How I set up my Livewell - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

eelman · 03-09-2007, 12:06 PM

Thought I would post this in case anyone wants ideas, I do not have a big boat so, space is at a premium, this really worked out well and with only some slight modifications..

To begin with, I already had a small livewell in front of the console so, they had a 500gph livewell pump and seacock already installed in the boat, I upgraded to an 800gph Pirahna pump, that was to big for the space so I had to mount it sideways and get some plumbing elbows etc...to do it as you can see here..

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eelman · 03-09-2007, 12:07 PM

After that, I cut into the already existing livewell hose and added a T-fitting

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eelman · 03-09-2007, 12:08 PM

I then ran a hose from the T into the battery box

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eelman · 03-09-2007, 12:09 PM

Outside the box I added the fitting that will run to the live well and I used quick disconnect fittings..I also added a shutoff valve here

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eelman · 03-09-2007, 12:10 PM

To this I can add or remove the hose at will without any room taken up

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eelman · 03-09-2007, 12:11 PM

The whole thing came out really nice

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eelman · 03-09-2007, 12:12 PM

I just run the drain hose over the transom

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eelman · 03-09-2007, 12:13 PM

When not in use everything is tiddy..Like this

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eelman · 03-09-2007, 12:18 PM

This tank is 26 gallons and fit great in my boat. The other plus here is I can use the same fitting for a raw water washdown pump. Aside from the minor plumbing adjustments, this wasnt that tough, I already had it in the water and everything worked fine without leaks. Anyway for anyone looking for an idea here is my take on it, I should be able to hold a few scup , shad or bunker in there no problem.

eelman · 03-09-2007, 12:20 PM

You can see the out of the way fitting here

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Goose · 03-09-2007, 01:44 PM

Seems well thought out, nice. The only question I have is from that pic it looks like there isn't a whole lota space to get your bait in and out, also, haveing them frisky your gonna need a net, with my 30 gal. I get'um with my hands, I'm standing over the bait.

eelman · 03-09-2007, 01:52 PM

Yes tony, the bag on the leaning post comes right out with a carry handle, it just sits in the frame...one of the reasons I went with taco, its almost like a huge tackle bag, anyway its comes out in a snap, So no problems..

ProfessorM · 03-09-2007, 02:04 PM

Look's great. Personally I would have put it against the transom so you aren't tripping over the hoses. It is a plus when you can drain the overflow out the back. It is always easy to get the water in but if you have a high transom getting the water out can require some thinking. I basically use a similar set up but all homemade, 30 gallon drum. Good job. P.

JohnR · 03-09-2007, 02:07 PM

Looks nice Bill - only thing I (highly) recommend is that you double hose clamp all of your hoses instead of using just one - especially belowdecks

eelman · 03-09-2007, 02:45 PM

Ya John,good idea, thats quick enough to do, I will just add another one down there on those fittings, looks like its gonna be the perfect weekend for that task!

The reason is I dont want it against the transom is the weight...

ProfessorM · 03-09-2007, 04:27 PM

Legit reason for sure. I have a 25 gallon in my tin boat, when herring were a legal, and I had to stick it up front for the same reason.

fishermanjim · 03-09-2007, 05:14 PM

nice leaning post bill,

Raider Ronnie · 03-09-2007, 06:08 PM

#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&,
From looking at the pics it looks like you have the water coming in at the top, and the overflow is at the top also.
I would suggest re plumbing it with the water coming in, at or near the bottom.

eelman · 03-10-2007, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raider Ronnie

#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&,
From looking at the pics it looks like you have the water coming in at the top, and the overflow is at the top also.
I would suggest re plumbing it with the water coming in, at or near the bottom.

Ya, Someone told me that the pump would have to work to hard to force the water up?? I was thinking what you said myself that was my original way..you think I should go from the bottom? Thanks

MTC · 03-10-2007, 06:44 AM

Nice job... I'm working on my sons 18 footers live well today...

thefishingfreak · 03-10-2007, 07:41 AM

in the bottom and out the top.
i'd loose the valve and the plastic qiuck connect too, more flow.

NIB · 03-10-2007, 07:52 AM

On the inside of the tank it helps if the intake fitting has a 90 elbow.
Shoots the water to the side an kinda spins it around in the tank.It gives the bait direction an they swim around better an don't pound into the side as much.If it is just above the water line it will help to airate the tank some..
I put my 50 gal tank in the front also.
Hard to tell but if the overflow pipe is going up to go out the transom it won't work.Even if it is close to level it won't work.Water goes downhill only..I made the mistake of putting my fittings to close to the top of the well an when u take off the nice bunkerwater would spill out..
Overall u should be real Happy with the results..
That setup looks great..
Happy baits happy fisherman good luck..

Raven · 03-10-2007, 07:57 AM

sometimes 90's fittings will create allot of noise...
because of the hard angle bend....

there are specialty fittings if this becomes an issue...

otherwise it looks pretty darn - mint

Raider Ronnie · 03-10-2007, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&

Ya, Someone told me that the pump would have to work to hard to force the water up?? I was thinking what you said myself that was my original way..you think I should go from the bottom? Thanks

By pumping in from the bottom and the overflow near the top is best because,
-you're changing the water all the time, thus getting oxygen !
-keeping the water temp coldest
-with the overflow at the top, the crap like scales, ect.. will wash out.
- the 90 degree elbow is key also, baits like to swim in a circle.

You didn't mention what pump you have, I would suggest minimum 700gph, the more the better (especially with poggies, i've got a 3400gpr), and a true live well pump, wash down pumps are not meant to run all the time.
Hope this helps.

eelman · 03-10-2007, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raider Ronnie

By pumping in from the bottom and the overflow near the top is best because,
-you're changing the water all the time, thus getting oxygen !
-keeping the water temp coldest
-with the overflow at the top, the crap like scales, ect.. will wash out.
- the 90 degree elbow is key also, baits like to swim in a circle.

You didn't mention what pump you have, I would suggest minimum 700gph, the more the better (especially with poggies, i've got a 3400gpr), and a true live well pump, wash down pumps are not meant to run all the time.
Hope this helps.

The fitting has a 90 degree elbow so all set there, I have a Shurflo Pirahna 800gph that I installed and its a dedicated livewell pump. Guess I will put that fitting at the bottom...otherwise it seems good...need to test it again! The overflow does go down hill so hopefully no problems there...Working on it today will post some pics of the progress...Thanks for the tips