Fist its nice to find this board even if my 26 Welcraft Antigua is no where near the boats I have seen on this board. Now for my question????? I just repowered with a new 496 and would really like to install a thru hull water pickup and not use the pickup on the Bravo 1 drive. If I install a drive shower will that keep the drive cool enough with out the pickup water being pulled thru by the pump. I make many 2 to 3 hr runs at around 3600 rpm traveling up and down the bay. Thanks for the help Jimmy 1st J

I would suggest you not block off the stock drive pick-up, but rather plumb the water so it gets dumped on the drive via a thru-hull fitting. Of course, get a drive shower as well.

.....Or route the water coming through the drive,
back on top of the drive, this has the same effect
as a drive shower.

( I think we're talking the same thing here )

Yes I mean the same thing.

Many say they hate the LW Pick-up Bravo I, I have had several on past boats, never an issue, back off the beach, neutral, rev, rev, forward, and off you go...
Strainers?
Bryan

dont woorrry, about what you have compaird to outhers ,, ok. the main thing is your a boater. who cares if you no moter or quad 2000s , okieee dokieee so start postin those threads..

My friend has that boat with a 260 (horse, merc 350ci)

He cruises at about 28 and his top was about 38 before the boat got tired.

Just curious what numbers you will run with that 496?

With stock power levels (<450 horses), your stock water pickups on the sides of your B1 lower unit are entirely adequate. No reason to change them. The addition of a Simrek style drive shower is a big thumbs up, though.