Smitty Sled V. Otter Sled

Mark J. wrote:

Hands down a Smitty Sled is the way to go! You’re talking the difference between a heart attack or a good day on the ice. I have a video taken with a pistol bit auger, Milwaukee drill, Otter Monster Lodge Hub 2 tripod chairs, buddy flex heater, otter rod case tacklers, ice scoop and a partridge in a pear tree, all being pulled by my middle finger.

Mark

You just sold me on building one. I dont know why I’ve waited so long lol

Built this one last year.

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And then stores nicely out of the way.

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Downhill skis the way to go. IMO
I went light and easy storage with JR skis. I have one of those grocery getter trucks. I use to pull the one man or bring the hub with the little man. Have since modified to have a rack for the hub and auger.

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I never believed that a Smitty would make that much of a difference but it does, you just have to make sure your stuff gets secured to the sled.

Mark

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1. Smitty-Sled-Video.mp4

As a fisherman and skier, I can say for sure that the Smitty is the way to go for pulling. If you ever have gotten out in conditions where snow freezes to the bottom of your sled, it can be a killer.
Long, narrow skis are faster, like cross country or downhill race skis. The side cut on modern skis does you no favors, and old, out of date straight skis are cheaper anyway.
If you want the ultimate, wax your skis like a ski racer- hot wax them and scrape them down. There are videos on YouTube. Don’t drag them across the parking lot- again, treat them like race skis.
Also, put your rope on the ski tips, or at least down low on the sled, to help it ride up in deep snow.

X2

What length skis is everyone using on their sled ?

I used the length that was free and available. Worked for me.

downhill skis for my sled. must be about 6′ and fit perfectly in my truck bed. your body will thank you.

What height on the risers 4″ (3.5″), 6″ (5.5″), or 8″ (7.25″) did each of you go with ? Like your decision ??

Treated wood or regular construction ?

Have the skis …