2015 Speed drain bad design/ sticking out from under hull?

I just purchased a 2015 Revo 13.
It has the new single scupper in the cockpit with the speed drain contraption. On the bottom side of the hull it looks like they designed this part as an afterthought. It has a large bulbous black protrusion sticking down an inch or two with two screws holding it in that does not lie flush with the hull like the transducer mount does. I don't know to what degree this will cause drag but it's got a be some and this design just bothers me. It looks like it's very likely to snag and get easily damaged or broken while loading/unloading for transport. Would it cause any ill effects if I simply removed the entire speed drain mechanism? Then it would just be another scupper hole. I weigh about 185 and carry no additional gear or significant weight and am certainly not near capacity. Was this designed for eliminating water in the seat pan area when the weight is maxed out to 350lbs? (new seat only has a 275lb max)

I'd add pictures but I don't see a way to add attachments.

The drain is "in the water flow" to help create the suction effect that helps drain the cockpit quicker.

The part is VERY durable and is somewhat tucked into the recessed groove in the hull.

Since the drive itself is much more exposed, I don't think I would worry much about the drain.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

My main concern/question is: Will removing the speed drain cause any ill effects? I have other kayaks with open scuppers that don't wet me and drain just fine.

Don't think it would cause issues if your weight is not enough to flood the floor. An open hole would cause more drag I think.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I would recommend leaving it. As Matt says, it disturbs the slipstream less than the hole and significantly less than the previous scupper system. The profile is miniscule compared with a Mirage Drive and its "bad" design enhances the low speed evacuation of water from the cockpit.



If you decide to remove it anyway, you can probably minimize any slipstream disturbance by carefully covering the first 2/3 of the hole with clear packing tape. The tape sticks well, holds up reasonably well and creates a venturi by leaving the back 1/3 of the hole open (when going forward). I do this with my older boats -- works well.

Seat weight and hull capacity are totally independent of each other. Some boats are tandems and others carry significant extra gear (bait tanks, camping gear etc). Likewise, just because this same seat is also in a 225# rated Sport, that doesn't increase the hull capacity.