[deepsushi]

When I replaced the fill hose on my 18 I had the same problem getting it out. There was no retaining clamp on mine but the the fill hose was pinched between the liner and the bulkhead. It was a bitch to get out and I fought with it for hours but eventually it did come out. I think I lubed mine up with some dish soap to help get it to move.

The hose takes a "S" shaped path and the bends are short so the hose gets bound up in the available space. It is almost impossible to move the hose once it is installed as it is so stiff due to the reinforcing wire.

I did manage to get mine back in and I successfully reconnected the fill without having to cut any extra access holes. It would have been a lot faster to cut a hole and add a pie plate but I did not want to go that route.

It was a about a 30 pack job -- and a half box of band aids to cover up the scrapes and cuts on my forearms and knuckles. Good luck - its definately not a fun project...