I replaced mine about 10 years ago. Yes it should be a certified black rubber hose, and most importantly not soft and squidgy. If it is soft and squidgy, then the suction from the fuel pump could collaspe the hose restricing fuel flow.
On my 35 Classic, it was necessary to feed the hose through a torturous route in and out of the hull liner. You might find it easier to do if you can connect the new pip to the old one in some way – say with duck tape, to pull it through.
Regarding diesel smells: check the fittings on the top of the tank. These should be attached using a liquid gasket sealant suitable for diesel such as Hylomar Blue. if the sealant is old, or has been disturbed. it might be giving way. This happened to me and when I completely filled the tank, I managed to dump a gallon of fuel into the bilges as it slowly leaked through the fuel level sender unit aperture. Since the tank is plastic, it is best not to over tighten the screws to the tank fittings, as it is possible to rip the thead in the plastic.
Another cause of diesel smell can be spilliage from changing the either of the fuel filters, or when bleeding the injectors.
I hope this helps.
Jeremy