Finally getting to fit out my Sea Queen. It has an old copper pipe scoop from whenever, but I'm now debating doing away with it and replacing it with a "flush" intake and a pump to ensure enough water intake.

Scoop vs pump: my thoughts. Pumps is great for scale effect, as it can be run all the time, as a really H2O pump would run on a boat. Drawbacks: matching pump output to the motors cooling needs, and the pump draws considerably onn your battery supply. If the pump fails, you have not cooling. Scoop: free cooling(almost as there is some drag increase), provides cooling when most needed, under higher power levels, easy to install. No draw on your battery. Drawbacks: not cooling at idle(not needed), no scale effect.
Remember that almost all gas and nitro powered boats have for decades used scoop cooling to great success. It should work fine for electric as well.
"I am not responsible for any of my opinions..."😁

You still need a scoop with a circulating pump. Otherwise at hull speed a vacuum will be created over the intake, thus inhibiting water flow to the pump and motor. The only benefit of the pump is you would have a realistic flow of water when the vessel is not underway.

Any thoughts ?
Try fitting a small pump to work when the main motor is at rest