The outboard lifting strakes that continue to the transom feature a "hook" design feature where the last 6" or so are angled down some. Is this common across all Baja models? Is it a desirable hull design feature?

I’ve seen it other models, but not all, it’s purpose is to help with the elimination of porpoise

Some boat manu s put hooks in the bottom of hulls for reasons. A lot of times a hook(s) are in place to help with planning and to keep the hull persay sucked down to the water for a jist.

helps make boats plane at lower speeds with less H/P, but at a big cost in top end

That's my impression. This is my first boat in 10+ years and it has no tabs, but certainly doesn't seem to need them. It planes well at low speed but runs wet and I have to trim up almost as far as the trim adjustments allow to get the boat to air out and perform well at higher speeds. I'm still inclined to remove (flatten) them. Has anyone done so?
They must be under a stringer so could they be cut on 3 sides and folded up flat, then reglassed from the outside?

=33.6337394714356pxIf the hull is not deformed , could always fill in with bondo or dolphin glaze to see if you like the results before going with a process that would be harder to reverse

I believe they are called wedges. Depending on the manufacture/hull, some have filled them in and regretted it and others have seen positive results. I've seen them on everything from Formulas to Crownlines.

Hooks were put in lower performance models to help the less savvy pilots out, so any joe blow can jump in and run it. I once heard that some manufacturers put the hook in for liability/insurance purposes but I have no way to validate it.

Wow great info thanks everyone!!

They’re all different but on the outer strakes it helps the boat plane easier and stay on plane at lower speeds.
Both good.
I wouldn’t touch them.

And no, typically they are not under stringers. Normally they are filled w/filler then covered w/glass.

When you see people removing hook/wedges/tapers it’s almost always on the inner strakes or flat pad on center of hull.
Your outer strakes are out of water at speed and these are not and keeps the bow down and may be preventing that annoying hop that we all hate.