The ice was 3" thick last week by the end of the cyclone bomb. My insurance company requires 2 bubblers for my size boat so I would imagine any boat that is insured would require at least 1.
My friend has a 97 Ocean Yacht with a pair of Cat 3406. His engine room is as clean as Websters! He has been taking it to the Bahamas every winter for the last 20 years and has 4000 hrs on them and burns no oil. Maintenance is the key.
Hair will bind up the floats also, don't ask me how long woman's hair gets in there but it does and it ties thing up. So a physical removal of it is in order vs detergents.
Carter, I just buy the oil kits and send coolant, cat accepts this and is no prob. I use a seperate pump also for the coolant.
The tubing is part of the kit, I have so many extra because you cut it to size and 1 package will do at least 2 engines.
I bought the hand pump from caterpillar and the sos kits should come with a siphon tube that attaches to pump. Draw from the dipstick tube. I always warm up the engines first.
Just seeing this now Henry thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Peace be with you and your family. I've been a donor since I was 16. Hope others consider it too.