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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.
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.(Image removed from quote.)
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. 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. 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?