It was suggested I post this here in the tech section to see if I can get any input on this....
I goofed last weekend while out at the islands, I wasn't paying close enough attention, & drifted over a shallow sandbar. Cooling system got "PACKED" with sand. I got lucky though, it didn't go past the T-stat, & had it all cleaned out in about 30 mins (I'm so thankful Donzi set their engines so one can work on them quite easily)...anyway. I found several old threads on this unfortunate event (so, I didn't feel completely like an idiot ), but they all seemed to head in the direction of installing a transom mounted pickup. I can see how this would help, but what do I do with the pickup in the drive? I read where folks have used this as a drive shower, how is that done? I also saw one post saying there may be possible problems on a stepped hull. I went on the Stainless Marine site, they have some very nice set-ups, but not sure what size I would need to go with....Anyone got any tips on do's & don't's or am I just wasting my time with this, & should just really pay closer attention to the depth?

its during the season,,,, pay more attention. address it over the winter.

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Agreed!!!

If you go to a transom mounted water pickup for engine cooling water can you block off the water pickup in the drive all together Mine is almost corroded shut. Will blocking off the drive pickups cause the drive to run hot or overheat

Get a dump for the drive water. Heat kills bravo drives. Keep the water flowing through it. Its very simple to install an angled dump that will act as drive shower.

The fitting inside the transom is 95% blocked by corrosion thats why I am going to a transom mounted pickup.

Fix the corrosion problem then?????

I'd add a sea strainer not a transome pickup.