It is accepted practice while racing to install the included deck plate so water cannot intrude. You can also remove and store the cowl below so that it's not in the bow persons way. Like any other deck fitting if installed properly, particularly on a refit, it shouldn't leak.
It's value is that it allows the anchor rode to be stored in the bow locker instead of on deck.
This is a piece of standard equipment that is still readily available. I don't see the hardship of reinstalling it along with all the other hardware that was removed so that the deck could be refinished.
If people in the class want to eliminate it, propose a rule change to make it optional and have the BOG vote on it. You don't get to ignore a rule because you find in inconvenient, particularly if you are the measurer.
