Trim Tab Cavity Vents - '96 272 Sailfish

[GW96]

Can someone tell me the reason for these in the pic below? Not the tab cylinder, but the vent at the top of the cavity. Looks like they go from the trim tab cavity up and out into the engine well. Are these just to let water push up through the cavity and drain out into the engine well?

The hoses are old and cracked, trying to figure out if they are needed or if they can be capped.

Thanks.

 

[GW96]

Figured it out, guess they are pocket vents, so definitely should not cap them. Does water ever go through them and into the hose that is attached?

 

[family affair]

Yes, water can go in there, especially when coming off plane.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Never seen that before but if they are there, they are below the water line and you need a good hose.