otter bench or bucket seats

I’m getting a new otter lodge and was wondering if anyone has any regrets over the bench seat. I live on a lake and will be towing with utv, so rarely will I be loading it in anything and it would by on my utv trailers. I’m leaning bench for a few reasons, $300 or so cheaper, I like the idea of being able to get more than 2 on occasion (grandkids) when I’m by myself, its a nice shelf for rods, tackle, lunch. I know the pro has more insulation, but I’m pretty warm blooded and have only used a lantern in my un-insulated cabin, and will do so with this one. I now have a Kenai pro thermal (for sale soon) and have never brought any type of heater.

Thanks, Jeff

I bought the XT Lodge 4-5 years ago and love it. It’s a bear to pull by hand if there is much snow, but that doesn’t sound like you will be. I like the bench seat, but I’m a smaller guy and I’ve heard some big guys aren’t comfortable on it after a few hours. It’s very easy to set up and very warm. If the wife and kid is with, I can usually fish 5 holes in it with 3 flashers and a buddy heater out front. The only negative thing with the bench is if the kids are bouncing around. If you’re try to watch a spring bobber or there is a light bite, one person on the bench can be felt by someone on the other end. Otherwise, no regrets on my purchase.

Andy Fischer wrote:

I like the bench seat, but I’m a smaller guy and I’ve heard some big guys aren’t comfortable on it after a few hours.

Im 6’3″ 242 and the bench is not comfortable. It is nice for when me and two of my boys go however, but they arent getting smaller either so I will likely have to get another house soon so will likely get buckets in that one for sure. I will probably be getting the Resort, I have the Lodge now and just wrenched my back getting it out of my truck last night. I had it fully loaded except for the auger, with a full 20# propane tank. My fault, but not feeling too hot right now.

I think the kids are your reason to go with the bench. The bench has never seemed comfortable to me because the back isn’t high enough, but honestly I know during ice fishing I’m bent over most of the time anyway looking down at the flasher and hole. If you went with the seats, you’d have to bring some chairs for the kids, which would eat up floor space. Go with the bench.

Going on my 5th year with the bench seat, no issues, can squeeze 2 adults and a child in there. When by myself i use the extra bench space as a table/rod holder for all my equipment i am using. Im 6’2″ 240lbs, no issues with being uncomfortable.

I have a hard time sitting on the bench for more than an hour. That is the main reason I can give you. You can also buy an additional seat for the middle if needed. I have seen a few just mount a boat seat to a bucket. The second biggest reason is you will get an even better quality canvas with the XT Pro. 1200 denier vs 600 denier. This is a big issue if your a little hard on your equipment. Dont forget to get the Hyfax for the sled. Cheap insurance.

We run a Cottage and we have the individual seats and really like them. I fished out of the brother in laws with the bench and after an hour or two my butt got sore why I have no idea but we like the buckets.

I’ve owned both and prefer the buckets because of the otter sportsmans caddy. It’s nice having an armrest, place to put a coffee and not having to dig down to the bottom of the tub to access a bait box or anything else I store in it.

I’ve had both, like them both in their own ways. Bench offers more space to sit or set things down. Buckets are more comfortable, and I like removing one if I’m going alone so that the sled is lighter.

Neither seems to fit under my tonneau cover, but I can make the buckets work if I remove the seats and tuck them into the sled before loading.

3 spine surgeries here. I can’t sit on the bench for very long. That is the only thing I can say either way.

Well, I bought the bench. Looking forward to many hours of use with a big house and a couple little munchkins.

Thanks for your thoughts.

PS. Nice Kenai pro thermal in classifieds.