Baitwell Installation

[newman]

I have a 14' wooden boat, built by a man in coden,alabama. It is called a bosarge. It has 2 compartmens that would normally be baitwells but I asked him not to put the holes in it. (His kind of baitwell is just a hole which can lead to problems). I would like to know how to install a baitwell that you see in larger boats w/ a pump and everything. I am fairly new to boating so I am not familiar with this stuff. Thanks!<br /><br />-Newman

 

[Bondo]

Re: Baitwell Installation

I maybe out of line here Newman, BUT, you State,<br /><br />"I am fairly new to boating so I am not familiar with this stuff."<br /><br />Now, this ole' boy down in Bama, Probably ISN'T New to Boating....MAYBE he Knows something you Don't.....<br />A 14' boat isn't very big to be putting you, your friend,+ All Your Stuff.... and this pump system,?? How is it Powered ?? a Battery ?? <br />Boats Going to get Real Heavy....<br /><br />Don't Forget Your PFDs......

 

[newman]

Re: Baitwell Installation

Ive got a 25hp 2 stroke yamaha. Right now w/ me my friend(who doesn't come much), gear and gas it'll get up and go. Its got room too. Its a nice boat. I don't think weight or size will be much of a problem. Thanks<br /><br />-Newman

 

[Boatist]

Re: Baitwell Installation

Newman<br />As Bondo ask do you have a battery??? Does your motor have a alternator???<br /><br />Normaly you have a Livewell pump to fill livewell. This motor needs a hole below water even at speed if possible. The fitting should have a screen over it. This fitting is plummed to a livewell motor also below waterline then out of motor to top of the livewell and into some sort of spray tube. The motor is wired to a switch to turn on the pump. This switch usually has a manual on setting and a auto timer setting so can be set to turn on and add fresh water on it own, like on one minute in every three. Many timers the on time is adjustable.<br />Now you need a drain and an overflow fitting in livewell. Drain is in the bottom and overflow it put at the level you want water to fill to. Overflow needs a screen on it but then is plummed to drain then to a fitting below the tank but above the water line. Now all you need is a plug for the drain.

 

[newman]

Re: Baitwell Installation

I have do have a battery, no alternator though, but its no problem to charge the thing.<br /><br />-Newman

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Baitwell Installation

newman, not sure why people have answered you like you are a 12 year old kid (make sure you wear your life preserver little jonny!!). boatist explains well how a baitwell operates. my baitwell is below the waterline and is always filled. most are above, and you can fill and drain easily. its hard to explain exactly what you need to do without seeing your exact set-up. but its a simple design, requiring a small aerator pump, tubing, fittings, and a through-hull or two. you can also build a removeable well out of anything (most use a cooler). i think someone posted the directions on this site somewhere, you may be able to find it. if not, i found it on the web with minimal surfing. good luck-