Shappell S3000 ice shelter

[percheye]

I am considering buying the shappell S3000 shelter and was wondering if anyone owns one and can comment on its durability and ease of use. I would like to puchase the Shappell DX300 but $270 is a little out of my price range.
Thanks, percheye
[signature]

[petty4life]

Here is a used one for $150
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=379973;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread"]Click Here[/url]
[signature]

[Kent]

I owned one for several years and really enjoyed it; however, I would never purchase one again. The suitcase design is extremely difficult to drag. When dragging it on the snow it digs into the snow and then a pile of snow is on top of the folded shack, which makes it that much more difficult to pull. The carpeted floor soaks up lots of water, which again makes if that much more difficult to drag, and then one needs to dry out the carpet in a warm dry place.
[signature]

[percheye]

Thanks for the replies. The S3000 model has just a plastic floor the dx3000 has the carpet and plastic. They have the S3000 at sportsmans for about $150 new.
[signature]

[Kent]

The specs that I read on it state that it has carpet:

[url "http://www.reedssports.com/Product/product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=7859"]Link to specs[/url]

[url "http://www.franksgreatoutdoors.com/products/18766_S3000.htm"]Another site[/url]

[url "http://www.shappell.com/shelters/sseriescabins.html"]However, on the Shappell site it doesn't list carpeting[/url]

If it doesn't have carpeting then it would be an improvement (as far as not absorbing gallons of heavy water); however, it still would be a pain to drag around compared to the Ice Cube or similar ones that one can throw on their back or in the bottom of a sled. In the wind it is a plus having the floor attached to the top, and being up off of the ice a little (unless it is really slushy and then it doesn't help) can help keep the feet warm. There is also less room inside for you and your gear compared to an Ice Cube or similar design. It is all a bunch of trade offs. The best thing that you could do is to hold off purchasing one until you can at least see inside both of them. Consider going ice fishing and visiting with those on the ice that have various shelters put up and then make your decision.




[signature]

[percheye]

I visited sportsmans and sat inside the frabilll trekker which is a flip over model and I also checked out the frabill outback which is the cabin style. I like the trekker but I am a little concerned with the 71 lb weight. I don't own a snowmobile so the shack will be pulled by hand.
[signature]

[petty4life]

i own a trekker and it isnt to bad to pull. i pull it up the dam at casuey and up the hil in the narrows at pineview
[signature]

[MrLipripper]

And you pull it at the speed of light across to Renegade at Strawberry...with a snowmobile.[]
[signature]

[Strikes_R_Us]

I own a frabill with a solid plastic bottom that folds in half to transport. It is heavy and troublesome to pull through deep snow. However, once inside...IT'S NICE! It can hold 2 people with a lot of gear. On a sunny day it gets very warm inside. It's the only way to fish on the ice! If you have a 4wheeler or snowmachine I highly reccomend it. [cool]
[signature]

[percheye]

I ended up going with the Eskimo quick fish III. I like the 23 lb weight and pole design. Plus I can carry it on my back. Thanks for the advice though.
[signature]

[MrLipripper]

Petty strong like bull![mad]
[signature]

[Kent]

Good choice.
[signature]