Custom tree stands ? Interested ?
- Thread starter crfmatt
- Start date
I think most people would be interested in a custom tree stand. The problem you will run into is cost of the tree stand and shipping cost. When the local stores can blow them out on sale for $99 that is 16’ high with or without a shooting rail and with a harness it is hard to compete. You really have to offer something spectacular that no one else has.
Also you would need some kind of insurance as with any business. Then I think your insurance company would quash the idea with their charges if they would take you on. Maybe a good place to start is to contact the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association and they can guide in a direction to start (www.tmastands.com).
Also you would need some kind of insurance as with any business. Then I think your insurance company would quash the idea with their charges if they would take you on. Maybe a good place to start is to contact the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association and they can guide in a direction to start (www.tmastands.com).
I'm not disinterested, but as mentioned above, shipping might be a killer. I don't need more height, but I do want one that's BFG weight-rated ( that's Big Fat Guy). Most single seat stands are only rated to 300 lbs, and by the time I get heavy boots, the weight of my rifle, and all my other crap on, I'm pretty close to maxing it out. I also find them to be too small and cramped for comfortable sitting all day.
Exactly my point I'm 6 foot 300 lbs my buddy is 6.4 300 lbs I want more room too and I understand they are made light and cheap but I want strength and a comfortable place to sit. These would not be a shipped item. They would be picked up. And fully welded in sections not just cheap spot welds. I've never had a stand break on me but I'm going for hight and safety.
Yes the liability issue of the stand builder is ever present, but a quick consult with your lawyer should be on your list, perhaps a waiver would solve the issue, or at least reduce liability.
One of my friends fell 15 ft. four yrs. ago when a stand component broke. He fractured his back in several places, and has very limited use of his lower extremities, which is permanent. So the consequences of a fall are nothing to be taken lightly.
One of my friends fell 15 ft. four yrs. ago when a stand component broke. He fractured his back in several places, and has very limited use of his lower extremities, which is permanent. So the consequences of a fall are nothing to be taken lightly.
jlovie
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I build permanent stand myself but a couple other guys in camp have steel units. They paid between $100 and $200 and have been using them for years with zero issues. I think some guys would be interested in a custom made stand, but honestly, if you look around amd wait til a sale you can get production stands for a heck of a lot cheapernthen a custom and you will likely never have a problem with them. Granted, i dont know prices or set ups of your stands, just pointing out what guys in my camp would be like. I would likely be the same if i wanted a steel stand. If i could get more or less the same unit for $100 cheaper then the other i would. Another thing to consider is that many production stands come with a harness and a cushion or some kind of padding which may or may not add more value depending on your needs. Maybe make one and put it in the ee and kijiji. You will get a lot more interest with pics and prices. Good luck!
I have built my own stands for 40+ years... changed the design many times... got away from ladders due to the weight and we hunt mostly remote locations... my last version was all welded aluminum with extruded platform and hang-on type... I have been asked by friends to make some for sale... but my lawyer tells me that the liabilty insurance would be prohibitive on small scale manufacturing... I have friends who have used mine at their own risk when hunting with me, but I have not sold any nor given them away.
