[ScottM]

Welcome to the site and congratulations on the purchase.

1) They are called just that, vents. Typically the bow vents face forward and the stern vents face aft. What a lot of members have found is the bow vents will also scoop water while underway, so you may want to turn them around or remove them and glass over the openings. I couldn't tell you what the dryer hose is doing in there. Trace it to see where it's going.
2) SC's reputation as sinkers (aka SinkCrafts) comes from the scupper design in the earlier years. They drained straight through the floor and many times the copper pipe connecting deck to hull would corrode and let in water. Also, the floor is below the water line, so water will come in when at rest with one or two people in the stern area. Many owners plug the scuppers while at rest and open them up underway. Some have even gone so far as raising the deck while doing a total rehab. "Sink-proof plan" - keep the boat out of the water [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] .
3) Not sure what you mean by this. If your hull scuppers are through the transom versus through the floor, then you're in good shape and most likely your deck is above the water line. If you mean the flap is rubber, you can replace the scuppers with stainless or chromed brass versions.