Snowmobile help

[bwhntr13]

Im looking to pick up a snowmobile and doing some research. Need one mainly for hunting hounds no need for playing much just hunting. I would be pulling up too 4 dogs at the most on a sled wondering what size motor and brand. Lookning for it to get me around on trails and off road stuff. Not looking to spend a fortune just something dependable any suggestions would be great thanks

[chsnlions]

If you can find an air cooled sled they are great. I have one of both, a polaris indy 440 air cooled and a skidoo 800 liquid with longtrack 2 1/2" paddles. For deep powder and pulling hard hills where there is no track already established the 800 is great. For any spots the snow is hard packed or old crusty snow, or warmer weather the 800 overheats and has to be shut off often to cool down. In these conditions the 440 air cooled works much better. Overall if i had to pick i would pick the 440 air cooled everytime. I did put a 1 1/4 inch paddle track on the 440, its not fast but can putt down a packed down trail or anywhere there is less than maybe 10 inches of snow pulling my dogs for hours with no problems. JMO

[zachvu]

I was also looking into getting one and it seems the best bang for the buck, especially for our uses, would be the Yamaha Phazer. It's a four stroke so it's a little heavier, but is reliable, capable, and they are going on ksl for cheap. I saw one a month or so ago for $1400 in great running condition. DO NOT get an RMK900. The other RMK's are a proven sled, but the 900's just have too many issues. That's not to say there aren't good ones, because the ones that don't have issues are a great machine, but it's a little too common. They have had 11 recalls on the 05 that I have...

[bwhntr13]

What year phazer would you look for

[huntfish8]

Snowmobiles are the most undependable piece of equipment out there... that being said there are some that are better than others all have diffent issuse. I have a 700 rmk it has been a very good slead to me but there are allways problems (when rideing it) allways go prepared. Always carry an extra belt, spark plugs, rope puller when your pull starter breaks, lots of tools, I could go on and on. I am not an expert by any means but I. Do snowmobile a lot though I have had polaris, artic cat, ski doo, and yamaha. All have faults I have had best luck with polaris 700 and ski doo 800. Good luck

[Oldmanindeepsnow]

Dont need a big sled I pulled dogs with a 340 arctic cat jag Now I us a 500 Skidoo fan cooled I have liquied cooled sleds but the fan cooled can just put along and not overheat. The bigger sleds cost more in gas

[bwhntr13]

Who makes a fan cooled sled that's used in 1000-1500 range

[Brindle]

I have a 2008 ski doo 550 fan I would let go for 1700$. All that's wrong is a tear in the seat.