50 gallon livewell in a 20'

billythekid · #1 03-06-2007, 05:31 PM

was wondering if anyone has put a 50 gallon livewell on a 20 footer. The boat I purchased has the console moved back about 10 inches with the front seat cut off. I plan I mounting the livewell in front of the console and running the the two hoses under the gas tank back into the bilge for the pickup and through the transom for the drain. Anyone have any experience with this or has anyone seen one done?

JW-Tex · #2 03-07-2007, 10:35 AM

Putting 400 lbs in front of the console...should work (like two passengers), I run a 30 gallon tank in the same spot. I install my tank only for temporary use. The hoses are run to the acess hatch on the front casting deck (the access plate to get to the drain for the fishbox) and I open that hatch and pull the hoses out when I want to use it. I put a larger thru hull where the fishbox drain was and use that for the overflow.

FELLOW-SHIP · #3 03-07-2007, 11:28 AM

I had Kodiak Pro Flow 22 gal tank in another boat in that spot for several years.
http://www.kodiakmarine.com/proflow_bait_tanks.htm

It worked very good and you did not have to have 50 gal’s of water to hold 50 gal’s worth of bait with it. I could blacken that tank with bait and none would die. The Kodiak has a splash rim build in it to keep water from splashing out which is a must when you put the tank up front. I have concluded that it’s not the amount of water that keeps most bait alive it’s the amount of oxygenated water flowing in and out that does. Keep in mind that some tanks will injure bait by blasting off their scales and fish scum with a overt hose pressure. The Kodiak Pro does not injure the bait.
Another concern it to make sure that when water splashes out of the tank it does not have any opportunity to effect your electrical wireing inside console.

FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins

jorgeinmiami · #4 03-07-2007, 02:19 PM

I like the idea of placing it there as it does a couple of things

Keeps the weight up forward and you have less chance of the back end getting water in.

And it's also out of the way of where most people do their fishing.

The only down side that I've heard is that it moves the water around when you run and it may hurt your bait.

If you can run the hoses and the electrical so your not stepping on it all the time it would work out nice

billythekid · #5 03-07-2007, 05:43 PM

thanks guys am actaully going to use a fiberglass tank that is made by http://www.offshoreproducts.com/round_tanks.htm

everything is integrated like the kodiak but is is fiberglass I have room in front of the gas tank to drop the two hoses down and run them right under the gas tank to the bilge.

FELLOW-SHIP · #6 03-07-2007, 06:23 PM

Boy those are really sweet looking tanks and they got the correct type lip on the top to keep the water in the tanks. I guess they don’t show the prices for a reason lots of $$$ my guess, but is there anything more important (other that Lots of BEER) then fresh lively bait???

FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins

billythekid · #7 03-08-2007, 12:10 AM

fellowship the 50 gallon is about $500 which isnt cheap but they work really good. I like the fact that you wont see any of the hoses or hardware when I am done.

WillyC · #8 03-08-2007, 10:09 AM

Keep us posted with some pictures when you get that thing all hooked up. Sounds like a sweet set up.

FELLOW-SHIP · #9 03-08-2007, 11:59 AM

Ha Billy The Kid

$500. really that’s not bad for a LOOOONG term investment. Down here during Sailfish season a Dozen Goggle Eyes can cost you $120. a Dozen. Thank God I Catch my own bait each week.

FellowShip

_______________________________________________

My motto: Just for the Grins

Spidercrab · #10 03-08-2007, 01:01 PM

mr fellowships
meemaw eats dem dead eye jacks outs of the tank whin i gets home. she share 'em with da coon dog