Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Moisture condensation in insulated Otter fish houses?


jim curlee

Recommended Posts

I have an old(purple) Otter Lodge.

I'm thinkin about buying a new one with the insulated cover.

Just wondering what your thoughts are on moisture condensation in the newer houses.

Right now with the moderate temps, my old house is way wet on the inside.

Thanks

Jim

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've had a Thermal Otter for a few years now and have had no problems with condensation. It is insane how little it takes to heat it too. 

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've had an insulated house from another manufacturer since 2012. It's awesome. Very easy to heat and has no to minimal condensation.

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

I have a Clam Voyager TCX thermo top. Even just having the thermo top was night and day for dripping as compared to my old plan Voyager. 

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the response's, now if I can only find one on sale, for sale, SURE. LOL

Sure do like the side doors, looks way handier than having to step over my holes to get out.

The dog stepped in one of the hole's the other day so he might like the side doors too. LOL 

Jim

Edited by jim curlee
  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

Yeah, you may want to get a move on looking as houses are moving. Was in Fleet Farm BP this morning. Looks like a ghost town in their ice fishing area.

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, leech~~ said:

Yeah, you may want to get a move on looking as houses are moving. Was in Fleet Farm BP this morning. Looks like a ghost town in their ice fishing area.


All the inventory is on the ice this season!

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
1 hour ago, Wanderer said:


All the inventory is on the ice this season!

Have noticed that since the big wigs own Fleet now. They do "seasonal buys" on items and once its sold out there is no resupplying until next season. They start combining shelving and moving in the summer boating stuff.

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

24 minutes ago, leech~~ said:

Have noticed that since the big wigs own Fleet now. They do "seasonal buys" on items and once its sold out there is no resupplying until next season. They start combining shelving and moving in the summer boating stuff.


You’re exactly right.  They have their maximum profits dialed in and to heck with incidental late demand when it comes to that stuff.  This year has amplified that process.  You couldn’t find any popular fishing line in stock in the Baxter store past opener.  It wasn’t even good BY opener.

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I bought my new Thermal Otter Hub on clearance at REEDs last year.  I'd check there.  I am ordering from them more and more.

 

I get a touch of dampness when I heat it up, but it definitely doesn't drip like my old canvas Clam flip over did.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Condensation in portables directly related to the amount of propane used. Each pound of propane burned produces about 1.6 # of water. (1 1/2 pint) Ice melt from heater also adds moisture. Better insulated, less heat & condensation. A floor also greatly reduces moisture. The colder the outside temp the greater visible condensation. At -17 Deg. frost visible in my 949i Eskimo Hub - Big Buddy running on Hi, 18,000 BTU. At 21,600 BTU per pound propane frost in 4 hours on walls and celing. New Otters have excellent insulation, better than my Eskimo.

20210119_131422.jpg.39227bcbde5a2fc823439770037720a9.jpg

 

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just curious Jim, how much ching you have to put out for that. I am throwing around the idea of replacing my old uninsulated Dave gentz fish trap. Looking to go insulated and a zipper door.

 

Really struggling with this as I only use it 3-5 times a winter. My main means of winter fishing includes a spear.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

How big of one do you want @smurfy?

 

I switched from my old Fish Trap uninsulated Voyager to a used Otter 650 last year - insulated roof only.  Smaller and a little tattered but had some adds for $450.  That’s about as low as you’ll see them.  Most of the houses I’ve seen his size run $950 - $1100 used in like new condition, assembled.

 

The thing with the insulated Otters is they get big and heavy fast cuz they’re built so well.  The 650 is an oversized 1 person/small 2 person that I can manage better but you can’t pack the kitchen sink in it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't need a huge one but bigger than a one man. Used my brother's one man once, just not enough room for me and fishing deep with 2 holes is looking for a diseaster waiting to happen.

 

And I'd really like a zipper door so I don't have to always flip it to get out.

Edited by smurfy
Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, smurfy said:

I don't need a huge one but bigger than a one man. Used my brother's one man once, just not enough room for me and fishing deep with 2 holes is looking for a diseaster waiting to happen.

 

And I'd really like a zipper door so I don't have to always flip it to get out.

You don't want to leave any money behind when you die do you? Get an Otter Cabin. Big enough for one guy 2 lines or 2 guys one line each. Enjoy retirement.?

  • Thumbs Up 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Otter was one of the first shelter to get the insulated material right to reduce condensation and frost build up.

Eskimo is right behind there now with their newer Stormsheild Fabric on their Outbreak XD series.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Similar Content

  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.