Gearing up for the snow? Curious about the dimensions of snowmobiles? Well, you’ve come to the right place! I’m Jonathan, your go-to source for all things snowmobile-related, and today, we’re diving deep into the world of snowmobile dimensions. Strap in and let’s get started!
| Table of Contents |
|---|
| Average Lengths |
| Does Snowmobile Length Matter? |
| How Wide is a Snowmobile? |
| Does Snowmobile Width Matter? |
| FAQs |
| The Final Measurements |
Average Lengths
The average snowmobile length falls within the range of 115-135 inches, approximately 9.5-11 feet. This range encompasses about 75% of the snowmobiles available in the market. Snowmobiles shorter than 115 inches are typically designed for kids, measuring between 80-90 inches. On the other hand, some longer sleds can stretch up to 150 inches or more.
Let’s take a closer look at two popular models:
Yamaha Sidewinder courtesy of Yamaha
The Yamaha Sidewinder, a high-performance sled, measures just over 132 inches in length, making it one of the larger options available. On the shorter end, we have the Polaris 800 Rush Pro-S, which clocks in at 114 inches, offering a more compact choice for high-performance enthusiasts.
Image courtesy of Polaris
Of course, there are numerous snowmobiles that fall within this length range, and these examples represent the extremes. The overall length is measured from the tip of the nose to the very end of the seat or track. Keep in mind that adding aftermarket skis can slightly alter these measurements.
Does Snowmobile Length Matter?
When it comes to snowmobile length, does size really matter? Well, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. In terms of acceleration and handling, a few inches won’t drastically impact performance. The variation in length primarily reflects different engineering characteristics.
Some riders have preferences for specific lengths. Shorter sleds may offer enhanced handling and agility, while longer ones provide more surface area for better flotation in deep snow. Personally, I’ve ridden various lengths and found that the difference in performance is minimal.
However, snowmobile length becomes crucial when it comes to transportation. If you own a snowmobile trailer, ensuring your machine fits securely inside is essential. An ill-fitting trailer can lead to potential damage to your sled, trailer, or even the vehicle towing it. So, accurate measurements of length are vital, especially for covered trailers.
How Wide is a Snowmobile?
The typical snowmobile width falls in the range of 43-50 inches, with most sleds fitting within this bracket. Although you may encounter models that deviate slightly from this average, the majority fall within this width range.
It’s worth noting that snowmobile length and width aren’t directly correlated. In other words, having a longer sled doesn’t necessarily mean it’s wider, and vice versa. Instead of focusing solely on the overall width, consider the width of the snowmobile’s track, which typically ranges from 15 to 24 inches.
Does Snowmobile Width Matter?
When it comes to snowmobile width, it’s not as critical as length, but it’s still a noteworthy measurement. The width of your sled can influence its performance in various scenarios and its compatibility with truck beds or trailers.
Wider snowmobiles tend to offer a bit more stability on trails, but the difference in performance due to width is relatively small compared to other vehicles. The track width, on the other hand, plays a role in snow flotation and speed. A wider track provides more surface area, resulting in better floatation in deep snow.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions related to snowmobile dimensions:
- Will a snowmobile fit on a 4X8 trailer?
- How long is a 137 snowmobile?
- Will 2 snowmobiles fit in a 6×12 trailer?
A 4×8 trailer is too short for most snowmobiles, as they typically exceed 115 inches in length. Attempting to fit one on such a trailer may lead to over 2 feet of the sled hanging off the back, which is not recommended.
Despite the name, a 137 snowmobile, like the Arctic Cat ZR 8000 ES 137 or the Ski-Doo Freeride 137, doesn’t measure 137 inches in length. These sleds have actual overall lengths of 121 and 122 inches, respectively.
A 6×12 trailer can comfortably accommodate two average-sized snowmobiles side by side. With a width of 12 feet, it provides ample space for both sleds without any overhang.