Permanent Ice House Must Haves

[Cousin Kyle]

Howdy,

Been a couple years since I posted, so hi again.  I am not new to Ice Fishing but am new to a permanent Ice Shack that is older that I have out on Mille Lacs.  Its an older resort shed that came with a heater 4 windows 8 holes and 2 bunks (That do not fold).  I am hoping for a few things out of this post from you experts that have built your own or modified shacks.  

1. Bunks: I already removed one bunk and plan on removing the other in Spring time. I plan on putting them back in but want to hinge them as they are built into the wall currently.  Any Hinge or support recommendations?  Any recommended materials to ensuring these will hold 600-800lbs?  The bunks will serve as benches when folded down and 3 -4 people could be sitting on these at one time.

2. Storage:  Any cabinets that are small either wall mount or floor mount you recomend?  I obviously want to maximize space but curious if there are any on the market that anyone would recommend.

3. Hinged Table:  Any good sites to look at?  (Ive looks at fishhousesupply.com and they do not offer much, also I have done a little research on RV camper sites but not seen anything right.  I'm looking for a table for playing cribbage or maybe  fit 2 plates for eating.

4. Anything else anyone finds necessary for putting in an icehouse I would love to hear.  I have the furnace done and put in some nice removable rattle reels.  

This summer I am replacing the floor and throwing in some catch cover plastic hole covers, and redoing the bunks.  Any input is appreciated, I got this thing cheap and it is in great shape.  I like projects so give me some ideas.

[dakids]

make your table hinge just like the bunks.

[Cousin Kyle]

make your table hinge just like the bunks.

Yep, but I am looking to purchase a table with with a chain or leg.  So I am looking for recommendations.

[DDSBYDAY]

  Click on the banner to this forum.  Here is the link to the site.  They should have just about all the answers to your questions.    http://www.fishhousesupply.com/

[Cousin Kyle]

I referenced the website wrong in my post, they have some tables, but I am not a big fan of them.

Thanks.

[lentz]

I'd just buy a small card table can flip out legs and seat 4 for relatively cheap

[MTCOMMER]

As for storage, depending on how much stuff you plan on bringing, or what you are bringing, I would recommend just building makeshift shelf on the short sides of the fish house, beds (unless you are building bunks, then there will be no room).  Nothing too fancy, but something to hold a few things that you may need.  The rest can be stored under the beds.
Otherwise, if you have one bed that doesnt fold up, you can make compartments underneath them.  Im not sure the layout of the house and where the holes are situated, but with beds that dont flip down, there is ALOT of room under them, so figure out a way to utilize that space.

Lastly, COAT HOOKS are a must have, so dont forget those!

[Cousin Kyle]

Thanks for the good tips.  I want both bunks to fold up, 8 holes 4 on each side running corner to corner.

[kenhuntin]

There is no right or wrong way to set up an ice haven. No one should tell one feller how he should fish or play cribbage for that matter. I would suggest to you that before you decide hole placement or anything else that you physically place everything that you will be using inside the shell.  That means right down to the garbage can. That way you may for instance discover that you wish to have a flasher behind the hole you fish from so it is not in the way of playing a 33" walleye.