cooling a 'Jacked' outboard

[sal's Dad]

I am planning to build an Atkin-style tunnel stern (seabright) utility boat, similar to Rescue Minor and Shoals Runner, of aluminum.
( http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/Ut...scueMinor.html
http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/Ut...alsRunner.html )
The current WoodenBoat has an article by Robb White on his interpretation of this form.

Given my inexperience with inboards, I am toying with the idea of mounting an outboard in a closed "well" immediately behind the box keel. This motor will be jacked WAY up.

My question is about cooling the motor. At speed, the entire lower unit, from the anti-ventilation plate down, will be immersed, no problem. However, at idle, the motor will sit with the prop hub just at the waterline. This presents a problem, in getting cooling water to the intake, and impeller.

Any thoughts as to how to address this? Are there any outboards with the water intake down low? Could I tap into the lower unit, and provide a hose to a lower pick-up grate? Will the impeller be able to suck the water up several inches, when dry?

Any other issues that I sould consider with this configuration?

Thanks,
Sal's Dad

[Corpus Skipper]

Low water pickups are available, check out http://www.bobsmachine.com/

[sal's Dad]

Wow - great resource! so this crazy idea just -might- work...