook on the bungees
so it fixed to the eyebolt then i only have to strap and hook one hook.pretty quick.
I see that a lot of you use bungee cords to hold your sleds down. I tried that but my sled almost slipped off the Smitty. I since went to cinch straps
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/rope-tie-down-1-4-in-x-8-ft-1-pk-0402942p.0402942.html?gclid=CjwKCAiA_MPuBRB5EiwAHTTvMdgoNuHzl9vDIyWF-yS70bErQJxEbADTRs3QiVY6aBjMMEr5_7PjThoCvOAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#store=652
those rope straps look interesting. do they lock in place or do you tie them off somewhere? thx
Looking for some ideas. I see the use of lift hinges on skis to attach to shanties and smitty sleds. Anyone combine the lift hinges with skis to make a smitty and lighten the load (loose the 2x8, 2x10 supports)? Plan on doing that but need ideas for cross pieces that will fold up easily for storage and be secure while in use. What you guys got?
Looking for some ideas. I see the use of lift hinges on skis to attach to shanties and smitty sleds. Anyone combine the lift hinges with skis to make a smitty and lighten the load (loose the 2x8, 2x10 supports)? Plan on doing that but need ideas for cross pieces that will fold up easily for storage and be secure while in use. What you guys got?
This is what I did on one of my sleds.
(https://i.postimg.cc/QFJNSr1v/smitty-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QFJNSr1v)
(https://i.postimg.cc/2qjkKXxy/smitty-sled.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2qjkKXxy)
New truck, short bed. Old Smitty was too long. Found a set of short skis that just fit the truck bed and put together the classic Smitty. Gave the old one to my buddy.
(https://i.postimg.cc/nMJpsJym/82341071-2955224134509342-660763061879046144-o.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nMJpsJym)
I couldn’t find any mention of how you are all securing the bolts for the crossbars. Everyone looks flush so is it simply a pressure fit into the crossbar hole with the bolt then going into a larger hole on the bracket of the ski? Or are you counter sinking a nut on the bottom side of the crossbar so it still lays flush in the ski bracket?
I couldn’t find any mention of how you are all securing the bolts for the crossbars. Everyone looks flush so is it simply a pressure fit into the crossbar hole with the bolt then going into a larger hole on the bracket of the ski? Or are you counter sinking a nut on the bottom side of the crossbar so it still lays flush in the ski bracket?
I used T-Nuts on the bottom of the crossbar; counter sunk a washer on top. I also added a strap on the end as there is a lot of torque when you turn and some have reported splitting the crossbar or riser. Also, be sure to mark your crossbars; front/ back and forward. The holes will not line up if you don’t.
(https://i.postimg.cc/d7rXGt2L/1-B5990-A4-6-D63-41-EE-AE46-8-C9659-DF8-EB4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/d7rXGt2L)
(https://i.postimg.cc/QFBvxqVg/5-D0-A38-EE-D143-4-CFA-93-B0-0-CF559-FC982-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QFBvxqVg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/xNT4rvWz/C7-C6-F9-DB-7078-4-CA6-A7-A4-2-E9-DCE23-A4-E1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xNT4rvWz)
This is what I did on one of my sleds.
(https://i.postimg.cc/QFJNSr1v/smitty-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QFJNSr1v)
(https://i.postimg.cc/2qjkKXxy/smitty-sled.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2qjkKXxy)
If anyone ever wondered if waxing the skis is worth the trouble, you might want to check this out. Half the pulling resistance with a fresh wax.my smitty sled was getting hard to pull with my 2man clam, My wife gave me some canning wax, parafin, and I melted the wax onto the ski's, used the iron to spread it around, then scrapped the excess, if that's what it's called, with a straight edge and now have a very easy pulling smitty sled. The canning wax works, I only used half of one of the bars that came in a box of four. Got plenty left for the next time. Wife says the canning wax can be found at dollar stores.
Question for smitty sled builders, is a wider ski stance easier to pull ? My one man flip is 26" wide at the sled base, I'm cutting the cross braces so that the ski stance is 32" on center. Any help would be appreciated, my first attempt at building a smitty sled.
Always a trade-off on any of the dimensions----a wider sled will be harder to turn. Might be a factor if you are pulling down a trail before getting on the iceI will agree the wider not really the best. I made mine wide enough to put my frabil commando on with my auger a strikemaster electra beside it and that was not the best decision imho. Wider than most track or wheeled powered pullers, this made a lot of my pulling on part trailed and part fresh snow surfaces, a little harder to pull sometimes. Reason 2 is because of the width and fresh powder your sled can belly out and make you pull with the middle making contact with the snow.
I know I've said it before but I'll say it again..
A good width to shoot for is wide enough to fit in the tracks of a quad.. Could make pulling easier if there's a lot of snow and you are walking out far.. There's often tracks you can follow most of the way..
I was coming in here to ask a similar question. I too want to narrow my base. Going from 6" over on both sides of sled to about even with the width....easier turns and able to pull through narrower passages. My problem "might" be is that I attached PVC goal posts on each end (inside) of sled to support my hub shanty. It sits about 20" off the bottom of sled so that I can store accessories under hub, inside sled. Does anyone see this being too top heavy? Best way is to try but looking for feedback from those that have tried or you engineers/physics experts that see a potential avalanche.
Hello everyone
New here. Just found this board looking for ideas for a drop down Smitty. I know KC who is (or was) a member here posted his version of a drop down. It was posted several years ago. However, I can't find the pics. I am hoping someone can point me in the right direction. I am trying to avoid going through all 66 pages looking for the pics/post. Or alternatively does anyone else have ideas on a drop down version?
Thanks guys!
I added my location to my profile.
I will have to start posting so I can contact KC ;D
Side note...I tried to post pics to another thread but something didn't work. Is there a secret?
Hello everyoneFolding legs same as coffee table legs.
New here. Just found this board looking for ideas for a drop down Smitty. I know KC who is (or was) a member here posted his version of a drop down. It was posted several years ago. However, I can't find the pics. I am hoping someone can point me in the right direction. I am trying to avoid going through all 66 pages looking for the pics/post. Or alternatively does anyone else have ideas on a drop down version?
Thanks Badger
I did see someone else post that elsewhere. That is the way I am going to go. I ordered the hinges yesterday. My only concern is that they are sturdy enough. Time will tell. I have a Fish Trap Yukon I bought new about 10 years ago so I am not sure what the base weight is (without gear). I am also thinking of adding some wheels to it for going across parking lots and up ramps.
what process you gonna use to keep sled attached to the frame?
Has anyone ever put a push bar or handle on a Smitty Sled
Thinking it may be easier to push it than pull it. Looking for photos and ideas
Info if a good idea or bad
Any input
Has anyone ever put a push bar or handle on a Smitty SledPretty sure pushing would allow the ski's to dig deeper into the snow and slow you down. Pulling is as easy as it gets. Long rope and go.
Thinking it may be easier to push it than pull it. Looking for photos and ideas
Info if a good idea or bad
Any input
Has anyone ever put a push bar or handle on a Smitty Sled
Thinking it may be easier to push it than pull it. Looking for photos and ideas
Info if a good idea or bad
Any input
I think that pushing a smitty sled would be like pushing a chain, not very easy. Pulling is a lot easier.
Anybody use cross country skis on their sled? Photos..?Downhill skis is what I recommend........
Added some more leftover paint so I can tell my left from my right in my front for my back. The red and blue Side I Used 1/4 lag bolts and sawed of the heads . I drilled countersinks on the bottom of the cross pices to make aligning the pins and holes for assembly a bit easier. I Think my pins may be undersized and might bend .I might make some changes later. The other side are used some old aluminum angle stock to make brackets to surround the risers. I haven’t tested the sled yet so whatever system seems to work best I’ll probably use later.
I have a jet sled JR and a medium Otter sport . I am going to do some kind of bracket to hold my Kdrill , then I will trim my cross pices shorrter.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Jz3qpBzD/6-AEBC9-FA-68-A8-483-C-809-C-6555-F8-EFA837.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/R0XTB5fv/718-D3165-3-DAB-4-F59-B228-4-DFD2-CD48-D21.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/k5nyzX2j/A20-D0-EAA-1-EDE-40-D8-A005-E2-E43-E08-C3-BE.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
I'm sure glad I built a Smitty Sled this year. What an awesome setup. I usually take it with me each trip, even when driving on and then use it if I go off from the main setup. It's so slick for early ice and when you gotta walk on and head out a couple hundred meters. My addition to it was bending up some 1/2 EMT to connect to the back of my sled. I had to drill two holes on the back lip of the sled and than the rest sits/rest against the back wall. Really solid, super light, holds a ton more gear but a bit bulkier to pack. I added a couple rod holders also to it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/F1msFnjK/Smitty-Rack.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/F1msFnjK)
I'm sure glad I built a Smitty Sled this year. What an awesome setup. I usually take it with me each trip, even when driving on and then use it if I go off from the main setup. It's so slick for early ice and when you gotta walk on and head out a couple hundred meters. My addition to it was bending up some 1/2 EMT to connect to the back of my sled. I had to drill two holes on the back lip of the sled and than the rest sits/rest against the back wall. Really solid, super light, holds a ton more gear but a bit bulkier to pack. I added a couple rod holders also to it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/F1msFnjK/Smitty-Rack.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/F1msFnjK)
What are the white rod holders made out of? I use PVC schedule 40, but it is thicker and heavier than I would like.
It's just some 2" central vacuum pipe. Had some left over so I figured it'd be worth a try.
What are the white rod holders made out of? I use PVC schedule 40, but it is thicker and heavier than I would like.try dwv pvc, its thinner
try dwv pvc, its thinner
Decided to do the "smitty" thingNice build! Does it come apart for transport?
Had a kid fabricate me up a frame to hold my jet sled l, now I just got to attach skis
Lightweight aluminum, I hope this is the ticket!
(https://i.postimg.cc/RN8LV6XY/20210227-131816.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RN8LV6XY)
Does that come in 1-1/2 inch? I could not find it locally.check with a real plumbing supply, homedepot/lowes dont carry
My buddy with MS with his version of the smitty. He gives it all he’s got to keep fishing.:clap: :clap: :bow:
(https://i.postimg.cc/Z0vrdYRD/97-F4426-F-7762-44-EA-A551-3-EF8-EE57-F050.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Z0vrdYRD)
My buddy with MS with his version of the smitty. He gives it all he’s got to keep fishing.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Z0vrdYRD/97-F4426-F-7762-44-EA-A551-3-EF8-EE57-F050.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Z0vrdYRD)
I'd guess around 120 pounds loaded, I'll be pulling it with a rope/harness setup.I'd last 100 feet and be done if there was any amount of snow! LOL
not that long ago, I saw someone post their build where they used joist hangers to sttach their cross pieces to the uprights. I want to take another look at it but can't recall where I saw it. Anyone else see it and recall where it was posted?
My buddy with MS with his version of the smitty. He gives it all he’s got to keep fishing.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Z0vrdYRD/97-F4426-F-7762-44-EA-A551-3-EF8-EE57-F050.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Z0vrdYRD)
This post made me think of an idea I have had for a while.
I have been thinking of making a small hole hopping Smitty for early and late season. It has been a warm snowy year, and pulling the Jet Sled is a lot harder than it was 10 years ago. I don't want to put my Yet Sled on a Smitty- I have that solution. I think a purpose built sled can be smaller and lighter. For the main body of the season I have a snowmobile, but this week I pulled a sled a few miles and my back is still sore. I am thinking I will take a drill/auger, dipper, flasher, 2 rods, lunch, and a bag for fish. I would like to build in some kind of seat. Has anyone seen one like this? Any ideas on how to make it as light as possible?
Are you all waxing your skiis? If so, how often?
I used my Smitty sled for the first time this season in about 4-6" of snow and it was a bear to pull. I don't recall ever having this problem before. I'm wondering how much of an impact increased weight will have or skiis that need a good waxing?
Thats the sweet spot for a Smitty sled..you drag it aways across a P/lot ..or were the skis beat up prior ..adding some wax can not hurt.
This post made me think of an idea I have had for a while.
I have been thinking of making a small hole hopping Smitty for early and late season. It has been a warm snowy year, and pulling the Jet Sled is a lot harder than it was 10 years ago. I don't want to put my Jet Sled on a Smitty- I have that solution. I think a purpose built sled can be smaller and lighter. For the main body of the season I have a snowmobile, but this week I pulled a sled a few miles and my back is still sore. I am thinking I will take a drill/auger, dipper, flasher, 2 rods, lunch, and a bag for fish. I would like to build in some kind of seat. Has anyone seen one like this? Any ideas on how to make it as light as possible?
zip tie 2 milk crates together. separate the drill from the auger. drill goes inside one of the crates and mount the auger on top of the crates. make a smitty using kid's skisI went with 2 milk crates high on a 24-30 in. skies. Certain crates have a groove that a nice fat aluminum tent pole fits right in the groove at the top of crate. Same crate has a opening like a window on one side for watching flasher. Add more aluminum tent poles off the first one and you get 4 rod carriers a auger rack drilled a couple holes in one crate and can add a fold out table for cooking or whatever but I navn't figured how it folded out anymore need to play with again to see how I got set up before.
zip tie 2 milk crates together. separate the drill from the auger. drill goes inside one of the crates and mount the auger on top of the crates. make a smitty using kid's skisI went with 2 milk crates high on a 24-30 in. skies. Certain crates have a groove that a nice fat aluminum tent pole fits right in the groove at the top of crate. Same crate has a opening like a window on one side for watching flasher. Add more aluminum tent poles off the first one and you get 4 rod carriers a auger rack drilled a couple holes in one crate and can add a fold out table for cooking or whatever but I navn't figured how it folded out anymore need to play with again to see how I got set up before.
My sled tracks sideways quite a bit and so does my buddies. Do they all do that? Any fix? TIA
Pull rope long enough.....7-8' out in front of your sled.....also is your pull rope tied straight.......tight lines
Pull rope long enough.....7-8' out in front of your sled.....also is your pull rope tied straight.......tight lines
Where do you have your rope connected? I have mine eye bolted to the ski tips and it makes a loop between them so I'm always in the middle and then i have it ran through a piece of pvc pipe to make a nice wide handle to grab onto. Have no issues of it not tracking.
Are you all waxing your skiis? If so, how often?
I used my Smitty sled for the first time this season in about 4-6" of snow and it was a bear to pull. I don't recall ever having this problem before. I'm wondering how much of an impact increased weight will have or skiis that need a good waxing?
Most Smitty Sleds don't work with flip-over ice shelters, because they hold the ice shelter up in the air. Here are pictures of a Smitty Sled I made for my flip-over ice shelter which has legs that fold down to lower the shelter down to the ice. It works well.Yup....I've always taken my flip over off the sled....Smitty Sleds are meant to get you to your spot, not fish off them
An advantage of this design is that a lot of its stability is because (a) the sled is resting on the flat bottoms of the legs when it's high, and on the flat sides of the legs when it's low, and (b) the wide legs are bolted against the sides of the box, which stabilizes the legs against side-to-side wobbling.
A disadvantage of this folding Smitty Sled is that the wooden box weighs a lot. Now that I know that the concept works, I'm working on a way to attach the same skis and folding legs directly to my shelter, so I can get rid of the box and reduce the weight of the setup.
The reason that I bolted a 2"x2" to the top of each ski, rather than using two short brackets on each ski, is to reverse the camber of the skis. Skis have camber, which means that when they don't have weight on them they contact a flat surface at their tip and tail, and the center is off the surface. This camber makes a Smitty sled hard to turn. By bolting the skis to a 2"x2", I reverse the camber so the center is a bit lower than the tip and tail of the ski, which makes the Smitty sled easier to turn.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Tp5vGKG7/20220225-102245.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Tp5vGKG7)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rDS607D5/20220225-130157-Copy.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rDS607D5)
(https://i.postimg.cc/7CDFgXzd/20220225-130351.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7CDFgXzd)
(https://i.postimg.cc/34xzqRnZ/20220225-180205.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/34xzqRnZ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/cKmVTYMH/20220225-180740.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cKmVTYMH)
Nice build! Does it come apart for transport?
Be sure to move the rope down and attach to the ski tips for pulling.
Looking for some input/advice. I was thinking of rigging up some skis under my milwaukee packout roller to try out as run and gun setup. Doubles as a chair and keeps everything together. Would pushing or pulling be best? I figured if pushing, the handle can be a bit of a support for hanging onto. I'll try to have it tilt around 45ºand probably add a rope if pulling is best. Thoughts? I just want something smaller then my big smitty.
Go bigger with the bolt size Rich, I used 1/4" bolts on my smitty and they bent after a few uses.ok. but whatever size bolt that I use, should the hole in the upright be a tad bigger and should the slot for the cross bars be bigger than the crossbar?