What's everyone using to plumb their sea strainers to the transom pickup?

I'm debating between using anodized aluminum AN fittings and braided hose, vs. stainless fittings and hose/clamps?

Use the standard 1 1/4" marine sea water hose. It has a spiral wire inside that prevents it from collapsing. The suction from a sea water pump would probably collapse a S/S braided hose.
And it's a lot cheaper.
Gary

When plumming in a sea strainer, can you use the water pic up from the drive or do you have to add a through hull water pick up?

My boat has the 11/4" sea water hose setup from the factory.
Also it uses double hose clamps throughout.
I have low water pickups.

Russel style hoses will not collapse, use a number 16 russell line this is 1" ID. These lines are guaranteed to not blow off. This can be done running off the outdrive, a custom piece has to be made to handle the AN style fittings. Works well. Make sure your sea strainer has a water psi blow off port.

LEE-WAY WHERE ARE THE RUSSELL LINES AVAILIBLE FROM.

Get a pickup that has an adjustable cutting edge. This will allow you to dial your water pressure in. Also get one with a mpt fitting. This way you can connect a ball valve directly to the pickup. If you ever have a leak that pickup will quickly sink your boat .