Wilcraft

[mr ducks]

Anyone own one? If so how do you like it? Is it functional and fairly easy to use??
Thanks

[bigtimeelectric]

I don't have one, but have done some looking at them and looks like they would be great until you get 4" of snow on the ice. and if you did get stuck I imagine it wouldn't be much fun to get out.also I wonder how durable they are?when you watch them drive they flex quite a bit in the middle. however the only other option you have is a sno bear which is far superior yet 4 times more expensive. :cheers:

[Desperado]

I fished in one a lot last winter; 3 or 4 times a week for 20 weeks.
I'm so spoiled now that I won't go icefishing without it.
Functional for one or two fishermen; yes.
Functional for mobility; yes.
Easy to use? takes about 20 minutes to learn.

I had it in all kinds of conditions from mid November to mid April. Only one day that I fought snow conditions and it was WAY more than 4 inches. The track and ski options would have helped that day, but I was two hours from home and didn't have them with me.
If you do get hung up, they are the easiest vehicle I've ever pulled out. You don't have to lift like you do with a fourwheeler or snowmobile; just retract the wheels and slide it like a sled.

[mr ducks]

Thanks for your replies!! I am going to buy one and hopefully I can get out as much as desperado has!!

[blueroof]

I have one. They handle snow pretty well and are extremely easy to get un-stuck. I'd say an enclosed trailer is a must if you plan to haul it on salty roads at all, mine has some decent corrosion on the wheel and engine mounts from exposure. Certainly way better than a sno-bear for thin ice situations like you have in Iowa.

[iowan]

Think they would be a cool thing to use for ice fishing.

But as a fellow Iowan i wonder if you will be able to get it registered?

Would it be considered a ATV or a boat?

[beetle]

The old premise used to be if it's propelled by floatation tires it was classified as an atv. If it floated, it was considered a boat. Both can be registered. My common sense tells me it's up to the owner in this case to decide which way he wants it registered.
But my version of common sense can be someone else's stupidity, (and vice versa).
I'm guessing you will have to contact the Warden in your county where you plan to register the machine, and find out how he would classify it. Like it or not, they ussually have the final say in the matter. And I'll say this, almost every warden has their own opinion on allowing machines to run on the ice in winter in Iowa.

[Desperado]

Think they would be a cool thing to use for ice fishing.
But as a fellow Iowan i wonder if you will be able to get it registered?
Would it be considered a ATV or a boat?

We actually have a statement from the DNR office in Des Moines that it is to be registered as an ORV (off road utility vehicle).

[mr ducks]

Well it is just not going to work for me! bought one and tried it but with my handicap it won't work. Have it posted in the classifieds if anyone is interested in a heck of a deal!!
Mr Ducks

[T Mac]

Jeeeze...sorry to hear that, MR.
I know how pumped up you were to get it and use it.
Bummer.