ice hut heater - suggestions

[JustinHoffman]

Hello All,

Just a word of advice - choose a heater that has the highest BTU output. 3,000 isn't a heck of a lot for those cold days. The cool thing about the Mr. Buddy Portable is the ability to switch from either 4,000 or 9,000. Great to have the option. When it got really cold, I would run it at the highest setting for a while to get it toasty, then back it off, or shut it down altogether. With a 3,000 BTU, you'll be running it all day just to keep warm. My HT hut is a Magnum Two-Man. I wouldn't run anything less than a heater that allow me to go as high as 9,000...
(As an aside, I had one of the Coleman heaters a few seasons ago. Can't remeber the exact model. It only lasted a few outings until I realized it was way underpowered...)
In the case of staying warm, the best advice is to go big, or go home..(BTU's that is! )
Good Fishing,
Justin

[Iceman]

Iceman,

With regards to it blowing out a lot. if you go to iceshanty.com, there is a post there from MAC, who contacted the makers, and they sent him a little mietal cover, which he says saves a lot of the blow-outs...

Something to look into anyways.

Thanks Frank I will contact them ASAP.

[Wall-I-Guy]

Iceman,

With regards to it blowing out a lot. if you go to iceshanty.com, there is a post there from MAC, who contacted the makers, and they sent him a little mietal cover, which he says saves a lot of the blow-outs...

Something to look into anyways.

Thanks Frank I will contact them ASAP.

Great tip, I'll have to check into one myself. exact same issue here

[pikeie]

hi guys i would have pics of it but i am making it in my shop class at school. when i get it home i will take some pics for sure. this is where i got the plans http://www.fishontario.com/dewalt/

[fishforfun]

Pikie built a few of those huts myself, 20 plus years ago After your first season fishing in it, you might want to go with 2' wooden sides, so only the top 4' fold down. It's bigger and boxier when towing, requires a sled or ATV to tow but you can run a bench seat the length of it on one side, hang lures heaters and running lines off the the other side. With your tarp being 2' above the foor and your heater below it, it won't catch fire! Been there, not alot of fun Working on a smaller version myself, has no tarp but folds down the same way, cut the door and windows today, I'll post more pics in the next couple of weeks Glad to see we have some up and coming tool time men, why buy if you can buid it yourself

[duber]

I have the coleman black cat pro witch has the fan on it . It is enough heat for the days that you don't need heat . I use it in my portable. It is enough to take the chill off but you ain't sweating . If it is windy it can't keep up . Now in my big shack i have a wood small stove . You can fish in your shorts if you want .

[tinbanger]

Thanks for the replies ,looks like Mr Buddy is the clear favorite . I like the idea of not freezing our butts off

FFF the solid sides might be an upgrade to consider but Pikeie might want to find that part time job so he can afford to by a sled to tow the hut and the old man out and back !

BTW Little lake has a skim of ice as does Simcoe in the sheltered bays . Dropped the boat into storage today sooo ..... hurry up ice.

[M.T. Livewell]

Was just at Princess Auto over lunch.
They have the Mr Buddy's for $124.99.

That is quite a pill to swallow in my humble (and cheap) opinion.

M.T. Livewell

[JustinHoffman]

That's a good price, MT! I spent close to that last year when buying from BPS in the States. Might seem a bit expensive, but the last thing I want to do if freeze my buns off out on the ice, which you'll end up doing with the sub-par $50 units. You can't really put a price on warmth and comfort for a whole season...
Besides, most spend that price on one rod or a reel...the heater will last you a lifetime.
I'll have to check out this Princess Auto - sounds like they have some different things for sale..(Not sure what a camping/ice fishing heater is doing in an automotive store, but heck, what do I know!)
Good Fishing,
Justin

[M.T. Livewell]

It is a wonderful store Justin, with just about everything under the sun.

http://www.princessauto.com

CAUTION - it can be an expensive adventure if your fathom yourself handy. You will buy many things with the best of intentions.



MT

[big-o]

Topwater and I fished Hoople Bay on the St.Lawrence last winter...with the wind chile it was Minus 50, my colman heater (in my protable) was warm enought that we had our heavy coats off ...never had a problem with it beeing to cold with the colman running, last year I fished with Iceman and every time the door opened the pilot light would go out and I remember it was a real chore to get it relit ... , if you want it to be 70 degrees in your Shack.....you can build a insulated one with a monster wood stove...if you want it comfortable, so you don't freeze every time you leave your portable a inexpensive Colman is fine...they can take a lot of abuse that a mr. heater can't , heck I packed my colman in my kit Bag and it was throwen in a cargo hold of airplane last March when I went Markus's to fish the Barr It still works fine....try that with a Mr Heater Mr heater makes a great product....but if you want somthing that can take a little abuse of traveling (behind a 4 wheeler... etc.) I still recomend a COLMAN

My 2c worth

[JustinHoffman]

It all comes down to preference and what we feel most comfortable with. For Big-O, the Coleman works great. For me, I found them underpowered, and the damn thing started to leak from a faulty valve connection. If you pull a sled and bang the thing around, the Mr. Heater may not be able to take the abuse you put it through. (I just pull mine along the ice on my portable...) I'm happy with the Mr. Heater, but others may not be. It's like trying to pick out the best rod - you'll have varied responses on what's the top dog.
Just choose wisely, ask questions, and if it's not hot enough for you the first time you use it, box it up and take her back...
Happy Heater Picking!
Justin

[Wall-I-Guy]

Was just at Princess Auto over lunch.
They have the Mr Buddy's for $124.99.

That is quite a pill to swallow in my humble (and cheap) opinion.

M.T. Livewell

It'll go on sale eventually. It usually does at PA