Converting Bow live well into cooler

[Ridethewaves]

Anyone use their bow live well as a cooler....does it work?

Take possession of our new SS201 Tues; just in time for the MD weekend. Can't wait.

 

[Ernest T]

Re: Converting Bow live well into cooler

Congratulations on the new boat. Be sure to post some photos. There is a thread on here for showing off your new ride. I know there are several other 201 owners on here that will be able to help you out with any questions.

My live well has only been used as a cooler, so far and it works fine as a cooler. I didn't get to do as much fishing last season as I would have liked. My one complaint about the live well is that on my boat you have to use the lid as a step up to the bow of the boat, and it is extremely slippery when wet. I nearly broke my neck a couple of times last year. This year I put some non-skid material on the lid, so hopefully the problem is fixed.

 

[samagy16]

Re: Converting Bow live well into cooler

I agree with Ernest. My livewell doesn't even work and I don't care. It is absolutely and 100% the go-to cooler for anyone looking for refreshments in the front of the boat as I split all my stuff between that one and the one in the rear. I also agree with the stepping part of it, it is slippery and I sometimes feel like the lid isn't really equipped for the weight of an adult stepping on it all the time.

Congratulations and enjoy your new Hurricane and don't forget to post some pictures. Are you planning to take it out for Memorial Day? LOL, just kidding!

 

[samagy16]

Re: Converting Bow live well into cooler

Two quick things I will add.

Ice melts much quicker than a regular cooler even if you keep the cushion on top of it since the lid is thin and in the middle of the day you could imagine not as much insulation.

It self drains so you don't get the benefit of the ice water that you get from a cooler in keeping things cold longer.

 

[Ridethewaves]

Re: Converting Bow live well into cooler

Thanks! I will definitely post some pics - and can't wait to give the live well/cooler a good tryout this next weekend.

 

[aprilealp]

Re: Converting Bow live well into cooler

Great idea! We do it all the time so as not to have to keep getting refreshments form the back of the boat! I have a pvc type stick in ours which keeps the water in and keeps everything cold a bit longer. The area is not insulated so in the heat of the Florida sun it can go quite fast. But then again, we have been able to keep up with beverage part of it before they get warm. lol. The top is not smooth on ours so no worries for slippage. I just pull it when we are ready to empty. I have given up on finding the live well pump to fix it or don't even know if it came with one. We have the 2000 fundeck 201 we purchased used and adore it. Slowly replacing all the little things that need to be replaced. Good luck with your new ride!
!