How soon is too soon to put boat in?( michigAn)

(Reez) · (Reez) **Join Date: Mar 2010** 02-29-2012, 6:53 PM

I got a new launch 21v and want to do some cold weather runs when the ice melts. After I unwinterize will i need to take it out everyday and store
It in my warehouse till it warms up? Temps
Will be in the mid 40s an 50s but in worried about
It dipping down to 30s or night seeing as how our weather is unpredictable.

(bzubke1) · (bzubke1) **Join Date: Feb 2010** 02-29-2012, 7:02 PM

If the warehouse is heated you should be fine. Also lets see some pics!

(matt75) · (matt75) **Join Date: Nov 2010** 02-29-2012, 7:02 PM

If you take it out and there is a hard freeze (below 30 for 12+ hours) i would drain the block and vdrive. If it gets to 30 and then the next day is in the 50's by 10am- I wouldn't worry about it. I live in Texas (big difference than Michigan) and had a couple nights at 29-30 and didn't winterize. If we had 2-3 days where the high was 29, you bet I'd be doing it. Where's it stored?

(Reez) · (Reez) **Join Date: Mar 2010** 03-01-2012, 5:18 AM

I keep it in my warehouse which is heated but my buddy has a slip at his house I could keep it in so I wouldnt have to trailer it each time

(mhunter) · (mhunter) **Join Date: Mar 2008** 03-01-2012, 6:18 AM

Mid May.

(tyler97217) · (tyler97217) **Join Date: Aug 2004** 03-01-2012, 7:12 AM

Lets see some pics....

(dreamer) · (dreamer) **Join Date: Nov 2008** 03-01-2012, 7:18 AM

Go with the 100 degree rule. Water temp plus air temp must be greater than 100'.

(bzubke1) · (bzubke1) **Join Date: Feb 2010** 03-01-2012, 7:26 AM

To be safe I would keep it in your heated warehouse and trailer it each time. But if that's a hassle it only takes about 30 minutes to winterize your boat. So you might wanna just do that after you take it out every time so you can keep it in the slip and not worry about putting it back on the trailer.

(jeff_mn) · (jeff_mn) **Join Date: Jul 2009** 03-01-2012, 7:30 AM

Pics of your new slingshot

(DealsGapCobra) · (DealsGapCobra) **Join Date: May 2010** 03-01-2012, 7:43 AM

1) Go use it and have fun.
2) Take it back to the warehouse every night so you don't have to worry about it.
3) Post some pics!

(ripr) · (ripr) **Join Date: Mar 2002** 03-01-2012, 8:52 AM

I think you'll be fine. But, if it were me, I'd take it to the warehouse just to be safe until you see the daytime high's increasing which will probably be early April.

(acurtis_ttu) · (acurtis_ttu) **Join Date: May 2004** 03-01-2012, 8:49 AM

whats the water temp? prolly easier and just as safe to keep it in the slip ( especially if the boat is left in the water) Even if it's on a lift...keep the lift as low in the water as possible. I'm assuming the lake is not frozen...lol. Even cold water gives off heat....

(Tsg137) · (Tsg137) **Join Date: Jul 2011** 03-01-2012, 3:55 PM

I'm not putting the boat in until the water temperature hits at 45 degrees. That way if the air temps dip near freezing I can just lower the lift. I live about an hour about NW of GR and with the forcasted temps, I am guess that the lake will be frozen til mid march. This should put my first run of the season around the second weekend in April...maybe be sooner if the weather cooperates....

(michridr69) · (michridr69) **Join Date: Dec 2008** 03-04-2012, 6:55 AM

ya, ill be putting in wensday, just to sesh for a bit, should be 55 here in Clarkston.

(ian_ashton) · (ian_ashton) **Join Date: Jul 2008** 03-04-2012, 7:49 AM

What lake? We usually trailer starting April 1st, and then leave it st the Marina when they open in May. I'm on Cass Lake in Waterford.

(michridr69) · (michridr69) **Join Date: Dec 2008** 03-04-2012, 8:45 AM

hopfully lake oakland if i can get a pass threw, not sure how open it is by the launch.

(Reez) · (Reez) **Join Date: Mar 2010** 03-05-2012, 9:13 AM

Typically early season Ill keep it at my buddies on lake orion althought its now a great lake to ride on but it isnt bad when there isnt alot of people this early. If im trailering it ill probably hit up maceday lake a few others around. Orion is still part frozen but I think with the weather getting up in the 50s this week it should open up. Here is my new slingy with the 11 Reliks on it

(Reez) · (Reez) **Join Date: Mar 2010** 03-05-2012, 9:15 AM

and this is my ballast dog big rhonda

(ian_ashton) · (ian_ashton) **Join Date: Jul 2008** 03-05-2012, 11:37 AM

I took a ride by Cass Lake today, the Dodge #4 State Park boat launch is completely unobstructed, as is the main body of the lake. The area by the sand bar, and the smaller bays are still thick, but I wouldn't hesitate to drop my boat in if it was ready...

First picture is the launch, and the second is the middle of the main part of the lake, taken from the park;