Great job/video..... So far, of all the videos on RUclips that I watched, your Smitty Sled design video is by far the best (even if it's a work in progress)....... You sure did your homework..... You used a technical common sense and logical approach to your design (not just a "slap together" type of design)...... Well done, and can't wait to see your final finished prototype !!
Those are some great points I would not have thought of! The notches where the stretchers sit, the holes in the side, and compensating for the buckle in the ski's, great ideas Rafael! Thanks for sharing!
Built one very similar with a set of skis. great for towing, great on ice but doesn't turn great in snow. Overall I like it, easy to mod and slides way better than a plastic sled.
Great video! I am in the process of building one so I am looking at different design and I really like your set up. I like the fact that your supports are at the middle of the ski giving it that bow. I had that same though process. Just wasn't sure how it would work but seeing this video and the ice fishing video you put out this year using it helped me make up my mined. So I'm going to give it a go! Thank you for sharing the process.
Beautiful design! I'm giving you 10 for 10 on that. The only problem I see is the load has to be centrally located. Loading one end too much will break it where it meets the skis. A 200 lb person sitting on the back puts at least 1000 lbs of torque on the center.
Good ideas for reducing the weight and getting the weight centered on the ski. I was thinking about the "Stringer" material construction - consider utilizing 3/4" EMT Conduit going between your main structures to keep the skis from going together while pulling. I thought if you drilled a couple 1" diameter holes half way through the main 2x6 boards could contain the conduit, and when conduit is installed and your 2x4s installed, they wound work together to keep the entire sled more stabile. I would install two of these, one next to each 2x4. This may require a different 2x6 design though.
Thanks! I may have to opt with that kind of option. I was hoping to pick something that would reduce drag if I was in deep snow, but the circular shape of the tubing might not be too bad.
Nice job,I like it. Would be nice to have either a template or measurements for cuts,holes,length of base (red). For your cross members/stretchers to base; drill 4 holes (1 for each corner) or 8 holes 2 for each & use a pull pin with the folding c-shaped keeper/lock. So easy/quick to install & remove & when in transport just hook on to hole in base (red) or stretcher so always have. P.S, Can't wait to see 2.0 version finished.
You have an awesome prototype thus far, what about an eye bolt through the bottom of the main bracket and extend up and a hole in the crossbar to keep that from moving
How about a bolt in the cross bar that goes into a hole in the main beam then it'll sit in there and you can either wing nut it or let it sit the way it is
That is a good solution, but the reason I don’t want to go with that is cause I wanted a solution with less parts (especially small ones) and a bit more flexibility.
How stable and easy to pull does it seem vs regular smitties? Seems like they usually use a rigid system to spread out the weight because it keeps things in the sled like bait, electronics, etc from moving. Also transfers force from the person dragging through the sled to the skiis better. But as you point out they weren't designed for this and you get more friction.
Honestly, I think most people would probably be shocked out how stable it is. It's quite solid. You can't have too much wiggle room where the stretcher (wooden cross piece) and the bracket (riser red piece) meet and once you add weight/your gear on it it helps solidify the structure that much more.
The base (portion of wood that attaches to the ski) is 13cm long. And no unbalance problems. Because you have to lay the gear across the two cross pieces it distributes the weight pretty evenly. Also, because the design of the bracket (red) piece, the weight is directed to the centre of the ski so that's where most of the force is deposited.
Idea I really want is a very minimal way to add 4 wheels for those of us ice fishing solo and/or need to walk on a paved surface for some distance. So to not scratch up the skies or sled. Some simple idea to clip on wheels or flip up? I like the idea of those wheels for snowmobiles but... those are not ecomonical for home DIY'ers.
Yes it’s a good idea. For the time being I’ve just been along it on the pavement. Sometimes it’s smoother cause of the snow but obviously don’t like doing that too much. Wheel r a good solution. Have to think about best way to integrate them.
@@rafaelsakarya On the other than.. I thought about getting one of those flat dolly for moving furnitures or build one to my size requirement or one of those 4 wheel carts with handle? than actually make some sort of quick ski attachment. So... completely other way around. Attaching skis instead of wheels could be simpler? Add some kind of bracket for wheels to cradle in than strap it down? or win a lotto and buy a on the lake property. Hmm
A ballaster screws kind of like a dowel with a pointed screw on one end and a flat threaded screw on the other wear the cross beams can seat even with the riser kinda like a dowel!!!
Put a female thread in the bottom of the strechers then use a wing nut from underneath.that way it will not be in the way.other wise great good young man very nice 👍
I am going to be doing one of those awesome looking new design ideas of yours sooner now. Last year I made the standard one and the look of it is humdrum ugly looking
My Smitty rides about 6in above the ground. So if I'm in more than 6in of snow, my gear will start dragging through the snow (bad). But the answer to your question depends on a few things like; the type of snow (powder vs compact), the weight of your gear, and height of Smitty. Also the nature of the skis help keep everything riding on top of the snow which stops it from sinking very deep.
@@rafaelsakarya if you were skiing, yes, but for pulling no. Ive made 100' of sets of these with all diff spaces, weight in back is the best, its not a debate.
Great job/video..... So far, of all the videos on RUclips that I watched, your Smitty Sled design video is by far the best (even if it's a work in progress)....... You sure did your homework..... You used a technical common sense and logical approach to your design (not just a "slap together" type of design)...... Well done, and can't wait to see your final finished prototype !!
Those are some great points I would not have thought of! The notches where the stretchers sit, the holes in the side, and compensating for the buckle in the ski's, great ideas Rafael! Thanks for sharing!
Really happy to hear that, thanks for the comment, Dan!
Built one very similar with a set of skis. great for towing, great on ice but doesn't turn great in snow. Overall I like it, easy to mod and slides way better than a plastic sled.
Nice! Yes, it's definitely harder to turn these things in snow (gotta make wide turns), but definitely much easier than those plastic tubs haha.
Great job young man !
Great video!
I am in the process of building one so I am looking at different design and I really like your set up. I like the fact that your supports are at the middle of the ski giving it that bow. I had that same though process. Just wasn't sure how it would work but seeing this video and the ice fishing video you put out this year using it helped me make up my mined. So I'm going to give it a go!
Thank you for sharing the process.
Glad it was helpful! Hope the build goes well.
Very nice design. Very modular and customizable. 👌👌
Thank you! Exactly what I was aiming for.
Beautiful design! I'm giving you 10 for 10 on that. The only problem I see is the load has to be centrally located. Loading one end too much will break it where it meets the skis. A 200 lb person sitting on the back puts at least 1000 lbs of torque on the center.
I would like to see this loaded and in use in snow, do you have a video?
Sure thing, I will share a video in the coming month.
Great video, I found it very informative.
Thanks, Jesse. Really happy to hear that!
hello cool vidéo make somme modern sled will more easy too pull thats will be a good stoff . thanck
Thanks for sharing!
Well done . Smart . 👍
You may have a great $$ making idea there especially if your base units where made of aluminum or vinyl bullet stock
Looking forward to version 2.0!
I think your on to something good. I’m impressed. I’m subscribed !
Super encouraging to hear! Thanks so much, I really appreciate it.
Good ideas for reducing the weight and getting the weight centered on the ski. I was thinking about the "Stringer" material construction - consider utilizing 3/4" EMT Conduit going between your main structures to keep the skis from going together while pulling. I thought if you drilled a couple 1" diameter holes half way through the main 2x6 boards could contain the conduit, and when conduit is installed and your 2x4s installed, they wound work together to keep the entire sled more stabile. I would install two of these, one next to each 2x4. This may require a different 2x6 design though.
Thanks! I may have to opt with that kind of option. I was hoping to pick something that would reduce drag if I was in deep snow, but the circular shape of the tubing might not be too bad.
Let’s keep in mind what the ski was designed for it the first place however that is a smart design and nice job.
I built this one , it works well
Awesome! Glad to hear that!
Nice job,I like it. Would be nice to have either a template or measurements for cuts,holes,length of base (red). For your cross members/stretchers to base; drill 4 holes (1 for each corner) or 8 holes 2 for each & use a pull pin with the folding c-shaped keeper/lock. So easy/quick to install & remove & when in transport just hook on to hole in base (red) or stretcher so always have. P.S, Can't wait to see 2.0 version finished.
Thanks for the comment and suggestion! Yes, making build plans might be something to do in the future.
@@rafaelsakarya Hi there,Evening sir. Yvmw,Yes that would be nice. Stay safe,Tight lines,Keep your stick on the ice.
You have an awesome prototype thus far, what about an eye bolt through the bottom of the main bracket and extend up and a hole in the crossbar to keep that from moving
Thank you very much! Yup, that's a good idea, that might just be what I go with, thanks for your input!
How about a bolt in the cross bar that goes into a hole in the main beam then it'll sit in there and you can either wing nut it or let it sit the way it is
I bolt with wingnut to attach the board on the risers, then rope thru the I loop to pull it. Problem solved. Good design!
That is a good solution, but the reason I don’t want to go with that is cause I wanted a solution with less parts (especially small ones) and a bit more flexibility.
How stable and easy to pull does it seem vs regular smitties? Seems like they usually use a rigid system to spread out the weight because it keeps things in the sled like bait, electronics, etc from moving. Also transfers force from the person dragging through the sled to the skiis better. But as you point out they weren't designed for this and you get more friction.
Honestly, I think most people would probably be shocked out how stable it is. It's quite solid. You can't have too much wiggle room where the stretcher (wooden cross piece) and the bracket (riser red piece) meet and once you add weight/your gear on it it helps solidify the structure that much more.
way to think... looks good
Thanks Darren!
I just finished an awesome smitty sled build myself, a little pricier than most builds but it should work excellent
Nice! Hope it helps you fish more!
How wide was the base that attach to the ski?? And do you have to balance the weight so it doesn't tip for or backwards do to weight being uneven?????
The base (portion of wood that attaches to the ski) is 13cm long. And no unbalance problems. Because you have to lay the gear across the two cross pieces it distributes the weight pretty evenly. Also, because the design of the bracket (red) piece, the weight is directed to the centre of the ski so that's where most of the force is deposited.
@@rafaelsakarya THANKS sounds great!!! Love the design it's totally awesome and different then what you find great idea!!! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks, really appreciate it!
Idea I really want is a very minimal way to add 4 wheels for those of us ice fishing solo and/or need to walk on a paved surface for some distance. So to not scratch up the skies or sled.
Some simple idea to clip on wheels or flip up?
I like the idea of those wheels for snowmobiles but... those are not ecomonical for home DIY'ers.
Yes it’s a good idea. For the time being I’ve just been along it on the pavement. Sometimes it’s smoother cause of the snow but obviously don’t like doing that too much. Wheel r a good solution. Have to think about best way to integrate them.
@@rafaelsakarya On the other than.. I thought about getting one of those flat dolly for moving furnitures or build one to my size requirement or one of those 4 wheel carts with handle? than actually make some sort of quick ski attachment. So... completely other way around.
Attaching skis instead of wheels could be simpler? Add some kind of bracket for wheels to cradle in than strap it down?
or win a lotto and buy a on the lake property.
Hmm
Ya, it could potentially be easier to add skis instead of wheels.
haha win lotto sounds good to me!
Absolutely fantastic! Good job, that's flipping awesome!!! FOUND another Canadian! What province??? #315! Lets GooOOoOooO
Thanks a lot man! I'm in Ontario. haha!
A ballaster screws kind of like a dowel with a pointed screw on one end and a flat threaded screw on the other wear the cross beams can seat even with the riser kinda like a dowel!!!
Great idea, thanks!
I'm sorry it's called a hunger bolt not a ballaster screws!! Hunger bolt is what I describe!!!!!
Put a female thread in the bottom of the strechers then use a wing nut from underneath.that way it will not be in the way.other wise great good young man very nice 👍
Thank you sir! Very good idea!
Круто!
Had to Google translate that from Russian, but thanks!
I am going to be doing one of those awesome looking new design ideas of yours sooner now. Last year I made the standard one and the look of it is humdrum ugly looking
LOL! Thanks, James. Hope it turns out great!
Excuse me how do I call fish unto me?
Yea you go like this: “here fishy fishy”. Keep repeating this and they will come.👍🏼 goodluck!
@@rafaelsakarya thanks a lot! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 you’re great!
How deep of snow would you go thru with a Smitty sled?
My Smitty rides about 6in above the ground. So if I'm in more than 6in of snow, my gear will start dragging through the snow (bad). But the answer to your question depends on a few things like; the type of snow (powder vs compact), the weight of your gear, and height of Smitty. Also the nature of the skis help keep everything riding on top of the snow which stops it from sinking very deep.
Your over thinking it
Meh, you want the weight to be on the rear, not middle. This is just overthought
Idk about that, I think the physics is on my side in this case.
@@rafaelsakarya if you were skiing, yes, but for pulling no. Ive made 100' of sets of these with all diff spaces, weight in back is the best, its not a debate.
@@adventurefishing3190 why is that true? Do you know?
I bet it doesn't last a weekend
lol, well it's already lasted a season!
Sw,Why would you say that??