Purpose of Intake Duct Under Steering

[excess]

I just installed a Riva power filter and didnt bother replacing the big plastic duct under the steering that the instructions tell you to do so. Im just curious what purpose does it have and if you guys recommend leaving it off or putting it back on?

[Green Hulk]

its purpose is to vent cool fresh air to the opening of the stock intake tract and also to act as a snorkle to prevent your hull from filling up with water in the event you flip it.

I leave mine off!

[Lurker]

I had mine off, but kept sucking in water with the stock riva setup. I have since removed the ducting and installed a home brew intake. Hopefully my water injestion problems will be nill with this 4" intake.