Windsled controls include G.P.S., Marine radio, Radar, Duel engine throttles, Duel engine gauges, Duel brake control, Compass and light switches.

     Chevrolet fuel injection 502 /520 h.p. engines Black hoses carry hot engine coolant to heaters at rear of enclosed cabin.

     Aluminum fuel tanks can be seen under engines.

     Rear view shows propellers and aluminum rudders. S. Steel mesh was placed on sides and rear of engine area.

     Interior view of cabin, aluminum housing with round black object is one of the cabin heaters Heaters are nothing more then radiators with 12 volt fans, when heat is required engine coolant is redirected from the radiators mounted above the engines to heaters.

     Note the hinged steps on bow for forward two doors Cabin also includes passenger doors on each side and additional openings on sides for freight and stretchers. Cabin offers excellent visibility comfort and warmth for operator and passengers.

     Hull sections are stamped out and laid on the shop floor.

     The next step is to weld together the two aluminum layers making up the double hull.

     A T.I.G. welder was used for all of the aluminum welds on the windsled. The quality of workmanship on the hull was beyond excellent.

     Photos show owner Mark Shulte explaining the hull construction to Elmer Nelson.

     Dismantled belt drive units. 2:1 reduction with toothed belt.

     Three of the four aluminum rudders used on the windsled.

     Mark taking the time to explain the construction of the composite propeller to Island resident Gary Russell. Gary is a member of the Winter Transportation Committee.

     Photo shows the hull almost complete.

     Photo shows one of the rear wheels. One of the requirements in the contract was a breaking system and the ability to trailer the windsled. Windmark mounted wheels that could be hydraulically operated with electric breaks and studded tires. They also constructed a removable hitch that could be mounted to the bow when the sled needed to be moved, just lower the wheels, connect the hitch and the sled becomes a trailer.

     That's me testing out the operators seat.

     Side view of the port engine on its mounts. Note the large black housing for the belt drive between the engine and propeller.

     Burke Henry, La Pointe Town Chairman tries out the steps that will lead to one of the forward doors.

     Once a month our Winter Transportation Committee members would drive to Blaine MN. to look over the sleds progress and discuss options. On this trip Island summer resident and pilot, David Dalquist met us there to look over the project. David can be seen on the left, discussing the hull construction with Mark Shulte. Input from experts like David were always welcome.