A twisted water hose install is because the installer of the water hose used an air gun with the special tool to install it. It twists the water hose. One should never use air power when installing the water hose. 90 % of the time it causes this issue.

To correct a twisted hose, yes the drive would need to come back off.....To inspect for a twist you could try turning the wheel to a full right, walk to the rear left (portside) of the boat, kneel down beside the stern drive, there next to the U-joint/exhaust bellows you should be able to see some of the intake water hose like pictured above. Use a flashlight and maybe a finger and follow the hose the best you can looking for a tightly wrapped twist.....At the very least you'd want to know what this hose actual condition is so should the repair shop try and say it was something different that cost you money but yet it became obvious the hose was changed orientation, you'll have your answer if you'd use them again or not.

Cobalt dealer just got back to me and confirmed that it was indeed a twisted hose. All fixed up now and boat is on it's way home. Thanks for the suggestions and guidance.