Call up the Architechts I'm building an icy shack!

Post by **Fish'n Buddy** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 8:55 pm

Alright folks, I landed a decent amount of ruff cut 2x4's this week and the first thing that came to mind was building my first official ice shack. I've been doing the portable thing in the past, but the eastern outfitter bit the dust after a solid 4 seasons. Anyways, its been all I can think about really since I was given this lumber, I've been drafting up plans

and racking my brain on the best design. So I thought I'd come to the experts and get some feedback.
Alright I was planning to put it on the nation river, so I'm not thinking about one of those ice bungalos from Petrie (thats in my fantasies) but I don't have a quad, or sled to yank it out there. So what do you think would be a good size for two people comfortable, and 4 crammed, and what do you suggest for other materials other then the 2x4 frame. Something light, like a thicker gauge tin? or just good ol' ply wood?
Shed style roof? propane or wood stove? Again this is my first shack so suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Fishin' Buddy

Post by **bruce** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 10:03 pm

cool weather got you thinking hard water?sure you'll get lots of help before then.

Post by **FisherLife420** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:35 pm

I'd go with the plywood and make big plexiglass windows... No tin.

Ideally a small wood stove... but they can be hard to find, used anyway. Wood stoves I find are better for bigger spaces anyway. Better to build a bigger shack.

Build it in small sections that you can pull out on a sled. I'm sure you can find somebody to tow it all out in one shot for a couple pops!

Post by **Lunker Larry** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 6:33 am

Since you don't have a quad or snowmobile you're going to be manhandling it so you'll have to keep it light. I would go with 2X3s instead of the 2X4s. 3/4" plywood for the floor but the lightest chip board I could find for the rest. Cheap to build and with the proper bracing it will be sturdy enough.

Post by **Wallyboss** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 8:06 am

If you get a propane heater for it I would make some kind of a hole in one of the walls and build a box that sticks out . Line the box with tin for heat shield so that won't waste any inside space. John had a good idea on the shack he had at Petrie, make the door a small as feasible so if you have something fairly big that (people who like to take other people stuff) can't get it out. If you can get metal runners made by a welder they are easier to take out of the ice , cause wood runners usuall end up breaking in the ice. if you can once it is setup on the ice you try to go often enough to move it around a bit so it doesn't sit in the same spot for the whole winter.

Post by **marc613** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 8:41 am

I just wanted to add if you ever need any help with the plans I can give you a hand with that, just pm me if needed. Im studying to be an architectural technologist so it's good practice for me.

Post by **almontefisher** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 7:18 pm

Here is what I have been thinking to do with the next shack I make. I was thinking 4x6 with 2x4 cut length wise in half so you have I guess 2x2

Anyway there is this exterior insulation that is coated with a small layer of foil on it so this I think should keep the weight down and allow for a pre insulated wall so you do not need to spend $$$ on pink insulation. Sloped roof about 7ft high at the upper point and about 6 at the other end because hot air rises and you do not want to have to heat a high ceiling height. Use a kerosene heater or wood stove and place benches in the middle on one side and in the corners on the other. Should give you up to 4 holes and four guys. Floor needs to be solid as it will if left there freeze to the ice and you do not want to replace it every year after pulling it apart trying to get it off the ice...maybe 2x6 with plywood. This did just increase weight but if placed on some sort of ski it will allow less friction. Windows are good but I find I keep curtains on it to keep light out so I can see down the hole. Door is either plywood or for comfort but a lot of weight a solid core wood door to hold heat in.

Just some thoughts.

Post by **Fish'n Buddy** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 1:18 pm

Thanks guys, I'm liking the ideas so far.....why not tin though for the walls? it would be lighter then plywood wouldn't it, and being a tinsmith I could do it quite nicely I think. Prefab is the direction I'm leaning though so I can make it a larger size, and drag it out in 6 peices basically. And I like the idea of building a box for the propane heater to wallyboss. But almontefisher's idea of the preinsulated walls sounds good too, I'll have to look into that. I'm going to start building it sometime in august so thanks for all the feedback and if you have any other ideas let me know!

Fishin' Buddy

Post by **Wallyboss** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 1:40 pm

Just make sure that the runners are solid it sure helps when you need to get it unstucked from the ice.

Post by **HartBlade** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 5:42 pm

My suggestion for ski's is 2x6 forsure and bolt actual skidoo skis one for each side trust me this is best for hauling either by hand or any other means ski's can most likly be found at a junk yard or even if you purchase them brand new still worth the cost.