Building a livewell

[Boat-ryder]

Decided i wanted to build a live well into one of my benches in my jon boat,got an idea of what i want to do just wanted to get some opinions.

ive got a big peice of lexand from when i worked at a glass company which is basically 1/2 in think plexiglass but stronger.i made a doodle of my idea.i dont want to cut any holes in the boat for a drain so i was thinking i could run a peice of pvc pipe out the bottom of well and into the channels that run throughout the boat with a plug so when i want to drain and clean all the water will just flow to back an out my drain plugs.


any suggestions on what to use to seal the seams and any ideas in general? thanks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Building a livewell

I would not use that scheme in a boat because of the pounding. Whatever you used to seal any joints would quickly let go. There are many livewell tanks available for do-it-yourself designs but the most common trick is to use a cooler. A livewell to function as such should have a constant or at least intermittent source of water into it, an overflow so excess water can run out, and a drain. Without those, you have a hot water tank that will not keep fish or bait alive.

 

[sutor623]

Re: Building a livewell

Yea I agree. I would just get a Toho rig and call it a day. For $200 or less, you can worry about fishing and not an ongoing project. Toho-Rig Livewell | Bass Pro Shops

 

[Boat-ryder]

Re: Building a livewell

i understand your point but i enjoy projects and i really dont want to take up any more space than i have to,thats why im putting it in the bench.the epoxy wont be the only thing holding it.it will have screws on every side as well,still think it wouldnt hold up?i am planing on getting an aerator but just trying to get the design of the well first.anythings gotta be better than my two 5 gallon buckets haha.

 

[sutor623]

Re: Building a livewell

Yeah. My jon boat livewell consists of a 5 gallon water cooler (insulated) with a bubble box attached to the top, and air line running through the top. Keeps minnows, crappie and bream alive all day. Even had a few bass in there.

 

[Boat-ryder]

Re: Building a livewell

got a pic of that?^^ id like to see it

 

[saumon]

Re: Building a livewell

http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topics-questions-not-engine-topics/livewell-question-598065.html

Basically, your have 2 systems; one, enclosed, where the same water is recirculated and another one where you pickup fresh water and dump the overflow, the first being cheaper and easier to build and the later being more efficient.

 

[gm280]

Re: Building a livewell

I too suggest you find a cooler that would fit in the place you have in mind and save so much work and have both a sealed live well and insulated too. However, they do make really good glues for lexan that I have used and no amount of bouncing around will break the joint...if glued properly. BUT, why do that when the cooler is already built with insulation and can be fitted so easily. I would also think seriously about installing a spray bar to aerate the fish to keep them oxygenated throughout the day...

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Building a livewell

I got this kit last year and it works very nice, I did add a cycling timer to it just to save battery power.

Tsunami Bilge Pump Recirq Livewell Aerator Kit - Walmart.com

 

[Boat-ryder]

Re: Building a livewell

The bench isn't very deep so unless I could find a shallow rectangular cooler it wouldn't work even though that would be easier. Any chance you remember what glue it was you used? I'll get some measurements to give a better idea of the space

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Building a livewell

If I like the fish to eat I nock it on the head and put it on ice. Never been a big fan of pulling fish out of deep cold water and then putting them on surface water temp.
Get that tunnel boat running First Ryder

 

[gm280]

Re: Building a livewell

The bench isn't very deep so unless I could find a shallow rectangular cooler it wouldn't work even though that would be easier. Any chance you remember what glue it was you used? I'll get some measurements to give a better idea of the space

...

Yes I do remember the type glue I used with Lexan. It is a two part epoxy like glue sold by Weld On manufactures. The actual company I purchased it from was ePlastics, but web search the Lexan Polycarbonate Glue IPS 40 name should give a few vendors... And if I remember correctly that stuff really stinks too...use adequate ventilation... Once the glue cures that joint is amazingly strong and clear too... I used it to build a few PC board etching tanks for making printed circuit boards... Worked great. However, with all that stated, I personally would go the cooler route for the totally built and insulated options. If your bench seat is low profile like you stated, then cut the cooler down to fit in the area. And make the top of the cooler hinged to the top of the aluminum bench too. That way when you have it closed it looks just like the aluminum bench seat...

 

[Boat-ryder]

Re: Building a livewell

i know "duckdown" rain is stoppin me from bein able to take it out right now.

cutting a coolers not a bad idea,i didnt think of that.wonder if i could just get a cooler insert about the size i need.it would prolly look better?

 

[sutor623]

Re: Building a livewell

For keeping fish you catch alive the cooler is great. I like the 5gallon water jug for a bait well because it has rounded sides so that you don't "rednose" your bait. Ill send you the pic you requested when I get home.