how important is it to change the water intake hose on a bravo if the hose checks out fine ?

[2004 searay]

i need to do the bellows on my 2004 merc with a bravo3 set up but i just cant get to the back of this thing to take it apart on the inside. the hose looks fine, no cracking, the inside from what i see looks to be in great shape as well. do you guys always change the hose every time the bellows are done or just inspect? i ca't get over how inaccessible this area is and to expect it to be done every 5-7 years is ridiculous.

 

[bondo]

i need to do the bellows on my 2004 merc with a bravo3 set up but i just cant get to the back of this thing to take it apart on the inside. the hose looks fine, no cracking, the inside from what i see looks to be in great shape as well. do you guys always change the hose every time the bellows are done or just inspect? i ca't get over how inaccessible this area is and to expect it to be done every 5-7 years is ridiculous.

Ayuh,...... I do,..... That hose is on the vacuum side of the raw water pump on a Bravo,....

 

[o2batsea]

With the drive off, getting the engine out is quite simple. This will give you plenty of access.

 

[2004 searay]

thanks