Fishing Forum

Anyone built a Smitty? Does it make it easier to pull ice equipment out verses just the sled full? It seems like my sled gets harder to pull each year.
Thanks...
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Yes I built a Smitty this year and yes it's easier pulling... However, it's still work... Monday on Hyrum with 14" new snow it was still heavy to pull but it wasn't impossible, like it would have been with just my old tub designed sled... I take a lot of gear, more than I should... but it does slip much easier than it would other wise... I don't have time to find the thread of my post on here when I showed pictures, but I'll try to look during lunch and get you a link... but I like mine and the 2X10 risers seem to be a good idea with all the snow we have gotten this year so far... there was some worry about it being weak because it was so tall, but with the extra gussets I added it seems stout and the other day the snow was almost touching the cross members so a 2X6 would have been dragging snow... More Later J
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Thanks for your reply.
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Found your post on 11/27/16
Thanks...
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Okay good, I hope that post will help... When I get home I have a few updates to it... I put a clevis on instead of the handle now so I can pull it with the snowmobile at Cascade... I also added a hitch on the back in case I have to pull a second sled... Can't remember if I showed pictures after I put the gussets in or not, so I can get some pictures of my updates... The one weakness I haven't fixed yet, is counter sinking the bolt heads through the bottom of the skis... I used button head screws thinking they would be okay not being counter sunk, but I was wrong, I still need to get them counter sunk to reduce drag, however on snow they aren't too bad... but on slick ice they drag really hard...

I put the sled behind the snowmobile to see how it would pull the load and it pulls like there's nothing there, I really like it for this purpose... I was afraid a sled would make my snowmobile want to spin in as I was starting, but I didn't notice any difference between pulling the sled and not... I think you'll like the Smitty, biggest expense is the fasteners, but it was a fun project... Later J
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Here's one I built a few days ago.
Mine is a 'convertible' sled as my skis are removable and the frame bolts to my 4 wheeler. This way I use the frame to carry my Clam Scout, auger, heater, tackle and lunch either on the sled (walking out) or atv.
The next phase of my project is a quick release bracket to move the frame to my snowmobile.
I don't like to tow if it can be avoided.
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Nice job Shane, that looks very nice and light weight, thanks for posting it... J
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I have found the Smitty easier to pull in most conditions than my jet sled.
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I personally think that they are harder to pull than my normal jet sled. I built one a couple of weeks ago and tried to pull it through 6" of snow in my back yard. The skis dug into the snow and made it almost impossible to turn.
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I built one last year. Much easier to pull. I should have built it a tad higher, but still pulls much better than the whole surface area of the sled.
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4" of snow or less they pull great, deeper snow not so great. Deep snow the surface of a Jet sled will keep your load on top and be easier to pull.
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Talk to ski enthusiasts.

The temperature and type of snow needs to be matched with the right ski wax for those conditions. Too soft a wax on cold sharp crystals of snow will be like brakes. For that there is a ski wax that is hard and specific for those conditions while a soft wax is best for warmer or slushy conditions. Ski wax is ironed onto the bases of the skis prior to use to be able to select the right wax for the conditions.

It makes a HUGE difference!

I got way into that when I was into skiing and would traverse the mountain using the least slope and getting the most speed. On catwalks that are roughly level trails, I would effortlessly cruise past skiers going slow as they have to push themselves along with their ski poles while I did no work at all.

Sometimes I would even ski a slightly sloped trail the wrong way going slightly uphill and still do no work at all (no use of poles) with only my speed and momentum being conserved by my low friction preparation of my ski bases.

For about a week I was hearing in the distance while skiing girls shouting "uphill man." Oddly I heard this often and all over the mountain wherever I went, so I thought this uphill man sure gets around. The last time I heard it, the shouts were close behind me, so I spun around to see this uphill man, whatever that is. There were three girls skiing and one shouted: "look, uphill man skis backwards!". What a shock! I stopped. The girls caught up. They explained they pick a skier to follow that challenges their skill level and learn by doing the same. But, they told me they could never follow me all the way because I included some uphill skiing in my traversing and while my skis kept going, they would come to a stop. They took that as a challenge. I explained it's not a matter of skill and instead dependent upon slick ski bases specifically waxed for the temperature and snow type.
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How long did they take to build and did you weld it? How much would you charge to make two sleds for otter pro sleds size medium if I provided two sets of cross country skis?

I just tried to build some sleds but couldn't get the notches to cut right with my jig saw. Anyone have a recommendation of what saw works the best to create notches?

Thanks![fishon]
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Did you make notches in your risers to lay your 2x4s in? What saw did you use to get the cuts straight so they fitted snugly? Thanks![fishon]
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Yes I did notch my uprights. I have a hand saw with a blade like a jig saw only its thicker and only supported on the one end. I forget what it's called. Anyway first I bored a 1/2" hole in the corner with a drill, then I cut my two vertical cuts to the corners. Next I put my blade in the hole and cut the horizontal run to the opposite corner. It works really well. Most folks use a chisel and hammer and just knock the chunk out after the two vertical cuts but I didn't trust that I would get a clean straight break so I used the saw. I'll take a pic of the saw. Hope this helps. J
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Thanks! A picture would be great![fishon]
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Here are a few pictures, hope they help. I can try to get better ones when it gets light. Later J
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Thanks J.
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It was a quick fab job and welded myself. The welding is a little tough on me( only have one hand) but it turned out great. I also sized it to hold my Otter 2 person when my wife goes. If she doesn't go I just take my Clam Scout.
If you live near Riverton you could drop by for the measurements and if not I could send you the measurements and material list?
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I think it is one of the better ones I have seen!!!! I don't have welding stuff or the knowledge of metal working to do that. That is why I asked how much would you charge. My wood ones that I am attempting are giving me some issues, but hopefully will turn out eventually. [fishon]
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