Ice shelter help

[Cornhusker]

I ordered a clam 2000 for a $160 from Gander Mt. The salesman called me to tell that it came in but there was a slight crack in the floor and when he stepped on it a couple of times it broke open. He said the reason he took my shelter out to look it over was because they have had a decent number of clam 2000 floor problems this season with the ones that they sold. He claimed the other models didnt seem to have this problem.
He offered to sell me a shappell 3000 for the same price. It is 10 inches taller, about the same floor size, it seems like a decent offer.

The Shappell doesnt appear to have as quality of covering (poly) and the clam claims the "ice armor" material. Is this really a big deal or not. Tell me anything I need to know about these two shelters.


Should I take the shappell 3000 or try another clam 2000?




"Winners never quit, quitters never win, and those who never win and never quit are idiots"

[ifishsd]

Is the canvas attached to the floor on the clam?
I have seen guys with the Clams that you have to put the canvas over the poles and snap it to the floor. Not much fun in the wind.

My Dad has had a Shappell for 5 years. It's a decent shack. I got a fish trap pro shack last year. I like the fish trap alot better. I can set up the shack in under a minute. Sets up easliy in the wind.

[I_Bob]

The shappell is more noisey in the wind and also you will get a lot of condensation inside if you use a heater. It's not fun being "rained" on all day!

[morriscode]

Yeah the Shappel tend to create thier own weather pattern inside. And it can get wet. I know they are a little more money but the Otter's are all good portables. Take a look at them, you'll be impressed. I dont want to bash products here, but I havent heard of anyone having a major problem like the floor crack in the Otters. TO me that is unacceptable for any price.

morriscode

[Bob Jensen]

I have been using the Frabill shelters and portables for several years. Very innovative units. Frabill has a unit that will fit almost anyone's needs very well. Check them out either on the web at frabill.com or at a dealer. This time of year they can be hard to find at a dealer however: They sell out very quickly.

Let us know what you decide on.

Best Fishes,

Bob Jensen

[Bill]

A friend just bought a Clam 2000. He talked to the manufacturer and they told him that they were having trouble with the 1st few batches of the floors. He was told that they will replace his if he has a problem..
We've fished out of it 8 times and haven't had a problem. Very nice unit.
A little more height would be a plus if it didn't add too much weight since we don't have to walk out onto the ice.
I can't talk him into buying a vehicle yet!!!

Good luck