I covered them up because they allowed water in if I jumped a wake and nose dived. I have sunk this boat completely at least five times and that helps it sink much slower. I am going with a 2.5:1 gear reduction instead of the standard 3:1 on this boat, however, the one I just bought on ebay will be direct drive. Right now I am going to be running a 17t 540 motor, a stock 550, or an E-maxx 550 on 6 and 7 cells. I also plan on buying at least one 2s lipo. All I want though is to be faster than a Tower Hobbies Turbo Vee.