Ice boat

D

don novicki

Active member
Although i have zero sailing experience, I am getting interested in trying to build an ice boat. I have made 5 layouts in my lifetime, all from scratch, I'm thinking I could handle building an ice boat for next season. Has anyone ever built one or sailed one? I know they are hella fast out on the ice, and the risk of getting hurt is probably right up there esp when you are doing 50 mph, but I need a project for the summer and this could be it. Any info from the brain trust here would be welcome esp. if someone knows of plans or could point me in a direction.
 
I would suggest you research DN boats. DN is for Detroit News where the newspaper put out plans for an iceboat ( or some such story). Many were garage built at parts are readily available and they are fun!
 
Don, first where are you located? There are ice boat clubs all over the US.Check out iceboats.org, it is located with a ton of info and a great swap site. I own a boecraft skeeter and a partially finished DN. The hardware is expensive. Very fast sport and a lot of fun.
 
There are groups that sail converted Ice boats out on the salt flats in Utah and over on The Alvord desert in SE Oregon. I'd bet that the Mormon folks in Salt lake city have a group that goes out there and does that. Might ask someone at their church HQ and see...
 
I am located just outside of Erie Pa., so I would be looking to use the boat at Presque Isle. There hasn't been much ice the last couple of years but hope that changes in the next couple. Thanks guys for the suggestions, I will check them out.
 
Believe it or not, ice boating is alive and well in new Jersey when we have ice along the coast and on some North Jersey interior lakes. Check out the North Shrewsbury Ice Boat and Yacht Club, they have a website and you might find some info there. Also search the Navesink river for this pastime(adjacent to the Shrewsbury River). It only happens every few years when conditions are right.
 
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