Engine Blower Vent Cover

[jaysweet]

I'm trying to replace the vent cover for my engine blower, because the plastic louvers have grown weak from UV exposure and are breaking off. Here's what it looked like originally (with a thin scraper trying to pry it off):

After prying at it for a while, I realized that it has a built in collar that goes through the hole in the topsides, and seems to be attached to the "dryer hose" that goes to the engine compartment with a hidden hose clamp (probably):

So it's not coming off, at least from the outside. And since it's located under one of the stern rail seats, right up against the propane locker and above the fuel tank, there's absolutely no way I'm gong to be able to come close to even touching the hose clamp from the inside, unless I cut a hole in the inside wall of the propane locker. I can't even _see_ the hose clamp.

Before trying to get the old one off, I had been pretty pleased with myself that I found a really nice replacement in stainless steel, with the same form factor and hole patterns:

It's the same, except without the collar that the dryer hose clamps to. The only thing I can think of to do (other than cutting a hole in the propane locker, or removing the fuel tank, which isn't happening) is to use a hacksaw to cut off the collar just behind the face of the old plastic vent cover. Then I could perhaps used some small L brackets to keep the collar from falling through into the interior, goop it up with sealant, and put the stainless plate on top.

Any other ideas?

 

[sailcapt340]

no way I'm gong to be able to come close to even touching the hose clamp from the inside, unless I cut a hole in the inside wall of the propane locker. I can't even _see_ the hose clamp.

Would it be possible to use the existing “dryer vent hose” that is in place and snake a smaller diameter hose through it and exit out the opening on your deck and the opening in the engine compartment?
Since it worked as designed prior to you removing the vanes, a newer smaller diameter hose through it should be all you need.
Somewhat like when relining a chimney flue made of bricks with a stainless steel liner, from the top of the chimney to the top of the fireplace hearth. I speak from experience on that one after a chimney fire in my home.
Now you can’t go very much smaller in diameter, as you still need the air flow to be able to vent the engine space.
But if it is a dryer vent hose, it “should” have a wire wrapping which would hold it in place as you feed new hose through and not be worried about piercing though the side walls as it bends through the boat.
If you can do this then you could attach a reducer on your stainless cover and be done.
Might be a way out to try.