Shelter Design Yurts Vs. Pacific Yurts

Crystal · 06-05-2019, 08:32 PM

Hi!
We are looking at two different used yurts that are located in our area...

One is a 27' Shelter Design yurt Big Sky model for $9000. Needs

insulation

and a platform.

The other is 16' Pacific for $6000. Has

insulation

and platform and outdoor woodboiler.

We will be living in it fulltime in Minnesota so will have to purchase insulation for the shelter design one.

Does anyone has experience with either of these.
Recommendations on which would be the better deal are appreciated.
TIA

Bob Rowlands · 06-06-2019, 08:19 AM

My comment only regards size. 16' is way too small for a primary residence for two people. WAAY too small. I know this from having had 16' for several years. 27' is a much better size. Trust me on this. Good luck.

Crystal · 06-06-2019, 09:22 AM

That's what we were thinking too.
Wish we had the funds up front for the larger one.
Thank you for your advice.

Jafo · 06-06-2019, 09:29 AM

I agree 16' is small, but no insulation in Minnesota is a non-starter in my book. Considering you could get a standard NEW 24' Pacific Yurt or Colorado Yurt for about $12,000 - $13,000, with insulation, tells me neither deal there is very good. You can do even better on price if you went the traditional yurt route, which are less expensive, however require more maintenance and are harder to permit.

If it were me, I would offer the $5k for the

Shelter Designs

yurt, leaving you money for the platform and insulation or go with new. $9,000 is way too much IMO for a previously erected yurt (that may get damaged when you take down).

Bob Rowlands · 06-06-2019, 10:42 AM

There's a youtube vid of a young nomadic European couple that filmed the tear down, move, and rebuild of their 16' yurt at a new location. So yes 16' is doable. However for longer term living that is size for a very few and those folks are likely to be very young, no children, and with very little belongings. 16' is two cots, a picnic table, woodstove and wheelbarrow woodbox, two folding chairs, and some very small storage boxes. That's what was in mine. As for insulation, you absolutely need that.

Crystal · 06-06-2019, 11:22 AM

Jafo, I agree. It's already be disassembled. I did offer $6000, but they wouldn't move.

Crystal · 06-06-2019, 11:24 AM

Bob, yes I know we could make 16' work.
We've been living in a camper van fulltime for 2 years now, so are looking forward to even a little more space.

I like that the platform and insulation is included too.