Bass boat livewell repair question

[Mygreenihc]

Hello guys,

My dad has a 2000 model Blazer bass boat and the livewell in it seeps water. When it is dry, you can see what appears to be hairline cracks in the bottom of the livewell, but nothing that seems big enough to leak. but, when it is full of water, it seeps water into the bilge. It is not bad enough (yet anyway) to cause a problem on a normal fishing trip because you can pump it out periodically, but it is bad enough that he is afraid to leave it in the water overnight. I am looking for a way to repair this without lifting the cap and replacing it the proper way.

My dad thinks we should fiberglass the entire livewell from the inside with matte, but my brother wants to just mix resin and paint it with two or three coats. What would you guys suggest as a good means of repair for a case like this?

thanks,
Brad

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Bass boat livewell repair question

Generally the livewells are plastic, inserted in while the cap is off. If that's the case glass won't adhere to it. So I guess the first questions are:

#1 Is it a plastic livewell or fiberglass?

#2 If the livewell is seeping water OUT? Just take off up the lake and drain it and put the plug back in. That should take care of it leaking it overnight...

CW

 

[Mygreenihc]

Re: Bass boat livewell repair question

I appreciate the quick response.

#1 Is it a plastic livewell or fiberglass?CW

That is a good question. Now that you mention it, all that I have ever seen is plastic or some sort of poly. I would guess that his would be the same. Can you think of anything that could be used to repair it? I wonder how something like that rubberized spray sealer would work.

#2 If the livewell is seeping water OUT? Just take off up the lake and drain it and put the plug back in. That should take care of it leaking it overnight...CW

that is a thought. It would be somewhat of a hassle, but it would work.

Thanks Cadwelder. Anybody else have a suggestion?

Brad

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: Bass boat livewell repair question

With my boat the livewell drain is control by the driver seat so draining is quite simple, but it you have to plug it from inside the well then I see your point, you'll need two people.

To seal the plastic, I've done it two ways: The first is to use and electric soldering gun and heat the crack and literally melt the crack back together, this has worked well for me a couple of times.

I've also used JB Weld to repair a small hole and it worked okay also.....

CW

 

[NathanL]

Re: Bass boat livewell repair question

West Epoxy makes an epoxy that is made to stick to stuff like the plastic livewells are made out of. I think it's called GFlex or something like that. Don't waste your time trying to use regular polyster resin/fiberlgass it will peel right off.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Bass boat livewell repair question

#1 Is it a plastic livewell or fiberglass?

This is a good starting point. Until we know how can we fix it ?

You have checked all your fittings then ?

YD.

 

[Mygreenihc]

Re: Bass boat livewell repair question

Thanks guys for the help.

I have confirmed that it is indeed some sort of plastic. So, resin or fiberglass is out of the question.

An epoxy would work well I would think. My concern with it would be getting it smooth enough to be able to keep clean.

Cadwelder, I didn't think about the drain control valve. That would actually be a good thing to do even if it is not leaking.

YD, You are right. You have to know in order to advise. The fittings were the assumed culprit initially. They were removed, and new fittings were put in their place. 3m 5200 sealer was used to seal them.

I appreciate the help that you guys are providing.

Brad

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Bass boat livewell repair question

Probably ABS Plastic.

Go to a Radio Control Model store. Buy some "Plastruct Plastic Weld Cement".

Buy a syringe from the drug store. Wipe the crack down with acetone. Use the syringe to apply the glue to the length of the crack. Capillary action will melt the plastic together.