Mine doesn't have that. I've never needed it. I've only ever clogged the intake 2 times in 4 years of ownership and that includes very shallow patches of the St. John's River down here. If you're in the swamp I'd say it would be a nice feature but not an absolute must as long as you stick to navigable water. I've been down to 18 inches with a muddy bottom and no issues.what ever the debris clearing is. Does your ski have this? the reason I ask is for the Louisiana swamp? there is a lot of grass and shallow water there. Just kinda wonder if it is needed?