I was thinking of getting a sled this year to help run my beaver line.

What year should I be looking at and anything to watch out for good or bad ?

Bravos are all pretty much the same. The dealer in Whitehorse has 60 units left, the last of them as they are not making them anymore. With a price tag of over 6k they are to expensive in my book.

I bought one of the 2011 bravos for $3500 out the door here in Fairbanks last spring, not sure what they are going for now. I see a few pop up on craigslist quite often but it seems the resale value is going up since they quit making them.............

How good are Bravo's for running a line ?

They're reliable, easy to start (still pull start, but not a whole lot of resistance with only 250cc), light, and fuel efficient, all good things for a trap line. But they are small, hard to ride, and slow, and require some mods to make them more comfortable and I guess another one to keep snow out of the steering column. I know that I will buy one for my son when he is old enough (if not sooner for my own uses.)

They are great for deep snow and manuvering through trees. Suspension sucks and hard on a guy if you plan on putting on a lot of miles in a day. For short runs here and there not worrying about getting stuck they are great. They can pull a load. Just not fast.
40 pretty much tops unless going downhill. I have used one a lot on my marten line.

I was reconsidering to purchase a bravo for trapping and for my growing boys to start help trapping I owned one before for about two seasons, and at times I sure miss the bugger. The built in rack is amazing and they are light. Just wished that they were still manufacturing them each year. If I knew the companies number I'd give them suggestions about keeping them on their lineup of snowmobiles

Nick I think it is more about EPA and them not qualifying. Have to make machines now that don't pollute so much I think. Still a lot of used ones out there. I picked one up this summer for my daughter for $500. It works fine.

There is a 1991 Bravo for sale near me that I am considering getting for pulling a couple of dogs around for lion hunting in Idaho, think it can handle that job?

Probably

easily. Lots of posting about Bravos lately. You can pick up some good ideas to make them more comfortable and usable. Not faster however.

Thanks guys, faster is not a problem since faster usually means the dogs get beat to heck. I usually don't go much over 15 mph anyways. This one supposedly runs great and is for sale for $400. I figure at that price I won't be out too much anyways to give it a shot. Thanks!

Ok...another quesition.

Which one would you look for a short or long track ?

No question. Long track

I guessed as much but just wanted to back up my guessing. I came across several short tracks for about 450 or so. But no luck on the longs.

Here we go again. My partner just burned up his month old Bravo because the oil pump malfunctioned in the cold !

OOOOOOOOH! Is THIS why you mixed that gas for me to use in my new Bravo Mr. Sunshine?

That's right poopsie

I never relied on oil pump in any of my 2 strokes. My jet drives, my out boards, all my 2's I mix the oil into the gas...leason learned many years ago.

Hey Ken...a month old should be still under warrenty ??? Or at least the pump

He's hoping it is !!

I'm with you. Mix it all

No more mixing for me with the new ACE 4 stroke, however it probably just won't start when it is 30 below

Let us know how that works out Fish! I plan on using my new (to me) machine for some time, but I'm sure it will have to be replaced at some point.

Ken did he have the airvent open in the front? How do you know it was oil? I burned my new one up 5 years ago at 60 miles. To hot for conditions. Then I learned more about the vent. The oiler did go out two years ago however. I mix now. Save it however before it was too late.

Right on Bravo Talk!!! I got mine last year it got 1700 miles so far. I had a short track and two long tracks before. I think the next mod i want to put on it is shorter chair that is raised up some for comfort. I still run with the oiler. Was thinking of cutting some cushion foam to slip in the front when breaking trails/take out when not. Has anybody done that. Last year mine cost $4,500 with shipping. Been on the look out for some UHMW here in the village. Gonna put a skid plate under and up past the bumper 4-5 inches or so with cut out hand holds. U-bolted to the bumper to secure the front.

Yukon I am in the process of doing just that with my seat. Shorter and building a box under it. Foam is good. Lots of it. You have to modify your windshield to go higher but it is worth it. Just rivet on some lexan.
I am about done with my 340 as well. Short seat with a box. Gives me a lot of rack space now.

FT- I got the windshield last year, got tired of crouching while cruising home in the cold weather. Did you get to the heater hose? I like the idea about more space, but i think i am jus going to scavange a different seat so i can switch if i ever have to. Maybe if the kids get it some day. But i did get the Soft case mounted/machette/axe and winshield extension. Next would have to be seat, then make a spot for the ice pick to go. I think i am going to rivet uhmw under the foot rails also, make it stronger and help it slide along in the deep stuff. I was thinking about taking a Hand crank boat winch, dbl-line pulley the cable and adding hooks on the under side so i can hook it to the front or back if i ever have to. Be faster then a come-along. Then skid plate, if i run it farther out it should help with the snow getting in the hood. Also help it float in the soup higher. Well i cut up three big totes of bait size fish chunks, jus have to wire it up. Gonna head out and check out the east line tomorrow if it warms up some.

All I am able to find around here used are the short track in the 85 - 92 years. Any thoughts about those ?

Len, he said it started right up and he let it idle for 15 minutes. Then he laid it over to get the track moving and it revved up and quit. It was 35 below so his thinking is that the oil in the reservoir was too thick to flow through the pump. Why the heck don't they mount that oil rez under the cowling ?

Yukon any more info on the heater hose thing? That would be nice to have warm air blowing up,my skandic has something like that.

Speaking of the heater hose -
When I took a long ride last weekend I noticed that my left boot was getting a lot of warm air. It was dry and warm when my right boot was all iced up.

Is there supposed to be heat exhausted out that side?

Yukon & Family Trapper: Can you post pics of the heater hose mod and any others?

"0n a Call" i had a 1992 short track ran like a champ for a few years, i got it used. But i used it all winter. Ate a piston one morning, buddy rebuilt it by noon. Then i ended up trading it off. But for in town use it was great. Fun. But rather have a longtrack for work and trapping and such.

White, i hate the oil resvoir where it is. I alway have to leave it half full when i get back so i can add oil from behind the woodstove in the morning when i am warming it up. Ol' Blister-yea the heat comes out that side from the clutch and the engine schroud pointing in that direction. Why i never wear mukluks anymore :-(

okie and ontario; i don't have any pictures but i am can explain it. The engine schroud is where the heat comes out. 1- Make sure it is removeable. Cause on warm days your engine has to move hot air faster. I made the one i had not removable and it was a pain to wire on and cut off. I used a rubber forklift tube liner. But prefer something that stays flexible. I used a Shop vac hose and cut a hole through the dash and slipped it through the bottom side first. left the hose Couple feet long. Next i fitted the Rubber liner around the schroud in a funnel style position. Wired it to stay its shape. Then i fitted the shop vac hose to the Rubber liner. Then i used 4 pieces of wire to attach to engine schroud. Was nice and warm behind the windshield Kinda had to duck to warm up the Nose. But worked good for thawing out the gloves/googles and such. If i was to put another i'd use zip ties because they are faster to use attaching assembly. Bad part is it sucks out most of the heat from under the hood, so your oil lines and stuff can't quite warm up so good, but i always add oil from behind the woodstove. Hope that helps.

On all my sleds i have a small electric heater i use under the hood and cover it up with old sleeping bag/somekinda cover. I leave it there sometimes up to an hour. Pre-heats everything. 3.5x4x5 size dimensions find a place to wedge it in and plug it in/close/cover. -50 below works great :-) lol i burned up a few hair dryers over the years lol

Thanks Yukontrapper. Good info. I have a 2011 Bravo LT that I pick up this month. I also have the chance to buy a friends 2006 Tundra LT (300F) that is in mint shape. Any info, good or bad on the Tundra? I thought they would make a great trapping combination???

The Tundra is a great machine, but check and see if the 2006 is the first year they started making the new model (can't remember if it was 06 or 05) the first year they had clutch problems. The rest of the years have a different clutch setup that works great. Unfortunately the new model Tundras also need the heater hose mod, the older model Tundra's blew warm air out the dash in your face, for some reason when they changed the design they did away with that and blow all the warm air out on your left leg. When I asked the idiot at the dealership why they did that he helpfully explained to me that the warm air coming off the motor that used to blow up under the windshield and warm your face and hands on the old models was slightly damp, and this caused you to be colder than riding along at -20 with only the cold wind blowing in your face. Guess he has never rode an older Skandic in cold weather if he can say that with a straight face!

YT, what does a "fork lift tube liner" look like?

How many miles do you need to travel to get your oil reservoir half empty?

This is a good thread. I appreciate all this information I'm getting here ;o)

Just play along with her. OK Guys ?

After I go through both gas tanks ( or 6.5 gal) It takes a quart of oil.

That works out to a ratio of 26 to 1. I thought that machine ran 50:1

Both of mine burn that.

That's interesting The book says 50:1

Ontario- word of knowledge makes things easier for us all. lol. But yea no idea on the 300F Skidoo, wouldn't mind trying one though. Seen some here before but not many pepole bought them. Usually to the end of the lines and back gets me more then enough to get around half. They average 25-35 miles out one way. Blister- The Fork lift liner is what protects the tubes from the rim inside the tire. But when i do put a new one in i want to use some thing that won't freeze. Was thinking that cloth material they use for space heater tubes, make it easier to work with. Well can finally cross the river now, but i have to get back to the J-O-B tomorrow :-( So prolly next weekend i can make it to the west line.

I just got done parting out a bravo long track I picked up for $50 . Was a beater but I got more parts and pieces for the 6 I am trying to maintain or work up to running. ;0) Goo undercarriage. Thought the track was good but ended up having center rip that had been stitched. Good head. I am going to get a motor rebuilt just for when one takes a dive. They change out fast. Be better to have one on hand in the future.
I am going to be working on an old one over the holidays. I will start keeping a good write up of the mods I am making.
Going to play with some things. High seat with a storage area, removable trap box, Look at making some some wide ski skins or maybe even some new skies out of UMHW.
I am also going to be fabricating some kind of heater ducting. That think blows a lot of hot air and a left foot can't get it all. ;0)
Going to switch all my machines over to premix also. There too old to trust.

Family Trapper: Sounds like you are going to build the Trapping Super Bravo! Here are some pics of mods I found on the net that I thought were good ideas.

Here is my sled unpacked,



Here is what I do to the front bumper, I leave the "slidy thingy" for air open all the time, the belt is for lifting and there is one in the rear for the same purpose, on the bottom of the plastic is another piece of belt that reflects most of the snow from getting in your face in deep snow




I open this hole to allow more fresh air and the wire wheel is a must, I can put alot of stuff between windshields but is mostly for wolf snares,



One of the first things I do to a bravo is drill a hole in the tub between the engine and gas tank to allow melted snow to escape for it don't interfear with your steering.

Need photo of hole in tub please

When it gets light out I'll take pic of a couple more "attachments"

Thanks~


Hey I looked at that burned up Bravo yesterday. The cylinder and piston were both pretty well scored but the rings were free and intact. The odd thing is that the underneath side of the top of the piston is burned black. No holes.

Takotna is the hole in the dash just a vent or do you have hose coming up to it for hot air? How far back does the skid plate go?

The hole is under the starter,



Okie, here's my skid plate, I also cut off the tail flap to reduce snow build up and getting stuck and the dash hole is just a vent,




Here is something I'm waiting to get stuck to try,







I found this is a must, rivit/bolt something to reinforce the floor board, make sure it's overlapped in front of the rivet, I got round stock on my spare one but this is all I could find above snow, I someday got to flip it since it builds up with ice.

Takotna: Did you add the 3rd idler wheel?

Did but took it off cause it kept more snow/slush from getting out.

So why is the Bravo such a popular sled with trappers? Is it more of a work/utility sled? Why this sled over other makes and models? Just curious, other than this board I've never heard of the Bravo's. How do they compare with a Skandic? Thanks!!

To me it's just the dependability, and used to be cheapest to buy. it's diffently not for 6 footers or heavy people, AND you need a good back

It's a utility machine at it's finest. faster than walking, very easy to work on, very light to free if stuck, and a long track to keep from getting stuck. It's no cadillac, it isn't made for comfort. Made to work, and it does.

Only sled I think would be better is the Skandic 440LT. Only reason I say that is the power of the engine. It was light weight and probably as horrible to ride as the Bravo, but the bigger engine opened up more areas for it (dominated deep snow).

Awesome, thanks for the answers! I'm 6 foot and heavy!

440 is a cadillac ride compared to the Bravo.
I have to say that one of the coolest things when riding the bravo is how your mind opens up to go new places that you wouldn't think of in a larger machine. The fear of getting stuck is greatly diminished.
6 years ago when they reintroduced them you could buy a brand new in the spring at the end of the year for $2800-$3000. Pretty good way to get into a new utility sled. Lots of parts avilable as they haven't changed them for the last 30years very much. Pretty much interchangeable.
I have decided for my long line when I run it again I am going to carry a spare head, piston, rings and base gasket in my sled to camp. You could change it out in less than a half hour in a pinch on the trail.

Ontariou Thanks for the picts. I really like the cowling rack. I find myself putting my pack on the front generally. This would be cool. Would need some kind of quick disconnect to open up but it would be quite nice to have. And being able to use the light would make it a plus. ;0)

Man, I just see that cowling rack getting hung up on brush and trees.

-TJ

LOL!! Simultaneous typing !

Man I'd have that rack, windshield and cowling all torn off in 30 minutes if I had that rack on there. It has to snag on every bush and tree I would think.

I like the rack. Would have LOVED it on the 440. I'm t hinking it'd be just fine on all machines. Just like the skis: fits inside the outline of the machine, you'll be good.

Maybe in your country but not mine. Heck you'd have to try hard to hit something in your area.

lol white, never hear of trying hard to hit anything but i aswell would tore that off in brush.
FT-great plan, i better get looking for bravo parts i guess. Better to be ready then waiting on the mail for parts.
Takotna-awesome posts on the skid plate and the wire reel placement. I want to try your vent in the dash now i like the option to slide it closed when i have to. I took a square boat floation cushion and tied it down to my chair and it raised the height by 2.5 inches made a bid difference on the back and knees.

Really. I wonder where you got that idea?


I did most of my first year long lining with this one. Your right it makes a big difference. I then moved up to the 6 inch foam bungied under my bravo cover.

Then I put it incorporated it into the seat and by far the best ride yet. Been there done that. No added suspension with the boat cushion. More foam. I'm telling you. You won't regret it. Lots of foam. recovering the seat is a piece of cake. Even if you don't sew it.

Here is a little something I do when I am making a set. A warm drink or some cup of soup is a nice break


Wings I need wings. Thats next.


Really though I bust as much brush as any bravo rider out there. I don't think you would hang up on brush. If it isn't going down in front of you are off to the side of the machine your in trouble with your windshield anyway. I think it would be quite functional. Just have to figure a quick disconnect to open the hood without a lot of hassle. Will find out hopefully.
My hope is to be able to carry my sleeping bag, pad, tarp and some gear on front for a night of camping.

Okay So I am back in Homer in my own shop. Just got done putting the final coat of paint on Garrity's bravo box and have been strategizing on Bravo skis.
Went down and priced a 40 inch by 8 inch piece of umhw for skis. Not ski skins. But skis. Pretty spendy here. Over $20 a square foot.. About $57 a ski. I would be dropping a lot of weight in metal skis. Still incorporate the same leaf spring suspension. Have to custom build an attachment piece but think it might work. I need skis for one I have here so rather than pay $100 on ebay for used ones, and $100 for skins I am going to give it a go at designing a pair. What would a sheet of 1/2 inch umhw cost in Anchorage? Where is the cheapest?

Also looked and there is plenty of cable length to raise the steering wheel 3 inches with a riser of some sort. Not some much leaning over when on your knee or standing up.

Please share pics FT!

Will be putting the seat together in the next few days. Will take photos. as well as when I add more items. As usual I always play nice and share.

Great pics there FT, i like the ideas you put up as well as takotna's. Had to laugh at the bravo in the air, the secret of your tip-up, thats how you clean away the limbs way up there :-)
If any thing i may be able to find the chair i had on the short track i used to have. Short track chair, plus added foam, then new covering. With the shorter seat i can fit more in the back. Mainly my cooler that go's where i go when out in the sticks. Then additional trapping gear. I think i am going to move the oil tank back under the hood, jus have to find a older oil tank. That will free up the old tool storage location "For putting my lures" and plugs/wrench. Speaking of plastic i was looking at a very nice 55 gallon plastic barrel i keep moving around the yard, it is soon to get the Skill-Saw this coming weekend lol. Skid plate and attach it under the foot rails front to back. I think you can get away with some sort of mounted sattle bags on the hood big enough to store things, but small enough not to get hung up on stuff.

Wings I need wings. Thats next.


[/quote]

I really have to ask...did you aim for those willows? When you could have headed three feet to the right and slipped on through. Only jokin but wow if you would have been going about 30 you would have been air born, Yahooooo.

I am having a tuff time finding a long track ....I am looking and looking but all I find are short tracks.

On a call, You might get along ok with a short track in your area. I would think you get lots of lake effect snow and that usually packs pretty well. Get you an otter sled to pull behind it and your golden. Just a thought.

Hey Gun, Yes I have an otter I have been pulling for the last few years, I am tired of it and well..now you know why I need a machine . Yes to the lake affect and it has been light the last few years and some trails are even dry. But...there are times and places trying to cut a new trail or to go where I want is not easy and can be deep. Like about 3 -4 feet.

Thanks maybe I will pick one up. found an 85 that needs rings for 350.00.

Oh...that and I was going to make a UHMW sled. I can get a 1/4 x 4 x 10 sheet for

Good call on the use of a plastic barrel. I am now on the look out.


I can't honestly remember. Been 4 years. That year conditions were near perfect. Lots of snow by Feb and never snowed another 3 inches till the end of March. You could go anywhere. I did a lot of traveling through the forest setting. A mistake for future use of the sets. But fun. Must have been a reason or just a bad turn but sometimes you just think a little extra speed and things will fall. Well they didn't this time.

A guy can kind of get distracted. This is one of my favorites. I was cruising at the speed of an outboard motor on a heavy boat across the meadow gazing into the distance for set locations and one of the many sink holes that are in the area appeared out of no where.
Surprise. I don't have wolves in this area but always thought it would be a good place to try a water set for wolves as they stay open all winter.

I can see the advantages of a long track...more room to carry, more floatation for crossing sink holes, and most likely more traction.

Yukon I have about 20 barrels laying about...I did not understand your comment regarding what you were doing with it, other than the skid plate.

On a Call, My plan for the Barrel is to make the Skid Plate up passed my bumper, if you look at Ft's picture of his Bravo i'll run mine up past the bumper 6-8 inches to help with floatation and to deflect the snow from filling up the Engine Tub then icing it up. Also i am going to make plastic sliders underneath the foot rails front to back and see if that helps while breaking trails. More or less all the plastic will help it slide better while breaking trails. Also the plastic is thinner then UHMW an i think it'll be easier to work with. Plus if anything its free ya jus have to shape everything to fit. Counter sink the rivets slightly and it should hold out jus fine. Happy thanks giving folks, enjoy.

Yukon, I now understand and good idea. If you have a wood stove you can warm up that plastic by heating it up. I have done it and as long as you do not over heat it can be shaped and mounded.

Thank you and you too have a great day tomarrow !!

Yep, you also. Thanks for the tip on heating the plastic, i'll try it out. I was looking at a old tabogon i got out there was thinking of using that because the plastic is black. 3ft X 8ft. The runners are cracked up. So i may use that instead of a blue drum lol. I think i want to make some kinda of cover for my sled, always filling up with snow. I have a Trail Boggan by Equinox. Was thinking about somekinda canvas snap on cover that will go half way down the sides so it can't blow under the top lip of the sled. Anyone put covers over their trapping sleds?

The first year I ran an otter sled. I cut a heavy blue tarp the size I wanted and sewed in a bungi cord. It worked well. It was always bungied over the top as well.

I made a canvas cover with a bungie cord that runs through the edge it fits over the top of my sled and works pretty well. The only time I have problems is when I did not notice it poped off and had to back track to pick up my stuff. I was pulling it behind my three wheeler ice fishing moving too fast and not thinking, " Kids ".

If I would have used rope it would not have poped off.

The use of bungie cords over the top is a good idea to keep stuff in place. I have thought about using a Pickup truck tool box with ski's under it or maybe a sled. That way it is locked down and nothing is lost. Just a thought. Not sure how much abuse it would take though ??

Ft- I like the tarp idea with bungee stitched along inside of it, but bungees scare the shat outta me lol. Jus don't trust them lol. I use maybe 1-2 the whole winter one for the front of the gun case and the other for the snowshoes. Everything is strapped or tied on. I was thinking about ripping 1" X 3/4" strips of wood and bolting them to the sides of my sled and then putting those little push on snaps. So i can snap on my cover. Maybe i'll make one whole side permanently attacted so i only have to unsnap one side of the sled to access the totes. Seems like every trip i am hauling around snow in my sled, gets heavy after awhile. So i'd better get started on the next project.

Scared of bungies?? Have a bad experience? All bungies are not created equal. A good bungie is near impossible to find. I would be lost without them. They take up slack where rope doesn't. By the way the best bungies are at AIH. The big black ones. Not all rubber but nylon over rubber. They are the heaviest I have found and really work well in the winter. They have wanabees at Lowes and Home depot. Go AIH.

The snaps I think would be a bad idea. Go out in a freeze thaw or a little overflow and you will be toast. They will fill up with ice. I actually like to nest everything in a tarp and tie it down like in my photo. At least for big loads and long rides. The carabiners are the ticket when using rope. But bungies are the best when in and out of the sled a lot.
Well going to have some sweet bravo picts for you guys tomorrow. Too tire right now and have a few more finishing touches to do to my sons bravo. Your going to like it.

I too hate bungies. They are always snagged on something but it's the danger factor that I don't like. I saw a gal nearly have her eye ripped out when she was attaching the other end. A small ratchet strap would be my coice if I couldn't use rope.

Ft- i do use bungee's but very sparingly. There was a guy here who had a glass eye cause he was bungee his back pack on his sled, snapped back and took his eye. I Had one snap back and catch my fur hat. So now i jus don't trust them. The thought of losing my Shooting eye would be about all i can take. Small straps and ropes. Well i may try the snaps, if they freeze i'll use the torch on them. I am going to try bring mine this winter. Like the hot drink and noodles, and the option to make a fire and fast. GOnna be interesting what creation rolls outta your shop!!!

I got one of those spider web looking bungee things at "Fish Creek Sales" in Wasilla. It really works great, if one hook comes loose you don't have to worry because there are plenty more. The have different sizes, and don't cost that much either. I plan to buy more and maybe a big one for my new cross fox.

niteize.com - figure 9 tie downs. Pull once to tighten, lock rope into serrated vee and your done. Use over totes, tarps or whatever. Sold at REI, SBS, etc.

Pipeniner, I saw you mentioned these in my sled post. I looked them up but couldn't find a place that sold them, niteize wasn't showing them as for sale (might have been a glitch). Looks like a great product, thanks for the info.

Those figure 9 look good but I just tend to use my knots.

Does anyone have any idea for extending a short track to carry gear off the back ?

pull a sled instead. The short track undercarriage is a weak one. It won't stand much abuse without cracking up. I had one in 85 and in a couple years I was welding on it. You would be better off with a front rack for some things. Like the tundra on the previous posts.

OGS : They are sold on the site - just click on figure 9 rope tightener and it shows the product, product video demonstration, shopping cart, other online sellers, etc. They show a dozen or so venders. REI has them in Anc.

If your good with knots thats fine, but I like them because they have many uses and knots are a pain with overflow, different weather conditions and types of rope. Nothing magical - just another option.

Well were nearly finished for now.
Here is was earlier in the week.. Going to be a lynx killing machine I hope.



Here are some finished photos of it. Looks better than it did and is more functional for my son who is 6’6”.

Got carried away painting at 1 am. Couldn't stop. I wouldn't make it in an auto body paint shop but Hey the grit and dirt will help the traction on the floor boards. Reminded me of the new paint job you see on the 1930's tractors. They look real nice from a distance. ;0)





First was the seat project.
I made a mistake using 2 by 6. Should have used plywood. Next one. Missing from the photo is a wood strip to keep it snug.






Had some trouble attaching from the bottom. If you drill make sure you align your hold with that of a cleat cog hole in the track so you can see the hole.

Found some thin veneer at the dump. Thought it would keep the material from chafing.


Next step was the handle bar riser. Made from 3 by 2 rectangular Alum tubbing. There was plenty of cable length for it. I believe the handlebars came of a mongoose bicycle. ;0) They are about 2 inches wider than the stock bravo. A little short also. We just bought 5.5 inch bolts and squeezed it together.





Had to grind down the centerpost a bit on the shaft.






Next it was windshield. With the addition of lexan we needed to have the the existing one as vertical as I could get it. I opted to abandon the previous methods to attach the windshield and came up with my own invention. A little wood and some scrap aluminum and were set.









Cut out the windshield and were nearly ready. I like to clamp the windshield and drive it to hold it until adjusted.


Still dreaming. Should be handy.

Looking good FT!

FT...What areas should I check out to if this short track sled has any issues before purchase ? Or should I just forget buying it anyhow. I am kind of a heavy guy 230 and if a short track will not hold up no sense in buying.

Really liked your photos, no matter what I get those give me some ideas !

Morning, FT- thats pretty nice like how ya did the chair and bars. Does it have the oil tank under the hood? And the tool box where its used to be? I want to find an old style bravo and make the secondary tanks bigger and mount the oil tank behind the motor. well see, not much bravs around here. But good job!

On Call at 230 I would not even consider a short track. They are just small. The undercarriage will suffer cracking. A long track would be the smallest I would go and you might find that it is small as well.

It does still have the tool box and oil reservoir in the same spot. I am going to abandon the oil and start premixing. They are too old to trust the pump.

OAC, You don't have to limit yourself to a Bravo. I'm sure there are plenty of machines and most have suspension that will suit your needs. I found this gem on Craigslist for 2300 bucks. I'm sure there are tons of used machines that are barley broke in down there. You might even get the matching jacket and helmet.

OGS I wished I could find a gem like that down here....

I looked at a new Bravo last feb $3999. A freind has had one for years and seems like a nice rig for icefishing and beaver trapping but after I sat on it it seemed way to small for my pitete 280 lb frame. I steped up to a 2011 Bear Cat.
I must say thoe,had I found a good buy on a Bravo in good shape I would have bought it. But when the dealer offered me a 2 year warrentee on the new Bear Cat I took it. Its alot to spend unless you will use it allot and I will.

I am not too sure how much use it will have as I am south of the snow belt and have to drive 3 hours to find snow and beaver. But I do it, only once a week or two. So perhaps 8 days use.

However if I do find a good sled I will be happy. And I do want a light unit as we can have deep snow.

Thanks guys !

Well like they say. Never too young to learn how to pack a bearing. Playing with grease is fun for a 7 year old.



Getting the undercarriage ready for the new bravo project. Gone through all the idler wheel bearings for starters.
Takotna putting that undercarriage part to good use finally.


My son's skis were pretty rusty. So until we get ski skins or make new skis we thought we would wire brush them with a grinding wheel brush and wax.
Delta is shown getting into it. Waxing the bottom of the skis.
The bravo project has been extremely rewarding if for no other reason than to give Garrity lessons on small engine mechanics, Very simple machine but he has taken off or worked with ever part of the machine except taking down a motor. But that is coming.
We have troubleshot electronics, fuel, carbs, clutches etc.


The high seat bravo is so working out great. Really changes the feel of the bravo for the better.

Packing bearings, ugh...I'll do that to my machine next summer, not really looking forward to it. Any tips on how to get the kids involved in this stuff? My first is 2 months old now, need to have the plans laid when the time comes.

Nice machine Onegunsmith. 2300 dollars is a steal for that nice 300f tundra. They go quick these days at $3800 or more. I only paid $3500 new for mine. I have two of the 300f tundras they aren't trouble free but once you figure out the bugs they are a great machine to trap with. Have you used it enough to figure out the weak links? I could give you some pointers if you need. The suspension on these beats the old tundras and bravos by a long shot. I put fox gas shocks on mine and can't believe the difference in ride but they cost a quarter of what the machine sold for.

For you guys talking about ducting heat places on the Bravo's, SCAT hose for aircraft would probably work good. You can get it at Stoddard's or any of the other Aircraft parts places in Anchorage. It comes in different sizes. I should rig up a duct on one of my Tundra's with some to warm up things behind the windshield or thaw out goggles.

Never to early to start. My theory is to involve them in everything you can at an age that they don't know any better than to think it is what we do in this household.
Put him in his little sit chair or whatever and have him with you as much as you can.
When my son was old enough to stand he stood beside me on a chair with his butter knife in hand skinning beaver with me.
When he was 8 he could clean skin a beaver just about as well as I could, a lot slower, but very well.


The same thing goes for a lot of your children's upbringing. Bring them up involved. It is worth it.
The biggest thing is to take the time to involve them. It will take you longer. But the memories are priceless.

So...involve them! Can't wait! Good season to you FT!

FT-Great job with the your lil ones. Cool to see ya getting them involved. Great Job. I like how your bravo Project is coming along. Got all of them involved in one way are another. Here is the bravo how i set it up so far.



I raised the windshield 6 inches, gun case mounted, added all the suspension wheels, mounted the axe on the left side of cowling, machette on upper right side of hood. Added the boat seat cushion, BTW that was great on the legs while sitting/riding but it froze solid as a rock lol. So i have 6inches of foam to add instead.
I want to mount a wire reel and snips next, but i have to find a different spot. I have to gather materials for the ducting up top or make the the slider like takotna. But the big thing to figure out is to get the skid plate made up and installed.
But i want to make my own cover up front that is faster then the factory slider. Otherwise running good so far this winter.

GREAT photos you guys....I sure would like to see my daughters packing bearings, let alone laying on the floor working on a under carriage !

Len you have done a great job with your children. God blesses you .

So...do you have to do any work with three helping you out ?

And...what are you ever going to do when they move out on thier own !

Cool Yukon. I like the gun case addition. You will really like the added 6 inches of foam for sure.
Something else my son did after seeing it on one of the bravos we acquired. He ran bolts through from the underside of the foot rests. Let them protrude out a half inch or so beyond the nut to create some traction. I like it too. The running boards can get slick.
We checked and the seat box is high enough we can get a mb 750 in an still close it. So lynx traps will be no problems.



Probably my biggest accomplishment in life has been the lifestyle I have brought up my kids in. They take for granted the life that most could only dream about.
Although early on it takes a a lot more effort to involve them in things that you could easily do faster yourself and with far less headaches but the satisfaction in it all is priceless.
Where they have all shined, without a doubt has been commercial halibut fishing. I set my boat up to originally to be a one man and a small boy operation. But they have all come up through the ranks of being on deck from a very early age.
This photo captures it well. The kids all started by handing hooks/ganions to an older sibling or me to bait.
Delta here at about age 2. Doing real work on a commercial fishing boat. The people at he local commercial fishing shop used to laugh at me when I was buying crew licenses for all my kids starting at an early age. Little did they know.



What will I do when they are grown? It is a worry for sure. My youngest is 7 so I have a while with her yet. Hopefully have grandkids to help train up when she leaves. I think Alaska is in their blood. Hopefully they wont move far.

Just got done putting skins and skags on mine/boys,man what a world of difference,with a little mod's and some four letter words the fit great,turns out they are not just slap on,and I have one ski bent.
But with the new skags it will turn hard enuf that is all most throws you out of the seat.Now I gotta get a peice of plastic over the whole in front,just gonna duck tape it for now.Cant wait to see how it floats in the really deep stuff.
FT thats great what you do with your kids,all i want to know is how you get a two year old to do something for more than 5 min without getting to distracted?
Great thread lots of info,I like the gun idea yukontrapper

Okie be very cautious about covering that hole for extended times. You will forget it and it will be covered when it shouldn't. I would make it easy on easy off. I would go so far as to cover in the powder and then stop and uncover. Just depends on temp. If your feeling your left foot get overly warm look out.
Just a piece of cardboard worked for me. crush it into place when closing the cowling. stop and tuck away upfront opening the vent back up.

It has not been without its moments.

Three of my kids could stand in the same place baiting or unbaiting hooks for hours on end. One can't do the same job for more than 5 min without a change.
Never a dull moment I tell you.



The only thing that would make it worse is to be without a camera.

I like the idea of the raised seat, next summer project i think. But i think i am going to shorten the seat and put a smaller box under. I was out in the field the other day and i am thinking about putting those small 1/4in ice screws on my track. I got stuck in a deep/steep banked creek and that sucked. I think the ice screw are the ticket for maximum traction. Well helped my dad get his lines all set up, so i am going to get my trail put in this saturday, i see the weather is going to be around +20, hoping not. i am all geared up and ready, i have 5 days off from work 8-13 of Dec. A buddy told me alot of wolf action upriver from where i plan on running my line so getting anxious. I made up 3 dozen wolf snares, jus have to add 9 wire. All the bait and equipment is ready. 50 sets are there have 30 more to add (marten). 12 wolverine conis/2 dzn snares. 24 cat traps. Jus gotta get out there :-)

FT- btw where can a guy buy the ganion cord by the rolls @. Thinking i should get some ordered so i can try it out. What is the breaking strenght of it. i used Paracord before but it sucked to untie...always end up cutting it. Thanks.

Yukon you can order it from the Gearshed or now called Redden Marine.
Order here or for an Alaska Supplier and probably faster delivery call the Homer store.
235-8612
I think it is the 60# you want. I will double check tommorow. I use it for a lot of things. It is great stuff to have around.

http://www.reddenmarine.com/marine-suppl...-1-lb-roll.html

Thanks come pay day i'll check it out, appreciate it.

Again great photos ! I have to agree with you...that without a camera your memories would only be in your head. As those kids grow up they certainly will be sharing them...and you too with thier friends. I liked the bucket one..but that kelp necklace is a winner too, and well...doing the dead man on a jib.....goofy times are ahead by all, everyone wins.

Sure is tuff finding a long track around here. I think you guys up there bought them all up ?

On a Call- i know i can't even find any parts ones here. One guy who traps up river has really cleaned it all up I sure want to find extra motors and such.