Otter II Medium Innovative Ideas

[jimbo40]

I have a Otter II Medium Lodge and would like to know of any mods people have done to make seats, storage, anchors, or anything to make life easier to stay on the ice.

[baginwal]

Jimbo:  I have the Otter medium sled and love it.  I like the fact that I can get my auger totally in it along with all my gear.  The best thing I bought along with the sled was the elastic cover that Otter sells.  It's made out of quality material and is custom made for the sled.  I never worry about anything falling out whether I am dragging it or my buddy is pulling it with his snowmobile. 

I would check out the ice anchors that Bobberstop is selling.  They are a similar design to the Strikemaster anchors, but not made of cheap plastic.  IMO these are a MUST in high winds.  Other than that I would say you are set

Good luck this season@

[jimbo40]

What kind of seats work the best?  I have yet to buy any and still use a bucket.  I would like to buy the bench seat I think to sleep on if anything!  Please give feedback on seating and what everyone uses.

Thanks!

[Chris Raymond]

I too just picked up a Medium.  I'm working out some modifications and will post pictures when I'm done. 

Baginwal--I passed on the bench seat and went with one of those single higher end swivel seats...without the plastic drink tray.  The cover only works with the bench as I understand it correctly, yes? 

[baginwal]

Chris: There is some play in the top of the cover.  Maybe it would fit if the seats not too high?  As I said earlier, the cover gives me comfort when I am dragging the full sled through the snow, over chunks of ice etc, that nothing will fall out.  I wouldn't go without it

[Chris Raymond]

Chris: There is some play in the top of the cover.  Maybe it would fit if the seats not too high?  As I said earlier, the cover gives me comfort when I am dragging the full sled through the snow, over chunks of ice etc, that nothing will fall out.  I wouldn't go without it

Baginwal--I'll give Otter a call and see if they think it will fit or whether I need to get something made at the local canvas shop.  This ala carte stuff is adding up quickly. 

On a putting it together note, I can't figure out why they didn't just build their sled mold with some sort of drill mark for the hinge holes instead of using that goofy little paper template.  I understand why they didn't pre-drill the holes given that some get the sled without the top works.  Doesn't make sense to me but oh well.   

[jimbo40]

Beware of Otter Customer Service they are awful.  I would definately buy another brand just because of it. Nice unit but very poor response when there is a problem

[baginwal]

What happened Jimbo40?  Can you elaborate?

[jimbo40]

Poles didn't fit together and they wanted me to use sheet metal screws to make them stay.  Just bad all around customer service trying to get a bench seat.

[baginwal]

Poles didn't fit together and they wanted me to use sheet metal screws to make them stay.  Just bad all around customer service trying to get a bench seat.

Wow.  Sorry to hear that.  I may be purchasing another portable shanty next year and was giving serious consideration to the Otter Lodge.  Given that I value customer service as high as the quality of the product, I may need to look abit closer at some of the other companies.

Thanks for the info!

[druthrbfishn]

I think Otter has good customer service. I bought a new Magnum Lodge earlier this year. The dealer sent me a 2004 frame and a 2003 canvas, didn't fit worth a sh#*.
I talked to the dealer, they said I was full of it. I talked to Otter and they agreed that it wouldn't fit with that combination. I finally got a 2004 canvas but not without many heated conversations with the dealer. Otter was a big help with my dispute with the dealer.