1998 23 SeaCraft Deck Livewell.

[thedog]

Thanks, I have all of those fittings that you were refering too as well. I am familiar with how they work. There are two additional through hull(through the bottom of the boat)1 1/2 inch fittings that sit in the angled bottom on both port and starboard sides. No one seems to know what these things were used for. If I could figure out how to send a picture I would

By the way, does your boat deck sit level in the water. I have a Johnson 225 outboard. Every time I try to clean the boat the water just sits on the deck. I have resorted to filling my 94 quart cooler with water and leaving it against the transom. Other than a heavier engine or twins, any suggestions?

I have twins on mine and when you stand in either back corner water comes in thru scuppers and bilge thru hole exhaust is below water. just fixed that with a stainless steel 180 to create a loop above waterline about 10"
now no more water in bilge,
another thought and I was considering this, the previous owner may have been making a sea chest out of the in deck livewell and moving all the pumps into the livewell for easier access and reliability of thru hole fittings
if all the pumps and thru holes are in the livewell, you should not sink if a thru hole fitting gives way. with a good quality water tight hatch on top of the livewell, it would make pump maintenance much easier

[bigtahuna]

jk
I taped my ears back to my head to keep from getting stuck. Mine dosen't have a macerator, just a baitwell pump connected to the bottom center of the livewell the strainer is on the inside of the well. My thruhull seacock is in the bilge to starboard, low near the keel. My boat is at the marina or I'd take some photos, maybe this weekend. I'm in Maryland, boat on Cheasapeake Bay and Atlantic out of Ocean City MD and Wachepregue VA. How about you?
Dave

[jkbuilding]

That's hilareous! I'm affraid my head is going to swell up like a balloon while in that position for so long. By the way I was told to add a second bilge pump. Do you have one?

I have my boat in Cape May NJ. Easier to email pictures to john@jkbuilding.net

JK

[bigtahuna]

John,
I only have one bilge pump, I think it's 2000gph. I've been meaning to add a red light to that circuit in a conspicuos spot on my dash that would come on whenever the pump runs. Would give an early warning of a possible problem.
Dog,
That was my other thought, a homemade seachest. That livewell holds about 35 gals. I think. I wouldn't want that full all the time.
Dave

[jkbuilding]

Dog,

You may be right. There is some type of black plastic mounts under the through hole nuts. The mounts are approximately 4 inches in diameter with little nubs that stick up around the perimeter. What doesn't make sense is the fact that all the pumps and seacock etc. are still in the bilge area.

[jkbuilding]

Dave,

Good idea on the warning lights. I guess it still won't tell you if the pump isn't working. That's my biggest concern. The back up pump would certainly help if the other pump failed. I am also adding shore power as I let the boat sit sometimes for a week-2 at a time.

John

[jkbuilding]

Dave,

If you could give me a little more information on the type of pump installed on the deck livewell drain it would be helpful. Is it mounted directly to the drain hole of the livewell or is it remote? I'm thinking I clould mount a Rule cartridge type right to the drain hole(bilge side) and pump it out one of my through hulls. Either way, I have to make a watertight connection between the livewell and what ever pump/plumbing attachment I decide.

[bigtahuna]

John,
Yes, the pump on my well is mounted directly to the bottom of the well on the bilge side with a hose to one of the thru hull fittings. It's a Rule 500gph baitwell pump I think, I wasen't able to get down to the marina last weekend, but am planning on going this weekend. I'll try to take some pictures, posting them might be a chore. I'll try.

Looks like it worked first try.
Cheers
Dave

[jkbuilding]

Dave,

Thanks for the reply. exactly what I thought.

Beautiful boat! It looks brand new.

Regards,

John

[bigtahuna]

John,
Thanks, it was pretty well cared for when I bought it five years ago, and if you ask my wife, she'll tell you I spend way too much time fiddeling with it. She wants me to name it O-SEA-D. I guess she knows me pretty well.

Dave