getting started

Get out to the local pond and talk with the guys sailing there.
Go to "yahoo groups: iceboating" log on and get advice on all aspects of iceboating.

There are many factors involved in choosing an iceboat. When
looking at various boat types try and list what you want your boat
to do. If taking friends for a sail, simple construction, low price,
and exceptional saftey are important to you consider the features of
a Scooter or Shingle type iceboat.

1------Multi passenger iceboat. Unlike most ice boats with a speed
at all costs design Scooters and there cousins Shingles have a work-
boat herritage. These ice boats will carry as many people as you can
cram on board. A 18 ft scooter might carry as many as 7-8 passangers
when not raceing.

2------Simplicity of rig. With these iceboat types just raise the
mast and sails and away you go. The runners are fixed so thers' no
precision runner aligning to be done out on the ice. no moving
parts, runners, steering mechanisms, delicate runner plank prone to
breakage, etc...

3-------Economical! The Shingle is probably the cheapest way to get
serious about Iceboating. A shingle iceboat can be built for 1/8th
the cost and in 1/4 the time as a Dn or other typical iceboat. A
nice Shingle might cost 100-150$ in material costs, thats cheap!

4-------Water crossings. The Scooter has the unique ability among
iceboats to be sailed on soft water as well as hard making them the
ideal boat for testing the ice early or late in the year.

5-------Time tested. While many iceboat designs have been around for
some time only the traditional stern steering iceboats have more
history. A century+ of recreational and comercial use has seen
Scooters and Shingles become wonderfull boats well worth your
consideration.

have fun!
Dan N.