Install 1 5/8" raw water hose inaccessible valve

[abl1111]

Whew !

Not a SeaCraft related question - but you guys could probably help. My brother has a 29' Wellcraft Coastal and the raw water filter for his AC took a sh*t. In a horrible location ! Definitely put in before the deck was installed - deep down and very difficult to access.

We cannot get the new rasa water hose back on the thru hull as its just too far down - and the hose is TIGHT - a bad combination. No leverage at all.

Any tricks you guys can provide. We tried hot water and Dawn - - today we're going to try boiling water and really getting the hose soft - we're not using wired hose as that is impossible.

Is there a way to hold the hose with a tool or 'jig' higher up while pushing hose on barb ?

Thx