Thru the Ice

[Moldman]

Fellow AATV Owners, I purchased a Max IV a few weeks ago which is very new to me and will mainly be used for ice fishing. I will be installing a track system soon. I sold all the snowmobiles for something more useful for what I want to do. My fear or question is have you gone thru the ice on a lake? What did you do to get out? Any help in calming my nerves with videos or suggestions would be deeply appreciated. Thanks

[Toys4Me]

I have gone through many times. Usually I have another 6x6 riding with me to help pull me out. I also carry a grappling anchor that I can either drill a hole and put it in to pull against or find something to hook it on. I have yet to use the grappling anchor yet but have fallen through plenty. I've also seen videos of people using ice screws for anchor points.

[North Country Tough]

Been there done that worse one was with the plow attached needless to say don't want to go there again pics in my gallery,we travel alone its just the way it is so ice conditions we try and be positive of but **it happens we carry a good come-along and web straps some chain a short 4 ft fence post and a auger have had to auger a hole in the ice back a piece and use the post for a anchor desperate times call for desperate measures I usually keep a length of web strap already pinned in the receiver and coiled in the back,it works and is a pain but beats the heck out of getting wet and your snowmobile out of the lake,best bet stay off something you don't know but be prepared for the worse have some snowshoes and the usual survival gear for the winter extra clothing etc,make damn sure your drain plugs are in let someone know where you are going and expected time of return and remember you are safe and dry and floating think before you knee jerk react and buzz the wheels up and tip the thing and take on water stop and think your way out you are in little danger just floating and well dressed till help arrives.NCT

[Rabbit929]

Yes if you punch through, your gonna want to use your instincts to make you level. She will float as long as you don't have two tons of stuff onboard. It's a good idea to expirament with your payload in the water during the summer. If your sitting in the water on a frozen lake, and your level, you are pretty golden at that point. I wouldn't try to climb out without being anchored, also get out the same way you came in.

The ice behind you is typically stronger than what's in front of you.

[tbone9]

Check out my video on Vimeo. It's titled Max IV breaking through thin ice. Don't know how to send a link. The pond is four feet deep. I would not try this out on a lake.

[wedge]

Also make sure you have your DRAIN PLUGS IN !!!

[hipowerone]

She will float as long as you don't have two tons of stuff onboard. It's a good idea to expirament with your payload in the water during the summer.

Frozen or not, ice is water, and when on water, MAXIMUM LOADS IN WATER should never be exceeded!

Every year we read about someone who has ventured out on ice and broken through. Many times the end story is not pleasant. Luckily, those with AATV's with PLUGS INSTALLED are in a much better position than a 4 wheeler or snowmobile, but AATV's can and do sink if limits are exceeded. An AATV with tracks has a much lower MAXIMUM LOAD IN WATER than someone without tracks. Yes, some tracked AATV's can climb out of the water back onto the ice, but the process can put the vehicle into a precarious position in the process. As RABBIT929 pointed out, the direction from which you came is probably the safest direction to head to get back out. But you are best to seek help first before trying to extract yourself. And remember, if you get wet or your body becomes submerged, your chances of survival drop immediately and drastically!