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De-Winterizing? :)

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Glassgirlw

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How do I know when I'm safe to get the skis out of storage, and get them ready to ride again? I'm in the Midwest, Kansas. Is there a set timeline for how long it needs to be above freezing, or is it like gardening -- after the last threat of frost? LOL sorry for the dumb questions. New to Sea-Doos as of last year, had just hit 10 hours when we had to winterize and store for the winter. Thanks all!
 
Pesonally, I would wait till the low temps in the forecast are above freezing for at least a few days consecutively . That is what I am going buy and I am in the Northeast- I hope to be in by mid April
 
If it can freeze still in your area, then it's too soon. You can pull them out and prep and clean them, but don't run them yet. Keep the antifreeze in there.
 
I've seen several non-ic 4tecs left outside all winter in sub zero temps that were not winterized and had zero damage. The biggest issue with freezing is the ic which can cause a leak from the expanding ice. Other than that, 4tecs are pretty good in freezing temps. With that said, winterizing is a must.

It also takes pretty cold sustained temps, like around 20F, to do any damage at all. An interesting topic because water is most dense around 39F but it isn't the density that does the damage. It's the hydrogen of the ice molecules sliding across each other and creating more space between each other which can be seen in the ice cracking. While ice will expand about 9% in volume, it doesn't exert the same force on its container at different temps. The colder the ice gets, the more force is exerted which is when damage is done.

With just overnight freezing temps in the upper 20s, there will be no issues and daytime heating energy is stored pretty well in the engine compartment. For Kansas weather, I'd say you're pretty safe to ride right now.
 
Somebody told me once to let a hanging electrical portable lamp in the hull when frost is announced... Do not use LED lamps... Good old fashion light bulbs generate heat.

Benji.
 
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