simple baitwell setup

[Rhody]

Possibly someone might like to see this option on my '18. 22 Gal Kodiak with 500 gph pump. Easy to set up and remove, only 4 bolts,slide on pump and plug in wires.Cost $316.16 delivered.

[fdheld34]

Very nice setup....
I purchased a keep alive 20 gallon system (haven't used it yet)...due to the simplicity. I like yours because it is truly recirculating and all portable. Something I should have looked into before making my purchase. I am sure you do not have to worry about clogged pumps from scales etc. due to the fact that pump is outside of tank
Questions
1)Do you have to use any type of primer bulb on the pump to get it started with suction. I have seen some set ups where they use some type of primer bulb inside the tank to obtain prime for pump?????
2)Any check valve used or needed for the pick up line???
3)Only two hoses used??? Intake and exit??
4)What size hose used for intake and exit??
Again, nice clean set up....some other setups I have seen can get down right confusing.
-Fred

[McGillicuddy]

Fred,
Rhody's set up is identical to mine (right on, Rhody). Except his is much cleaner - can't even see thru my hose... Wire the pump just like a switched bilge pump (effectively, it is a bilge pump), turn on and it sucks water. Fills to overflow level, and drains out over the transom well. 3/4" hose in, 1-1/2" out. No check valve needed. Only thing I don't like is the extra 180 pounds of plastic and H2O aft.

West marine wants $85 for Rule/Kodiak 500gph transom mount. C.G. Edwards in Boston has 'em for $56 online...

[Rhody]

Fred,

Glad you like the rig. Let me try to answer your questions.

Because the pump is always in or on the water it does not need a primer.

There is no check valve but I installed a ball shutoff valve in the intake hose to keep tank full if I choose to shut off the pump. A check valve would do the same and might be an improvement.

There is one intake (3/4"?) and one overflow (1 1/2?) both over the motor well. A third hose seen at the forward bottom of the tank is to empty the tank and send the water to the port scupper.

[fdheld34]

Thanks all for answering the questions. I wil have to look into this set up as opposed to what I just purchased or somehow customize my tank to work like the Kodiak.
-Fred

[jorgeinmiami]

I did something similar on my 20 (which I sold and regret)I placed the tank under the leaning post, but instead of a transom mount pump mine was thru hull with the discharge also thru hull. What I did do is to install 2 gas fills right behind the tank where I could attach the in and out hoses that way when I was not fishing I couls remove the tank and use a cooler I wish I had pics but I don't.

I worked out pretty well