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I have seen lots of pix of this type of sled but I am reluctant to build one for 2 reasons:
(1) I am concerned that when the snow is fairly soft the skis will sink down so that the undercarriage is scraping on the snow or, at the very least. the post that hold the box and 'payload' off the skis will plow thru the snow.
(2) The sled would tend to be unstable(tippy) when heavily loaded.
I can see where skis with a slick surface might be easier to pull than the worn and abraded surface of a toboggan, but is it much easier than a toboggan if it's in good shape?
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QUOTE (Knuguy @ Dec 02, 2014 - 06:42 pm)
I have seen lots of pix of this type of sled but I am reluctant to build one for 2 reasons:
(1) I am concerned that when the snow is fairly soft the skis will sink down so that the undercarriage is scraping on the snow or, at the very least. the post that hold the box and 'payload' off the skis will plow thru the snow. It has a tendancies to ride up and over drifts. (2) The sled would tend to be unstable(tippy) when heavily loaded.
I can see where skis with a slick surface might be easier to pull than the worn and abraded surface of a toboggan, but is it much easier than a toboggan if it's in good shape?
I have used it in very deep snow and the main reason i finally built it. I used a regular sled and it was near impossible to pull, I had a harder time getting ME through the snow, not the sled. It was really loaded in those pics and the issue was getting proper footing to go over drifts, it actually slid a bit down them.
The dimensions on my sled are based on my sled and such...it is actually quite low and wide. I bought one of the medium sleds at CTC, it is almost 6feet long. I was reluctant to ride it down the hill but after a few trips it has proven itself.
It is actually only up to my knees. It acts more as a base/frame, everything is loaded into my sled and bungeed down snug. It actually flexes as it rides drifts and hills, this is how I am able to ride it down a so-so steep hill with a turn in it. It is probably just like 6.5 feet long by almost 3.5 feet wide. and up to my knees.
Let me say this, on windy days, on bare ice, there have been times i look beside me and there is my smitty. The wind and momentum is pushing it faster than I walk.
I am trodding along at an easy pace, with the harness, both hands are free for an easy/relaxed stride. I do lots of walking and this has really changed it for better. I had all the parts in my shed for like half a season and after almost croaking going through deep snow I finally put it together.
The following weekend I walked in deeper snow, further than i ever had pulling my sled alone.
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that's a cool looking sled.it looks a lot easier hauling your gear around on one of those things.Those plastic tubs they sell to haul our stuff in ,is like pulling a truck out there.I'm not the handiest guy. my sled will probably look like Red Green made it.
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Hey guys just so you are aware and not to steal Kevin's thunder as his sled is awesome. if his plan is a bit complicated for some we do have another plan available. If you look at the top of the Lake Simcoe Forum under resources you will find a link called DIY. There is a plan for another smitty sled there that may be an easier build for some. I also encourage Kevin and anyone else who puts together these great projects and wants to share with the members to send your plans to ADMIN and they can be added to the DIY link.
My smitty, found my old sketch
