what is this tube?

[downhill]

I have a 2003 60 4stroke. There is a rubber tube the diameter of a pencil that runs from the upper unit to the lower unit. It is on the outside of the engine unit (between the motor and the boat). This tube is currently cut in half - just about half way from the top to the bottom.. What is it? It is supposed to be split in half? It looks like it should be a continuous tube. Any help is appreciated. Sidenote: the engine is tough to start, especially in cold weather. Sometimes it takes 10 or so key turns,with a 10 second wait between turns. Is it a vacuum hose? Thanks. Downhill.

[boats.net]

There is speedometer hose that connects to speedo pickup in lower unit if not using speedometer then just block off so it doesn't spray water on motor or boat. That engine has the "Prime Start" choke system. When starting cold tilt engine down all the way, pump up primer bulb firm, start engine without giving any throttle(throttle lever in idle position), if doesn't start up then pump primer bulb again and retry.