Building a built-in baitwell

[Roadrager50]

I am looking for ways to build a live bait well in my boat. I am going to build in the rear bench seat that runs across the front of the engine of the engine compartment. I have an open bow tri-hull and figure this is the best place for it. I have asked this question before and was advised to look at prefab, but the prefab don't fit my dimensions. I am thinking of building a one off mold so it fits in the space provided. It should hold about 20 gallons. I am hoping that the extra 160 pounds of weight in the front of the engine won't be a problem. Once built it will be about eight feet from the transom. My boat is a 1977 Thunderbird 18 ft. It has a 302 with a Omc outdrive. So it should be able to handle the weight. If I need to give more info let me know. Appreciate the help.


Blue seas and smooth sailing

 

[alldodge]

Re: Building a built-in baitwell

I will take for granted you don't plan on drilling a hole through the bottom of the boat to the tank. This will just be lift the seat up and there is an open tank and the lid is the seat bottom.

With that; frame in the boxed area of the size your wanting. Place layers of fiberglass matt over the areas inside the box and brush in the resign. After sufficient layers have been applied sand to desired finish. Probably want to drill and attach a fitting to the bottom side of the tank, Attach hose to the fitting and allow it to go into the bilge and use an inline vale to ease draining of tank.

Do similar thing to the lid (seat bottom) but have the lid extend down into the tank about 1/4 inch. Once lid is sanded to finish apply rubber door seal around edge of lid to tank opening.

My Cruiser water tank sprang a leak and I had one custom made to my dimensions from Polyethylene. Cost a bit more but this included all the fittings placed where I wanted them, also the fittings were placed inside the tank instead of out side due to a tight fit.