This is my first power boat and first i/o motor. I've only had outboards up until this point. The water pump I got from a buddy of mine that he had left over from one of his spare motors on his boat and it looked to be new so I figured it was ok?

If a thru hull pickup and crossover tube is the way to go then i will look at going that way. the thru hull is is just one of those brass pickup looking deals you sea at west marine? I have one on my offshore fishing boat for the bait well.

Is it common practice to not run a circulating pump? I need to see about finding one asap though...lol If it works just as good then I'm all for it as that is one less acc. to drive on the front of the motor.

Thanks!

For a 1st time power boat and I/O owner, go stock. Put the circ pump on and close the hatch.

Found the problem!! You guys were right. The plastic housing on the inside of the boat is clogged up almost solid. Looks like the hose collapsed!!! So I don't have to pull the motor to fix the transom assembly I think I'm going to go with a thru hull fitting and a sea strainer. What hull fittings?? Like the brass egg looking ones with the cheese grader front on it??

Thanks for all the help!!