Bait Well Ideas...Help
 

A little back round first. My main objective is the keep the boat as original looking as possible. Keeping that in mind. I would like to install a bait well in the stringer section center next to the fuel tank. See picture.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/i...r/CIMG0038.jpg

OK here is my problem. The bw is below the water line. If I want to drain the water I really do not want it to go into the bilge and I do not want to monitor the bw to see if it is filling up or not all the time. Plus I need to keep some water running in it to keep things alive in the summer months. I know I can have a fish box pump for the end of day, but the constant drainage is a challenge.

Any and all ideas welcomed.

Re: Bait Well Ideas...Help
 

Set the pump to pump out maybe, I've seen that done on the in floor SC wells before

Re: Bait Well Ideas...Help
 

If you want to leave SOME water, as you said, you could mount the water drain inlet/outlet so that it is up off the bottom of the B/W and will only drain/pumpout down to a desired point. This will leave a desired amount of water in the baitwell. You can set it up so that you can move that outlet down to the floor of the baitwell for when you want to "pump" it dry.

Re: Bait Well Ideas...Help
 

Hey Terry,
Raise the sides of the baitwell to deck height {glassed in} and run an overflow or 2 at different heights to modulate capacity and flow! Run the overflow through the transom and an end of day to the bilge. Clamshell pick up 8 inches or so off keel on the side w/ out a ducer. You can hide it somewhat between the steps. Gem Products makes a sweet flush one. ToddsLures has good access.
GFS

Re: Bait Well Ideas...Help
 

I don't think I understand eod to bilge?

Let us make the assumption that my floor is just above the water line. If I had a drain that was below the water line I don't think the bw will let the over flo out the back of the transom. Doesn't water seek its own level?

Re: Bait Well Ideas...Help
 

Two tank drains needed. One out the transom (via a seacock)which will drain as long as your running forward. After draining close the seacock. The second drain (plug to bilge)will handle any excess at the EOD, which if you choose, you can drain to the bilge and pump it out. ;)

Re: Bait Well Ideas...Help
 

Terry,
Not sure about your deck height, but my overflow was above the waterline, and the drain hose ran below the water line for silent operation. The weight of the water pushes it out. The e o d hose ran to a thru hull by the bilge drain plug. I can show you @ Desoto as I cut out the in deck well and put a 30 gal under my shorty leaning post/ chair set up.

Re: Bait Well Ideas...Help
 

Thanks, CC, some time one forgets that a sea cock is needed.

Sandy I will be there on Saturday. Maybe we can dip a line.

Re: Bait Well Ideas...Help
 

Why not Terry.

Re: Bait Well Ideas...Help
 

Terry,
I put a fishbox/ in my floor probably close to the same location as your livewell.I have mine draining into the bilge. I too faced the same challenge. I wanted to drain out the transom, but #1 I have a backing plate for the outboard bracket in the low corner of the fishbox. I also did not want the chance for the plug to be "forgotten" or pop out! I know the wise confuciuos say; "man who drain fishbox in bilge have stinky boat" .