Albin 28 TE air inlet duct hose removal

[tadw001]

Hi All

Recently purchased a 28TE flush deck. The duct hoses for the air intakes were in bad shape and had water in them both fore and aft. I removed all of them. Seems like these direct salt water directly into the motor compartment when in heavier seas. I understand getting air to the motor is important. I am thinking of removing the hoses and leaving the vents open. The flush deck I have has vents at the top of the gunnels forward of the house pillars, below the rub rail aft of the house structure and three vents in the gunnel rod holder molds. Both to port and starboard.

My question is has anyone removed the hoses? And if so did it have any negative effects?

[Harp31]

Have the same issue and curious to hear if anyone else has removed.

[catalina_mike]

Even with diesels it's a good idea to get the air low in the bilge from the hoses. I replaced with new. We carry gas for our dingies and gens so as unlikely as the vapors getting in the bilge I'd keep them. The cooler air down low establishes better air changes in the engine area as well.

[tadw001]

Thanks for the info Catalina_mike. I will keep then and plan on replacing the hoses and adding 4-inch round plastic vent screens to the ends of each hose and securing the vent lines to aim towards the stern in an attempt to keep salt spray and mist from hitting the motor mounts and transmission directly