info on new snowmobile !, opions and ideas from people with sleds!

I'm looking to buy a sled and have it ready go for next season.The sled has to accommodate 2 riders comfortably mostly wifey and me ,possibly the buds once in awhile.I believe I should be looking for touring models and im bit worried about the size engine I should be looking at because I don't won't to ever be underpowered with 2 riders plus gear.
I am not about speed or doing tricks, just looking for reliability and comfort and the power for a 2nd rider with gear in tow so I would appreciate your opions and advice



I know there's a lot of sledders here with experience so I'm all ears!!!
Thanks.....in advance fishmagnet

You can't go wrong with a fan cooled.
Make sure it looks good and then you know they took care of it.

This will be a brand new purchase unless the right deal comes along.

I'm no expert on snow machines.

However would suggest looking at the complete package - including the trailering. Will it be covered or open? Recommend aluminum over steel. Easy to load / unload / secure machine?

How about the flip hut? Will there be room on the trailer to store and carry your large flip sled? If you don't have one now you may soon for the running and gunning you will be able to do.

Racks for auger? Room for equipment for ice fishing if not going in sled? Spot for the flasher so can use without removing when scouting holes?

500 fan cooled will have more than enough power.
Fan cooled is lighter and doesn't need as much snow on the lake making a better choice for ice fishing. ski doo has some nice machines and their 500 fan is very reliable.

Yamaha. Can't go wrong. There are reasons YRP using them on Simcoe

I am also looking for a sled... Wondering if any come with reverse gear cause I have an ATV trailer and would have issues unloading the sled.

I have a Skidoo Touring….love it. The Grand Touring has more bells and whistles I think (My buddy has that one). For Ice fishing and for on the ice sometimes without snow….FAN COOLED!!! All the way. Thats about as far as my knowledge goes….for what its worth…lol.

Good luck!

Lots on Kijiji 4 sale. I'm in St. Catharines - 33 pages of sleds! I've been looking for a Ski Doo Touring 500 fan as well. Must be in good shape & reliable.

Yes, most of the bigger ones do, too heavy to pull back by yourself.

Fan cooled sleds are good for the ice and road but if you want to have some fun buy a liquid. Studs are a MUST , long tracks are good for extra tunnel length for racks, watch for half a## rebuilds if you go used and buy ice scratchers whether you go liquid of fan cooled. The machine I have now is a skidoo 500ss (600 carb) liquid cooled and I can ride all day on glare ice and as long as the scratchers are down I'm ok. I would personally only buy a 600 or bigger just because at times the power is great to have! If you ever run into a big slush bed you will be very thankfull you have extra power on tap!

Check out Dave Genz "Keys to Mobility" on You Tube,that outta give you some ideas.He has that thing set up like a bass boat for ice fishing. Real nice unit!

We run a 500, with plenty of power to haul two 230 pound guys with a fish trap guide towed behind, and loaded with gear.

The only reason is.......... Ford doesnt make snow machines.... Yamaha is a quality company, dont get me wrong..

Just bought a brand new Yamaha venture RS. 5k cheaper than the GT lots of power. If you can find one in stock I highly recommend it.