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Dale,
If it is truly plumbed for De-Ice, then at some point in time, the boots were removed. Assuming the entire system is fine, getting them put back on is about $14K.
The skymaster has a large horizontal stabilizer, and it tends to accumulate snow or ice. I have been in situations were I was in snow, not ice, and could feel the tail getting heavy. Cycle the boots and everything is fine. I would suggest, that since you are in KMEV, that you get boots on the plane you buy, or buy a plane with boots. I have been in 3, I think, situations (over 5 years) where not having boots would have substantially changed the end result of my flight.
I live in SW Michigan, and I think boots are absolutely essential. I can't imagine living where you do, and flying in the winter without boots.
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