Adding livewell to 16' aluminum lund boat. Need suggestions.

[specialk31]

I am currently planning on adding a livewell to my boat. At this time it does not have one installed already. The front of the boat has a deck about even with the edge of the boat that extends back about 3 feet with a storage compartment in it with a door on the vertical face facing the back of the boat. There is three bench seats (just flat decking basically) that have seats mounted to them. My idea is to take and extend the front flooring back all the way to the first bench and enclose that whole area. Moving the hatch door for the storage compartment to the top in the front and putting a live well in the back half of that area with a top hatch. My concern is trying to figure out the best system/way to go about doing a water intake to fill the livewell as well as a way to drain the tank. Also what type of wood would be the best to finish the decking off. I am new to boat restoration and would like and advice anyone can give me. Thanks.

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Adding livewell to 16' aluminum lund boat. Need suggestions.

Welcom to iboats Dry Dock.

Adding a livewell isn't a big deal, just (as you said figuring out where to place it). We really need a picture of your boat to aid in this help.

As far as the plywood the for the deck, marine grade is by far the best, but exterior grade will do when properly glass over to seal it. Just match the same as is there on the exisiting deck.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Adding livewell to 16' aluminum lund boat. Need suggestions.

Year,Make and Pics .. Without these 3 things ( or at least 2 of the 3 ) its Impossible to recommend anything at this point..

Oh..and Hello to Iboats ..

YD.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Adding livewell to 16' aluminum lund boat. Need suggestions.

If you can find a cooler the right size....... it is easier to convert one to a livewell then it is trying to make your own from other materials.

 

[specialk31]

Re: Adding livewell to 16' aluminum lund boat. Need suggestions.

I don't know the exact year of the boat, I believe it is in the early 90's. I am working on getting picture of it. Right now it is in storage because of the long Michigan winters. Bob would it be easier to use a cooler and set it in and do plumbing out of that or to buy an actual livewell tank? Sorry for the lack of information, didn't know it would be necessary.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Adding livewell to 16' aluminum lund boat. Need suggestions.

You will probably find a cooler cheaper in price....your choice.

 

[Betterthannothin]

Re: Adding livewell to 16' aluminum lund boat. Need suggestions.

I have been considering addind a live well to my rig as well. I am excited to see what you come up with.

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Adding livewell to 16' aluminum lund boat. Need suggestions.

This is somthing I've done plenty of times and your options are only limited by you....I've seen them made from plywood and glass lined, a cooler, actual livewells tubs (several online sources), welded up from aluminum, made from plexiglass (with reenforced corners), etc.... The molded plastic ones online are the easiest to work with. Placement and plumbing are next, but again we really need some pictures of your boats layout to aid any further.