Many novice anglers, when purchasing winter fishing equipment, experience financial difficulties when purchasing winter accessories. This is especially experienced by people of retirement age, residents of rural areas and schoolchildren. But in many ways, you can ease your financial difficulties by deciding to make some fishing accessories yourself.

For example, a fishing box! In Soviet times, when the country “suffered” from a shortage of everything, many fishermen themselves made this most important attribute of winter fishing. Most often it was made from plywood, cutting out the necessary parts (sidewalls, lid, bottom) and fastening them together with bars using nails. Almost at the same time, a method appeared for making a box from a refrigerator freezer that had become unusable.

Today, old Soviet refrigerators are thrown into a landfill, replacing them with more modern and high-quality “units.” For the body of a fishing box, a freezer extracted from a Soviet refrigerator that had fallen into disrepair is perfect. You just need to separate the tubes through which freon gas flowed from the chamber and you have a ready-made fishing box body at your disposal!

The bottom of the box is made from a 2-3 cm thick coniferous wooden board (can be aspen) of the required width. The board must be dried, planed with a plane, cut out the required shape of the bottom and cleaned. To allow melt water to penetrate, especially in spring, between the walls of the body and the bottom, it is advisable to insert a sealing strip of rubber (from a bicycle inner tube), first cover the ends of the bottom with it and secure it to the walls of the body with screws, moving 3-5 cm from the edge of the bottom.

The bottom must be coated with drying oil or paint on the outside. A protective layer of paint and a maintained distance (between the bottom and the ice) prevent water from penetrating into the box. Just remember to carefully clear the space for the box on the ice from snow.

The lid of the box is cut out of thick plywood. Having given the workpiece the desired shape, you should take into account a small overlap in front and on the sides of the future lid. Then a sponge (from a tractor or car seat) is placed on the workpiece and covered with a tarpaulin. Using a furniture stapler, the edges of the tarp are secured to the plywood, to the underside of the lid. The resulting cover should be connected to the body with small hinges or a strip hinge using screws. A small block should be placed on the inside of the body into which the screws connecting the hinges will be driven.

The fishing box needs additional compartments (for gear, catch, food), which can be easily made from scraps of boards. Having cut the blanks to the required dimensions and processed them, they should be placed vertically in the body and secured to the walls with screws.

To carry the box you will need a strong and preferably wide belt. It is secured to the sides of the box using small bolts, after making holes in the sides.

The fishing box is ready! Its duralumin base gives the box lightness, which is important for large transitions, and an aesthetic appearance. It is quite strong and durable and, of course, economical in terms of acquisition.

Good weather and winter fishing!

An experienced winter angler will never look askance at a fellow hobbyist with a homemade winter box. From a friendly joke in the style of “Petrovich, did Rapala send you a new model for testing again?” - it is unlikely that you will be able to dodge, but after that, the closest attention will be paid to the homemade product. There are well-founded reasons for this. Otherwise, how to explain that there are more and more such boxes on the ice every year.

And it’s not even a matter of savings, but of simple human convenience: optimization of weight, size, height, number and functionality of sections. The store assortment cannot always satisfy them. This is comparable to the feeling after wearing a custom-made suit: it doesn’t pinch anywhere, the length is perfect, everything fits your figure. In addition, if you have “straight hands”, making a homemade box is not at all difficult. And for a real fisherman, as you know, they always grow from the right place.

What can a box be made from?

Most often, a homemade charabanc (fishing box) is made from readily available materials: polystyrene foam, polystyrene, plywood, plastic, metal and wood. Or various canisters, freezer boxes and even suitcases are being modified.

If desired, you can even make a charabanc out of your wife’s cosmetic suitcase, after giving her a new one. You will be surprised, but this is practically a turnkey solution. With proper modification, you will get a very interesting model: close the sections so that nothing falls out, install foam rubber inside to place gear, attach insulation for comfortable sitting and make holders for mini-skis, which can be easily placed if necessary for greater mobility. Believe me, you don’t see this very often on ice.

Especially for you, dear readers, we have prepared brief instructions from the “Do it yourself” series of several models of charabancs.

Cheap and convenient! Make a winter box from polystyrene in an hour

The advantages of this model: light weight, withstands loads of over 100 kg, does not heat up and holds temperature well. You can rest assured about food, jigs and bloodworms. Thanks to the properties of the material, you can easily realize almost any creative idea. Make the height and width such that you feel comfortable.

Materials:

Polystyrene 5 cm thick, 2 - 3 sheets. Before purchasing, estimate exactly how much material you will need. It’s okay if there is excess left over - you can always add a compartment or use it for the exterior decoration of the product.

• Glue “Titan” or its equivalent - 0.5 l
• Hinges
• Screws
• Straps
• Angles for supporting the charabanc
• A magnet for fixing the lid or another fastener to be able to close the box

Tools and fabrication:

The first thing you need to do is visualize the box of your dreams. This refers to the shape, size, number and location of sections. Next, draw a rough sketch of the structure and start cutting materials. Armed with a jigsaw/saw with fine teeth, a screwdriver and a construction knife, you can safely get down to business.

Tip: measure 7 times - cut 1 time. This will save time and material. Also be sure to make a dividing wall inside the box, it will give the structure additional strength.

An unchanging “grandfather’s” classic. Charabanc from the freezer

“The store is either too expensive or not suitable. So I made it, a simple and light box for myself from an old freezer.”

The advantages of this model: ease of manufacture, because having a freezer, the box is already 70% ready. The light weight and dimensions allow you to move freely on the ice over long distances, without you feeling like a riding horse. Extremely convenient for actively fishing for pike perch in a reservoir.

Materials:

• Freezer
• Thin galvanized for internal partitions and drawer bottom
• A piece of plywood for the lid
• Insulation (foam or polyurethane foam)
• A piece of fabric to cover the lid with insulation
• Hinges
• Aluminum rivets
• Wide, dense elastic band for attaching gear under the lid
• Straps

Tools and fabrication:

Take a tape measure and measure the chamber to cut out the bottom from galvanized steel. It can be attached using aluminum rivets, of course, if you have a riveter (you don’t have to buy it, you can ask your friends for one time). You can fasten the internal sections to the same rivets; this is the most reliable and easiest way. Make a lid from a piece of plywood (2 cm thick). Then stuff it with insulation, previously wrapped in waterproof and durable material. You can install mounts for gear under the cover. Next, install the straps and clasp. Don't forget to insulate the box from the inside.

Tools you will need are a jigsaw or saw, a riveter, a construction knife, metal scissors and wire cutters.

Tip: A freezer drawer will cost you pennies if you borrow the missing tool. The freezer can be found at the metal collection point.

Charabanc from a canister! The fastest, but not the most reliable option

Advantages of this model: it would be superfluous to talk about reliability here, but the ease of execution and low cost of materials still made this charabanc very popular. It is light, practical and roomy. However, in severe frost it can crack and this is its only drawback.

Materials:

• Large size canister for drawer body
• Small canister for sections
• A piece of plywood for making a seat
• Insulation (foam, polyurethane foam)
• Waterproof durable fabric
• Staples for construction stapler
• Screws
• Hinges
• Plywood to strengthen the structure from the inside and internal sections
• Fiberglass and epoxy glue or aluminum corner 4*2 to strengthen the edges of the canister.

Tools and fabrication:

Everything is extremely simple. We take a large canister, determine the height of the future box and cut it evenly. We cut the small canister so that we get two side patch pockets. They can be attached to the main structure using a construction stapler. It is better to make the lid from plywood. Insulate it well and wrap it in durable fabric. However, before installing it, you need to secure the edges of the canister. To do this we need fiberglass and epoxy glue or corners. Inside we install sections of plywood; in addition to their main function, they will also act as a frame and further strengthen the structure.

The tools you will need are: a jigsaw/saw, a construction stapler or its equivalent, scissors, a screwdriver.

Advice: never forget that this structure may not withstand severe frost and crack at the most inopportune moment. Try insulating the charabanc from the outside.

Do you have a homemade box?

We know that a real fisherman will never give up his cool place, but the fisherman’s code not only does not prohibit showing off his homemade charabanc, but even welcomes it! Since many of us can modernize our models or simply get inspired, put aside the store drawer and make a design for ourselves!

Leave photos of your “craft” winter boxes in the comments. Let these models already be here. As you know, completely different things can be created from the same materials. In addition, sometimes some little thing, some unexpected decision, can radically change the design and mark the beginning of a new classic!

You can make a fishing box with your own hands from the body of a freezer that is no longer working. Such a solution is quite simple in terms of manufacturing and economical in terms of investment. Such a device allows you to achieve several goals at once - you can put gear in a fishing box made from a freezer, and use it as a seat during winter fishing, without spending money on expensive factory products.

You need to go on winter fishing well prepared; this will not only allow you to save face in front of your “colleagues” and other fishermen, but will also ensure comfort during the actual fishing. To increase convenience, a special device is required - a fishing or fishing box. This thing makes the process of storing ammunition easier. But factory models are quite expensive and the best option is a homemade box, especially since it’s quite easy to make one from the freezer.

How to do it yourself

It is much more economical and quite simple to make a decent fishing box with your own hands. It will be convenient to store gear in it, and its weight will be small. This homemade product, in addition to being spacious and light, also has a fairly high strength, which allows it to be used as a high chair.

Necessary materials

To assemble a homemade fishing box you will need the following tools and materials:

• hammer or mallet;
• a sheet of plywood according to the size of the freezer;
• freezer from a Soviet refrigerator;
• a couple of aluminum sheets the size of the freezer;
• pencil or marker - for marking;
• drill and drill bit 3 mm;
• canopies – 2 pieces;
• rubber glue;
• leather belt or car seat belt;
• strong thread;
• sealant;
• large sewing needle;
• materials for interior decoration of the box;
• foam rubber and other materials for seat upholstery.

You don’t have to zone the inside of the box, just as you don’t have to make the seat soft, just leave bare plywood. In this case, materials for arranging the interior space and for upholstery are not needed.

Preparing the necessary elements

The algorithm for making a box for winter fishing is as follows:

1. First you need to remove the freezer from an old Soviet-made refrigerator.
2. Afterwards, it is necessary to cut off the pipe through which freon previously circulated and rivet it, since otherwise this substance will flow out with an unpleasant odor.
3. When the pipe is riveted, you need to remove the rear (during operation it is the bottom) wall of the freezer by lightly tapping it with a hammer.
4. After dismantling the wall, you need to take 10 mm plywood, which is covered with plastic on both sides. Other types of plywood (coated with NC varnish or drying oil) are also suitable.
5. You need to trace the inner perimeter of the freezer with a pencil and cut out the required piece of plywood along it.
6. If the back wall, made of tin, does not correspond to the size of the freezer, then it is recommended to cut a sheet of aluminum the same size as plywood, but with rounded edges. To protect against water, it is also necessary to make a standing seam from an aluminum plate (a certain option for fastening metal sheets in roofing), but do not rivet it.

Advice! It is better when the refrigeration equipment no longer works, since a normally functioning unit can be used much better than disassembling it and rendering it completely unusable.

Collection

It is necessary to lay plywood, and then you need to put a fold on one of the open sides of the freezer and only then a pre-cut aluminum sheet. However, the folds cannot be clamped or riveted; only press them tightly so that they hold better; you can adjust them a little with gentle blows of a hammer or mallet.

When the fitting is completed, take a pencil or marker and mark the centers of future holes on the folds with the freezer box along the perimeter. Using a drill, holes are made according to the marks, so there will be about 12 pieces around the perimeter. This allows you to partially secure the bottom of the fishing box.

Seat

It is permissible to take 10 mm plywood for the seat; it needs to be cut with a small margin relative to the size of the freezer (tolerance is 5-8 mm on each side, in width - 10 mm relative to the freezer).

Attention! If the plywood is not treated, then it needs to be impregnated with varnish or drying oil and allowed to dry.

On the side where there is a hole from the pipe, you need to drill 4 holes - for two canopies. Once they are secured, you need to mark the centers of the holes on the plywood (seat) and also drill holes. Then, after completing this stage, foam rubber is laid and covered with any chosen material (leatherette, leather - natural or artificial, fabric, etc.). To prevent the air from being heard escaping from the seat when you sit on it, you need to apply rubber glue along the edge of the joint between the upholstery material and the plywood. In this case, the corner where leatherette or other material is connected must be stitched with a strong thread.

Zoning and arrangement of internal space

The interior space of an almost finished ice fishing box can be kept intact. But, throwing all the necessary fishing accessories into the camera, there is a risk of breaking a fishing rod or other valuable item. Partitions inside the box can be placed in accordance with your own wishes, for example:

• large catch compartment;
• sealed area for thermos;
• loops for fishing rods;
• place for a drill and a sump blade.

You can also place an additional pocket inside or outside for storing fishing line, hooks, and weights. As a material for the manufacture of partitions, you can use existing material - aluminum or plywood sheet. If the additional walls of the compartments are made of metal, then when cutting it you need to leave a tolerance of 1.5-2 cm on each side. On the remaining stock, cuts are made and the ears are bent to attach to the body of the freezer. You can use bolts for connection.

Carrying strap and padding

To attach the belt, you need to make reliable loops from a duralumin rod and plate. The loop itself should be bent from the wire and clamped in a plate folded in 2 layers. The plate itself needs to be attached with a bolt to the body - the calculation should be made so that the place where the belt is fixed is rotary. When the holes have already been prepared, you can start making upholstery:

1. A piece of leatherette or other selected material must be wrapped around the walls of the freezer with a margin of 2 cm on the seam and 2 cm on the top and bottom sides. In this position, the location of the tight joint should be noted.
2. At the marked position, it is necessary to make a stitch with a dense thread - it is better if it is nylon or lavsan. If you stitch through an overlocker, the connection will be much stronger.
3. The resulting bottomless bag should fit onto the freezer body with slight tension. Before putting it on, the surface of the box is coated with moisture-resistant glue.
4. When the upholstery is already stretched over the body, the upper and lower edges of the material must be coated with adhesive, folded to the inside (trimming where necessary) and secured with paper clips or clothespins.

When the glue is completely dry, you can begin the final assembly of the structure - installing the bottom, dividing partitions, seat and belt loops. After assembly, the bottom of the box along the inside and outside in the area of ​​the seams should be additionally coated with sealant. The space reserved for the thermos can be additionally sealed so that the flask does not dangle in its cell.

Results

Making a fishing box from a freezer is not a difficult task. The main thing in this matter is to choose the right materials and strictly follow the procedure. If the structure is assembled correctly, such a box can last for several decades. Changing the design features and selecting upholstery materials to your liking will only give the fishing box a certain individuality.

A fishing box is an essential attribute when fishing in winter. This is where the fisherman puts everything he needs for fishing, and there can also be a thermos with hot tea here. In addition, the fishing box can be heated, this will be another good bonus.
If the task is to make a fishing box for fishing in winter, then the freezer from an old refrigerator is best suited for these purposes. Let's take a closer look at how to make such a box.

Tools and materials:
- freezer (suitable from an old Soviet refrigerator);
- self-tapping screws;
- a piece of plywood to create the lid and bottom of the box;
- drill with drills;
- jigsaw or other suitable cutting tool;
- two hinges for fastening the lid;
- 4 bolts type M5;
- a piece of steel wire to create handles and a belt.

Manufacturing process

Step 1. Create the bottom of the box
Having taken the camera out of the freezer, we begin to create the bottom of the box. For these purposes, you can use various materials, including thin sheet steel. The author had a piece of plywood on hand, and he decided to make the bottom and lid from it.
To create the bottom, you need to place the freezer on plywood and outline it with a pencil. You need to cut the bottom so that it fits into the freezer, that is, you need to make it a couple of millimeters smaller than what was drawn.

When the bottom is cut, it is inserted into the chamber and secured with 6-10 self-tapping screws. So, in the wide part of the box you can screw in 3 screws, and in the narrow part - 2.
Surely many people know that plywood has such an unpleasant property as delamination when wet. To prevent this from happening, the plywood needs to be thoroughly varnished on all sides in 2-3 layers. You also need to pay attention to the joints of the box and plywood. They must be carefully sealed using sealant or hot melt adhesive.

Step 2. Create the box lid
The lid is made in exactly the same way as the bottom. The only difference is that the lid should be a couple of millimeters wider than the box. That is, in the end the lid should lie on the box and not fall into it.
The cover will be attached using hinges. They are attached to the plywood using self-tapping screws. Next, all that remains is to attach the lid to the box. To do this, drill holes in suitable places and fasten the cover using screws and nuts.

Step 3. Install the belt.
In order to secure the belt, you need to make two holes in the box on each side. Next you need to make two handles from steel wire and insert them into these holes. That's all, now you can attach the belt to the handles.

The creation of the box can be considered complete. Now all that remains is to make partitions and shelves in it. Here, each fisherman decides for himself how best to do this.

Making a box for winter fishing with your own hands is not so difficult, if only you had the desire and the right hands. And you can’t do without this accessory in winter, even a beginner who gets on the ice for the first time understands this. The sharaban, as it is also called, is a truly multifunctional and irreplaceable thing.

This piece of fishing equipment allows you to arrange all the accessories in proper order, without worrying about their safety in the future. In addition, the charabanc has another important purpose - its lid is made in such a way that it acts as a seat.

Parameters that will help you make a box for winter fishing

The boxes became so popular among fishermen that they began to be used even in the summer. Almost all the necessary accessories are in one place - fishing line, reels, various baits and other elements. The most common boxes are made of polymers. Branded models are distinguished by their quality and reliability, but their cost is quite decent.

They are distinguished not only by soft seats, a comfortable carrying belt, removable containers, but also by a small hatch into which they throw caught fish without leaving their seat. There are many models on the market, however, when choosing the right one, you need to remember some parameters.

1. Appearance, of course, does not play a decisive role, but aesthetic data is always pleasing to the eye. Modern models look quite stylish and have a whole palette of different colors.
2. The size of the box is more relevant. It is chosen not only by its internal volume, but also by its height, which ranges from 300 to 600 mm. The height is determined by the type of fishing, predator catchers take high products, jig fishers take low ones.
3. Transporting the charabanc is also not the least important thing. In most cases, there is a strap that differs in material, size and shape. Anti-slip pads and handles may also be present. There are models with runners.
4. For winter boxes, first of all, attention is paid to the material of manufacture, on which strength, weight and frost resistance depend. Each material has its own pros and cons, as we wrote about in the article “ The best winter boxes for fishing: metal, plastic, foam».
5. The functionality of the internal volume is another parameter. The greatest demand is for boxes divided into horizontal compartments, which make it much easier to find the thing you need without taking everything out.
6. The comfort of the fisherman while ice fishing depends on how comfortable and soft the seat is. Construction foam, foam rubber or polystyrene are used as filler.

All these qualities are taken into account not only when purchasing a factory product, but also if you decide to make a fishing box for winter fishing with your own hands. In addition, it is worth considering that every year more and more advanced models appear on the fishing market. For example, there are boxes with a special bag for the catch. The material from which it is made is easy to wash and does not allow unpleasant odors to spread throughout the box.

How to make a fishing box from a refrigerator freezer

A good alternative to a factory box is a charabanc made from the freezer of an old refrigerator. The bottom is made from any material that is most convenient for the fisherman to work with. If plywood is used as a base, it can be easily screwed on with self-tapping screws; galvanized steel is mounted on rivets.

Place the camera on a sheet of plywood and trace the outline. They cut it out, taking into account the fact that the bottom should fit tightly into the body. Before installation, the plywood is treated several times with hot drying oil and then varnished to avoid delamination. The junction of the bottom and the body is treated with sealant to prevent water from penetrating from below.

The lid is made in a similar way, not forgetting that it must be a couple of millimeters larger than the body so as not to fall through when closing. It is secured using hinges, which are mounted to the plywood with self-tapping screws, and to the body - with rivets or small screws.

As you can see, making a box for ice fishing from a freezer is quite simple. All that remains is to secure the strap for carrying the box. To do this, you can use furniture handles made in the form of brackets and a belt from any bag with carabiners.

In principle, the freezer box for fishing is ready, but you can go further and improve it. For example, foam rubber is placed on top and covered with leatherette or carpet - a special automotive fabric. On the reverse side, the upholstery is secured with staples from a furniture stapler.

To prevent the gear from hitting the thermos inside the body, you can install a partition, which will significantly strengthen the charabanc. It can be made from either plywood or sheet metal. During transportation, the thermos will hit the walls, so the compartment can be lined with soft soundproofing foam.

How to make a fishing box for ice fishing from a battery

This box is smaller in size than the one we described in the article “ Homemade box for summer fishing: advantages and disadvantages» from a canister for car oil. Anglers have different needs, and some do not need a bulky box, which, by the way, is more difficult to transport and carry.

How to make your own box for winter fishing from a battery, which can be successfully used in the summer. In addition, lead plates are always useful on the farm, for example, for casting sinkers of various weights for certain types of fishing.

1. First of all, the electrolyte is drained and all the insides are removed.
2. To neutralize the effect of the acid, the box is thoroughly washed with water and diluted soda.
3. The partitions must be removed, but the stiffening ribs should protrude by two to three centimeters.
4. Sharp edges must be carefully processed and rounded.
5. The battery cap makes a decent top part of the container and is hinged.

The result was a small but very convenient box for fishing accessories. All that remains is to attach some kind of fastener to the lid, for example, in the form of a wire bracket, which clings with the bent part to the flange of the lower part of the body. The outer half of the lid can be easily covered with polyurethane foam. The tackle box is ready, and even in the boat it won’t take up much space.