Few more questions -Gas Auger and pop up hut

As people maybe able to tell I’m itching to get fishing, lol.
So, I’ve got a few questions. I picked up a Eskimo 51cc Shark reg 600 on clearance at CT for 150, couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw it online, they didn’t even have it on floor yet, lucky me. So, firstly, I know the fuel is mixed 50-1, should I mix my own using premium gas, or should I buy the premixed bottles? I’ve heard both.

Next, after using it people lay them on the ice, is there a side that should be pointed up? Didn’t see anything in my instructions booklet on this. Or should I drill a half hole and leave it standing up?

Next, I’m looking at 2 pop ups, one a 4 man cube, with a floor space of 7.5’x7.5’ and the other a 4-5 man with a floor space of 8x8. I’ll be fishing with 1-2 buddies (2-3 total normally) but like having a lot of room. Both are insulated and both are same price. Is there any cons to buying the bigger hut?

Lastly (hopefully), I’m building a Smitty sled, it’s going to take a bit of designing as it must fit inside my car leaving atleast 1 of the rear seats useable, I was thinking maybe one of those big rubber made tubs with a hole in one end so auger fits inside as the storage on top but I’m not quite sure that will fit. What other options are there that could work for my situation? Thought about maybe a plywood base with sides that all takes apart? Thoughts?

Thanks guys

Pre mixed gas can also be hit and miss, how long has it been sitting on the shelf, and the price, you could nearly buy shares in an oil well. Go and find Amsoil, specifically this: 2 stroke oil, usually at CTC or any sport atv snowmobile place. A lot of people use Shell high test as it doesn't have ethanol. There are still a handfull of places that have regular no ethanol available. Don't go hog wild and mix 5 litres, it will go sour before you use it up. I never mixed more than one litre at a time. As for the rest, there will be more opinions.

If you are using mixed gas, it’s 2 stroke, so just lay it so gas doesn’t leak out the cap, you don’t have to worry about the oil running out.

To be sure of getting what you want from the gas pump, you need to clear it, and the hose, of whatever the last guy bought. That is usually a little more than 5 liters. To be sure, I pump about 10 liters into my vehicle first.

Pre mixed gas can also be hit and miss, how long has it been sitting on the shelf, and the price, you could nearly buy shares in an oil well. Go and find Amsoil, specifically this: 2 stroke oil, usually at CTC or any sport atv snowmobile place. A lot of people use Shell high test as it doesn't have ethanol. There are still a handfull of places that have regular no ethanol available. Don't go hog wild and mix 5 litres, it will go sour before you use it up. I never mixed more than one litre at a time. As for the rest, there will be more opinions.

Thanks for the info!

being 2 stoke use Shell premium or Costco premium both do not have ethanol, the 2 stroke oil from Stihl is really good and you cant go wrong. No worries about laying it down, being 2 stoke the carb is likely a metered typed so it can run in any position and no oil to leak out.

If you are not sure if the gas has ethanol pour a small amount into a clear jar, add some tap water and shake, if it gets cloudy it has ethanol or contaminated with water, if its clear and settles and you can see the water layer on the bottom its pure gas. As a trick you can still extract this gas, put this in a freezer and let the water on the bottom freeze solid and pour off the gas, clear it with the wife or do it when she is not around as trying to explain why you have gas in the freezer is not going to go well.... trust me

Kier......taker a look at the previous posts on this site for "smitty sleds".....there are some great designs already out there and a whole bunch of info posted from members. You should be able to find a design that will work with your vehicle and maximize your usage space on the sled.

Thanks for the info!

Kinda forgot about the search feature, will do. Thanks

You have some great input on the auger already so I will address the pop-up question.

Get the bigger hut, you will not regret it. The weight difference between the sizes will be small so get the hut with more space.

Another idea you can look at would be to place the sled on top of your car for transport. If you have roof racks great. if not pool noodles and straps will work perfect. This will allow you to build your perfect sled and have people in your car.

Any ideas on how I’d attach the sled onto the roof? No roof racks on my car. The noodles sound intriguing though.

Any ideas on how I’d attach the sled onto the roof? No roof racks on my car. The noodles sound intriguing though.

You can put the noodles cross ways on your roof to keep the sled skis from scratching your car. Then use straps the same way you would a canoe. Just open the doors and run the straps trough the cabin and over the sled to keep it on top. The contents of your sled can go inside the car to make it easier to get the sled on top.

For my smitty, I have a trunk mounted bike carrier...I just hang it on that. No worries about roof scratches:)

Doesn't it get extra muddy during transport?

When there is enough ice worth using gas auger you can drill a hole half -thickness and leave the auger upright:)