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ATV or Snowmobile???

by , Posted to on 09/11/2011 8:08 PM | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 03/08/2011
Location: ND

Which would you choose for primarily ice fishing in N.D., an ATV or a snowmobile?

Being from Minnesota, and only experiencing last winter in N.D. I'm really not certain which I should be shopping for, for ice fishing. Back home there is no question...a snowmobile. 

I'd appreciate any and all opinions and suggestions.

And iif anybody has a used one of either or both......! I do plan on getting both eventually, but for now I'm looking for something for ice fishing this winter.

Jack Dunn

I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure about that!
Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/11/2011 8:20 PM | Reply #1 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 02/24/2010
Location: ND
Four wheeler with tracks and can switch it back to wheels in the summer. 
 
Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/11/2011 8:26 PM | Reply #2 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 12/03/2009
Location: ND
taylorman_55 Said:
Four wheeler with tracks and can switch it back to wheels in the summer. 
beat me to it... the tracks are the way to go

HJchamp
Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/11/2011 8:43 PM | Reply #3 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 12/25/2008
Location: ND
atv wouldnt do much good the last few winters. on devils lake last year atv and tracks were haveing alot of trouble. snowmobile is the only choice lately
Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/11/2011 8:58 PM | Reply #4 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 05/19/2009
Location: nd
if you go ATV make sure you go EFI
Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/11/2011 9:02 PM | Reply #5 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 02/15/2005
Location: SD
If you are going to only have one, it is a snowmobile no question.  Even when there is no snow, you can get to the ice and use the sled from there.  If there is too much snow, half the time you can't even get an ATV to the ice.

After the last two winters with an ATV only, I am looking for a snowmobile.  Tracks are great but they cost 2x what a decent fishing snowmobile costs.  I'd rather have a sled and ATV than an ATV and tracks.  The tracks are impressive but not an end all solution.  I've seen snowmobiles outperform tracks several times the last two winters.
“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” - Albert Einstein
Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/11/2011 9:03 PM | Reply #6 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 02/24/2010
Location: ND
Completely agree with EFI. Look at it this way. If you go with a snowmobile, you can use it for only late fall/winter/early spring. If you go with a wheeler, this is year round use. A new wheeler can run anywhere from 5500-7500... add in a few grand for tracks... looking at 10-11K. Some of the new snowmobiles run in the same ballpark of 5500-8000. Personally I have both, but if i was going to get one and only one, I would want it for year round use. Just my .02.  Good luck in your decision and best wishes fishing this winter!
moosehunter09 Said:
if you go ATV make sure you go EFI


 
Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/11/2011 9:10 PM | Reply #7 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 11/26/2010
Location: nd
riverview Said:
atv wouldnt do much good the last few winters. on devils lake last year atv and tracks were haveing alot of trouble. snowmobile is the only choice lately
I have yet to get stuck...nor have I ever wanted to fish somewhere that I can't get to with my ATV with tracks.  If you want to play around...sure a snowmobile is more practical.  Tracks are 3,100 to your doorstep, and IMO are worth every penny. I can plow the driveway at the end of the day.  Come spring the tires go on and I now have 12 months of use out of one machine.  For me its a no brainer to go with the ATV, but to each their own. 

Live hard! Die happy!
Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/11/2011 9:13 PM | Reply #8 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 11/26/2010
Location: nd
Traxion Said:
If you are going to only have one, it is a snowmobile no question.  Even when there is no snow, you can get to the ice and use the sled from there.  If there is too much snow, half the time you can't even get an ATV to the ice.

After the last two winters with an ATV only, I am looking for a snowmobile.  Tracks are great but they cost 2x what a decent fishing snowmobile costs.  I'd rather have a sled and ATV than an ATV and tracks.  The tracks are impressive but not an end all solution.  I've seen snowmobiles outperform tracks several times the last two winters.
I've lost more time trying to get a snowmobile started on the ice pulling a house.  As far as getting the ATV to the ice...I drive right over the dreaded cattails all the time and stay on top when the sleds are dropping in.  I guess I'm lucky...............

Live hard! Die happy!
Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/11/2011 9:19 PM | Reply #9 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 02/24/2010
Location: ND
I am with you on the four wheeler with tracks. Another way to look at it, depending on the snow conditions, if that four wheeler with tracks is having trouble getting around or stuck, just imagine a 16-18 inch snowmobile track digging deep and getting stuck. I am one of the lucky ones, I have a snowmobile with 2 tracks in the back, and i sit side by side in it (2 bucket seats). If you can find pictures of what a Skidoo "elite" looks like, thats exactly what I have. They are hard to come by, but they are the ultimate ice fishing machine. 
fisherman25 Said:
Traxion Said:
If you are going to only have one, it is a snowmobile no question.  Even when there is no snow, you can get to the ice and use the sled from there.  If there is too much snow, half the time you can't even get an ATV to the ice.

After the last two winters with an ATV only, I am looking for a snowmobile.  Tracks are great but they cost 2x what a decent fishing snowmobile costs.  I'd rather have a sled and ATV than an ATV and tracks.  The tracks are impressive but not an end all solution.  I've seen snowmobiles outperform tracks several times the last two winters.
I've lost more time trying to get a snowmobile started on the ice pulling a house.  As far as getting the ATV to the ice...I drive right over the dreaded cattails all the time and stay on top when the sleds are dropping in.  I guess I'm lucky...............



 
Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/11/2011 9:47 PM | Reply #10 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 08/12/2003
Location: ND
 What size house you trying to pull?  An Otter style flip over/sled type house I'd prefer a tracked ATV simply because you get more use out of it all year.  If trying to pull a permanent I'd think the suspension of an ATV to be superior to that of a sled.  Tracked up with the diffs locked they'll go through and tow a bunch.

If a guy is making long runs on the ice that'd be a pretty good argument for a sled.  My flip over is well packed and stuff is padded pretty good, no thang to pull @ 50MPH+.  I've made some 15Mi+ runs on LOW and in Ontario, the tracked ATV would get you there but it'd take 2x longer, maybe more.
..............THIS SPACE FOR RENT..............
Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/11/2011 10:04 PM | Reply #11 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 03/08/2011
Location: ND
I'd be pulling an Otter Shack.
Jack Dunn

I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure about that!
Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/11/2011 10:25 PM | Reply #12 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/28/2006
Location: ND
I have a 650 w/ atp mud light tires, this thing will do alot, but trax are the way to go for sure. fuel injection is a must.  you get year around use. plow snow. The only thing i will say is ya gotta get a big cc engine. no  less than 600. I also have a 400 for the wife, its junk compared to my 650. I was at Lake Winnapeg ice fishing last yr and my wheeler did fine. And of coarse a sled gave us trouble on the ice. just saying.....
Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/12/2011 09:18 AM | Reply #13 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 02/13/2006
Location: ND
JLDII Said:
I'd be pulling an Otter Shack.

the ultimate are the tracked side by side ATV with a heated cab.  You can load the ice house right on a platform that goes into the hitch.  My uncle has one of these and all i can say is they are the Cats Ass.  You can also fish out the door with the heater on. 
Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/12/2011 10:22 AM | Reply #14 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 12/25/2008
Location: ND

A atv with tracks is a very capable machine. I have only driven one a polaris with matt tracks. The only reason i question them is the few guys i talked to on devils lake last year when the lake was coverd is snow and slush. they all said the same thing that they worked good but they had to watch the sluch because they were freezing up and couldnt turn the tracks. Me if it is winter and there is snow and slush i will take my tundra or skandic anyday. and a tracked atv will not go through the snow and slush a long track utilty snowmobile.

Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/12/2011 11:21 AM | Reply #15 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 07/23/2010
Location: ND

Depending on a budget the ATV track EFI but if your rolling on a budget get a good Snowmobile.

Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/12/2011 3:55 PM | Reply #16 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 11/26/2010
Location: nd
riverview Said:

A atv with tracks is a very capable machine. I have only driven one a polaris with matt tracks. The only reason i question them is the few guys i talked to on devils lake last year when the lake was coverd is snow and slush. they all said the same thing that they worked good but they had to watch the sluch because they were freezing up and couldnt turn the tracks. Me if it is winter and there is snow and slush i will take my tundra or skandic anyday. and a tracked atv will not go through the snow and slush a long track utilty snowmobile.

I'll meet you anywhere you want this winter to test that theory!  

Live hard! Die happy!
Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/12/2011 5:31 PM | Reply #17 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 09/07/2007
Location: ND
Just buy  a Polaris Ranger 800 and put the cab and tracks on it, with a plow and call it a day.

Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/12/2011 5:56 PM | Reply #18 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 07/14/2003
Location: ND

Hey jack, hows the move treating you? As you can see by my signature pic I'm still running and gunning with your old Yarcraft Storm. I know you like to run nice equipment but a snowmobile will be considerably less expensive that an ATV. You can pick up early 2000 model sleds in good shap for $2k-$3k all day long and that'll get you something 600cc or larger and probably even a 144" or so track. I know last year I picked up a 00' ZRT with 1,600 miles on it in very good shape for 2k in the heat of the winter when sleds were bringing premium money.  Come spring, I picked up another for the wife for $700 (99' ZR 600)! A good 4x4 ATV is going to run you atleast $4,000 and without the tracks it won't do you much good during a tough winter, So now your in for 7k minimum with an ATV. Of course the ATV is more utility friendly and can be used for many other purposes. Also you'll need atleast a 600cc ATV if you plan to run tracks.

As far as those guys suggesting a Polaris Ranger or such with tracks and a cab, they do pretty decent in the snow and they're a great utility machine however you better be willing to open you pocket book up to the tune of about $20k. For that money you might as well buy a nice used higher mileage pickup and get a set of mattracks for it!

Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/12/2011 7:30 PM | Reply #19 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 09/07/2007
Location: ND
YarcraftStorm Said:

Hey jack, hows the move treating you? As you can see by my signature pic I'm still running and gunning with your old Yarcraft Storm. I know you like to run nice equipment but a snowmobile will be considerably less expensive that an ATV. You can pick up early 2000 model sleds in good shap for $2k-$3k all day long and that'll get you something 600cc or larger and probably even a 144" or so track. I know last year I picked up a 00' ZRT with 1,600 miles on it in very good shape for 2k in the heat of the winter when sleds were bringing premium money.  Come spring, I picked up another for the wife for $700 (99' ZR 600)! A good 4x4 ATV is going to run you atleast $4,000 and without the tracks it won't do you much good during a tough winter, So now your in for 7k minimum with an ATV. Of course the ATV is more utility friendly and can be used for many other purposes. Also you'll need atleast a 600cc ATV if you plan to run tracks.

As far as those guys suggesting a Polaris Ranger or such with tracks and a cab, they do pretty decent in the snow and they're a great utility machine however you better be willing to open you pocket book up to the tune of about $20k. For that money you might as well buy a nice used higher mileage pickup and get a set of mattracks for it!

or you could go with the Polaris Razor, I know somone who could  get a good discount.
although they are spendy as Yarcraft mentioned

Re: ATV or Snowmobile???
by on 09/12/2011 8:13 PM | Reply #20 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 03/23/2006
Location: ND
Since you are looking for something for ice fishing, a snowmobile without a question is the way to go.  Couldn't use the 4 wheeler last year but a couple of times.  Early, early ice.  After that, the snowmobile was the only way of getting around on the lake.  But if you are like some of the richy riches on here, yeah go ahead and get a side by side and put tracks and a cab on it.  $20,000 grand later!  If you are a normal working man go with a snowmobile for ice fishing.  You can use is no matter what  3-4 inches of ice and you are good to go.
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Posted On: 09/11/2011 8:08 PM
1392 Views, 26 Comments

Tags: snowmobile, atv, ice, n.d, fishing, i'm, winter, minnesota, experiencing, last
More Tags: North Dakota, Minnesota, Environment
Region: North Dakota

Categories: Outdoor Sports > ATV (All Terrain Vehicles)
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