That is an option, I need to see if there is room above the fuel tank to plumb lines for an above deck live well behind/incorporated into leaning post.

Scott, I would fish with an above deck live well. I fished a friends newer 21' model which I believe has the same well as the 23. It was a terrible bait well that we never used. Instead we made a well that could either go in front of the console (21' model has a different console than the 23' allowing for this), or behind the console. I think his motor was mounted too low, or maybe the 21' just never rode quite right, but the boat rode better with the extra weight behind the console. The boat had a tendency to bow steer and the extra transom weight lifted the bow out of the seas a little more. Either way, I would plan on installing your own bait well if you want to have fresh bait (that is if you fish larger baits like macs and pogies).

Cut out the in deck well and all will be revealed.

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/g...ideopen156.jpg

You have room around the tank and my 20 loves the weight there.

Thanks

Welly.

I have a '98 23', the in deck livewell has a ball value in the bilge that is designed to let water flow into the well without a pump. If that's left open it will fill the well. Also the gutters on the indeck livewell aren't tall enough and will allow rainwater to enter. I don't find it to be a huge deal, just turn the pump on and empty it. I use the indeck well for bulk bait storage and transfer to the gunnel livewell as needed. I wouldn't consider it a deal breaker. I'm sure some gasket material could be added to seal from rain water and still use the livewell as intended.

Dave