Author Topic: Otter Sportsman caddy alternative  (Read 1738 times)

Offline IceAddict87

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Otter Sportsman caddy alternative
« on: Feb 02, 2020, 10:16 PM »
I really like the sportsman caddy but they are a little pricey... I just bought an otter lodge pro, cover and hyfax kit so I feel like I have spent a lot of money, but I feel I need something to put a drink in or lay some jigs on. What’s everyone use? Any cool custom consoles or tables?

Offline Bucket Rump

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Re: Otter Sportsman caddy alternative
« Reply #1 on: Feb 03, 2020, 07:11 AM »
Well, I can't really help you out with any DIY version of the Caddy - I bit the bullet and bought one and will be modding it up for electronic apparatus controls later this year once I settle on the what/where/how I want to go about it.  Using it as it is I will say I'm quite satisfied with the unit.  Built rugged but still lightweight, stays in place during transit, easy to move/remove (just like the seats), plenty of storage space which is easy and convenient to access when sitting in the shack, has a tight fitting hinged lid with an easy to manipulate latch that keeps it closed when traveling over bouncy terrain.  From my perspective it appeared to be a "cry once" product that I personally wasn't likely to build as well and save all that much cash when trying to duplicate what the Caddy accomplishes.

Offline Whopper Stopper

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Re: Otter Sportsman caddy alternative
« Reply #2 on: Feb 03, 2020, 07:52 AM »
I feel about the same as BR.

It was made to fit and that is exactly what it does. I am sure something else could be fabricated but the design of the caddy made me feel it was well worth the money.

          WS 

Offline IceAddict87

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Re: Otter Sportsman caddy alternative
« Reply #3 on: Feb 03, 2020, 09:02 AM »
Those are my feelings as well. By the time I get all the materials I’m halfway there! Plus there are a few places that have them on sale right now.

Online hardwater diehard

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Re: Otter Sportsman caddy alternative
« Reply #4 on: Feb 03, 2020, 09:38 AM »
Clam makes two ..a corner type one and a small table one .Eskimo has a version too ..ALL will need to be modified .

https://shop.clamoutdoors.com/console.html

https://shop.clamoutdoors.com/corner-console.html

https://www.geteskimo.com/Product/table-grizzly-assembly-10191
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Offline hawg

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Re: Otter Sportsman caddy alternative
« Reply #5 on: Feb 03, 2020, 11:20 AM »
I want one but this year is almost a write off now. Do they go much less than $99 as Spring gets closer? New summer stuff is starting to seem more important than ice at this point.

Offline cwavs1982

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Re: Otter Sportsman caddy alternative
« Reply #6 on: Feb 03, 2020, 12:26 PM »
Iceaddict87 - are you handy with fiberglass and resin?  If so, there was a series of posts here years ago where a guy fabbed a console out of cardboard and then laid fiberglass/resin over the top and the unit came out pretty nice. 

If not, then the next route is to look at the cup holders that used to sit on the floor of your car and modify that.  The clam console was already mentioned - I have this unit and like it.  Light and handy, works for me.
I do hunt, and I do fish, and I don't apologize to anybody for hunting and fishing - Norman Schwarzkopf

Online hardwater diehard

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Re: Otter Sportsman caddy alternative
« Reply #7 on: Feb 03, 2020, 12:35 PM »
Iceaddict87 - are you handy with fiberglass and resin?  If so, there was a series of posts here years ago where a guy fabbed a console out of cardboard and then laid fiberglass/resin over the top and the unit came out pretty nice. 

If not, then the next route is to look at the cup holders that used to sit on the floor of your car and modify that.  The clam console was already mentioned - I have this unit and like it.  Light and handy, works for me.

YES some folks did some awesome jobs ..I would start with a small purchase  of a 'Duplicator tool"and some carboard and tape ...maybe incorporate some car console add ons ..cup holders/trays to speed things up ..even some tackle storages boxes/organizers/boxes ...no sense reinventing the wheel.

 https://www.amazon.com/Duplicator-Tools-Woodworking-Measuring-TEL/dp/B07VW72HS6
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Offline IceAddict87

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Re: Otter Sportsman caddy alternative
« Reply #8 on: Feb 03, 2020, 06:10 PM »
Reed’s Outfitters has the sportsman caddy on sale for $79.99. That’s it I’m done buying ice fishing gear for the year.....

Offline Tip Up Spy

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Re: Otter Sportsman caddy alternative
« Reply #9 on: Feb 03, 2020, 08:48 PM »





$18.74+tax and scrap
Clam console, Velcro, aluminum channel and wood. The Velcro in back allows to “hinge” yet stay in place.


My favorite type of fish is the red line on my Vaxilar -Dave Genz

 



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