Ontario Shack Question about wind damages.

[IceCrafty]

I am currently designing an Ontario style shack, I was just curious if many owners leave them set up on the ice anchored down from the inside. I also was curious about wind and how the Ontario shack holds up in a wind storm. I am planning on using a canvas tarp instead of plastic. I will post pictures as I build.

[ice dawg]

Most people who leave them on the ice around here collapse them when leaving for the night which can make them hard to see without some kind of a reflector. One of my friends collapsed his and left for two weeks. When he came back it was under a snow drift which had been driven over for quite a while. It was frozen to the ice and he ruined it trying to chip it out. I used mine in some strong winds and the only complaint I had was the noise of the plastic flapping.

[da man cave shack]

At least he took the time to get it out and just didn't leave it to become a raft in spring.

[IceCrafty]

Most people who leave them on the ice around here collapse them when leaving for the night which can make them hard to see without some kind of a reflector. One of my friends collapsed his and left for two weeks. When he came back it was under a snow drift which had been driven over for quite a while. It was frozen to the ice and he ruined it trying to chip it out. I used mine in some strong winds and the only complaint I had was the noise of the plastic flapping.

Thanks for the Info on the collapsing. I have a heavy duty canvas tarp which I will be using to try to avoid all the plastic noise. The shack I drew up is a 10' by 6' design.

[ice dawg]

Thanks for the Info on the collapsing. I have a heavy duty canvas tarp which I will be using to try to avoid all the plastic noise. The shack I drew up is a 10' by 6' design.

Mine was 8x6 and two feet of the width was a slide out extension so it was 4x8 when collapsed. The floor slid out and conduit held the top extended out. Thats why it was so noisy when it was windy.

[low277]

ice dawg,

If you have any pictures of yours, I would be very interested in seeing them, sounds like a great idea!

[ice dawg]

ice dawg,

If you have any pictures of yours, I would be very interested in seeing them, sounds like a great idea!

Sorry low277, but I haven't had an Ontario shack for close to 15 years and didn't have a digital camera at that time. I made the floor extension out of 1x2s with plywood in the center and on both ends to stiffen it. I picked it up and pulled it onto the floor when folding the hut down. I borrowed a conduit bender and made the supports for the top of the plastic out of 1/2" emt conduit. I put one 1/2" conduit clamp facing up (outside clamp) and one facing down (inside clamp) on each end wall to hold the conduit in place. It is very simple once you think about it a bit. The clamps hold the conduit level level as the plastic or canvas puts pressure on the outside of the conduit extension. I bent the conduit like a shepherds hook on the outside end to keep from damaging the material. The center plywood support of the extension made a great place to put my sunflower heater. I wish I had some pictures.

[Moonman]

Crafty,

You've probably seen my Ontario style build thread here:

http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=230231.msg2311775#msg2311775

My hut is also 6' x 10'. I'n my case, I anchor it from each corner from  the outside. I would be very hesitant about leaving it out overnight, primarily because of wind direction changes and sudden storms. I have a wood stove in mine so I like to angle it, front door facing into the wind. That way I get a nice draw from the chimney, and no real flapping of the sides and the wood takes the wind, not the tarp. I also have a wind deflector on the chimney, which is very important. A change in wind can send smoke back down the chimney and into the stove in no time...Anyway, my point is that unless its an igloo, presenting the same shape from all sides, you could end up in trouble with a big shifting wind blowing along that 10 foot side. However, if you are using canvas, a very strong spreader system (the 2"x2"'s I use are very strong), and anchor it well you might be okay. The doubt and anxiety would get to me though. You also have to think about the visibility issue - I'd worry a snow machine zipping by might not see the hut till the last second, even with reflectors on it. The best idea may be to collapse it, put some good reflectors (or maybe a even couple small conifer braches/ trees etc around it) and then make sure you are back out asap in the morning.

Moonman.

[IceCrafty]

Moonman,

Your shack is what inspired me to build the Ontario style. I am planning on mounting it on a permanent floor with skis. I will post pictures when I get it finished. Right now I am stuck at work until December 2nd. 

Thanks for the info

[Moonman]

Hey Crafty, any update on your build? Looking forward to seeing some pics.

Moonman.

[IceCrafty]

Haven't had anytime yet. Between Elk Hunting and having family medical reasions. Now I am at work to help pay for those medical bills. I will hopefully try to start it on days off. I have only got to go Ice Fishing once this year