To all u smoky lake hybrid users

[lyford]

Looking into a hybrid setup for next season,either a 2x4 or 2x5. Im curious how many taps people run with these pans and whether they are gravity or vacuum. Thanks

[Ghs57]

This was my first year with a 2x6. I ran 40 on vac and 75 on 3/16, 115 total, no RO. This pan could probably handle 250 sitting on an efficient arch with a preheater. I hope to expand in the next few years, so we shall see. After that, probably add an RO.

[sweetwater sugar shack]

210 taps 150 on sureflow the rest on 3/16 2x5 on homemade arch with auf do have some long boils on good run days

[PA TAPPER]

297 taps total on a 2x6 hybrid with hood and preheater. Non optimized oil tank arch. No RO . 222 taps on 3/16 and 75 on buckets. Some long boil weekend days and late weeknight boils but totally manageable even with another full time job.

[TedA]

I have a 2x4 Smoky Lake hybrid drop flu pan. We tap around 100 trees. We have mix of buckets (with drop line) and bags. A 2x4 is good for 75-150 taps. If you go over 150 then consider a 2x54 or 2x6.

[billyinvt]

I put out 206 buckets this year. I boiled on a 2 x 5. I doubt I'd add more taps on this rig without an RO. I felt pretty maxed out with a regular job and family duties. 25+ gph boil rate.

[lyford]

Thanks everybody I appreciate the information. I currently tap 85 mostly reds, all on bags/buckets. I could eventually do around 125-150 taps with maybe half on a shurflo(within the next year or two). I don't wanna be in the position where I'm only boiling for a couple hours once a week, I guess my concern is that I have enough sap to run a 2x5. I'm moving up from a 21in x 30in flat pan and also don't wanna spend countless hrs at the evaporator like I've been doing for the last few years. Gotta decide soon so I can get the pan ordered and the arch built. Thanks again guys

[buckeye gold]

I do 100-110 taps (bags & Buckets) on a Smokey Lake full pint with a blower and do well with it. On big run days (100-125 gal sap) I will boil 8-10 hours depending on how hard I work at my firing etc.

[lyford]

I wanted to thank everybody for the input. I went with the hybrid 2x4 with the pro package and the float box. Gonna build the arch and preheater. Pan should be here next week or week after. Thanks everybody.