live well? how exactly does it work? do i fix it?

[sailors hornpipe]

1992 180 nitro fs- this is my first boat and ive only had it out once to see what works and what needs fixin-we were concentrating on the most important things on that 1st trip so accessories were not included- i have one live well in the back of my boat - i didnt check to see if it worked while we were out- forgot- but in my driveway with batteries fullly charged i fliped the switch that says live well and i could not hear a pump turn on or start running- i assume a pump is suppose to turn on to pump lake water into the live well and then gravity pulls it out as it fills -is that correct? so if it is not working then i assume i need a new live well pump? ive been to the local marine supply shop just to look around and all i saw were somethings for live wells that were called replacement cartridges- but didnt see anything called a live well replacement pump- also do i need an ariator? and can you have both? how many of you use a live well and is it nesscesary for a good fishing trip? my boat mech bud who went with me on the 1st trip said not to worry about it right now because it is an unesscesary accessory unless im going to get in bass or fishing tournaments and as a newbie whos been out once for a couple of hours i dont see that happening soon -but i bought the boat for tubing and fishing and would like to get it going -so any advice?

 

[lncoop]

Re: live well? how exactly does it work? do i fix it?

The livewell cartridge just drops inside the pump housing. It should say on the back whether it's compatible with the one you have. First determine whether the pump's getting power. I assume you know how to do that. If it is, then you can just replace the cartridge. Worst case scenario is replacing the whole pump, which won't be much at all. As for how it works, some just pump fresh water in and some also aerate it. Either way, as little as it costs and as simple as it is to fix go ahead and fix it. You'll be glad you did.

 

[ufm82]

Re: live well? how exactly does it work? do i fix it?

The pump is located in the bilge area under the rear access cover. Typically in the area where your batteries are. Open the rear hatch and you should be able to see the pump. It will be plumbed with a thru-hull fitting that allows it to draw lake water in. Some wells have a drain tube that rises from the drain fitting to regulate the level and some just have a drain hole 3/4 up the well. Depends on the boat mfr.
First thing to check is power to the pump- check fuses and wiring. A test light works for this. If the pump is getting power but does not run, either it is bound up or shot. Replacement is usually just a matter of unscrewing the pump from the fitting or in the case of a Mayfair style pump, you'll just replace the pump section as opposed to the entire unit.
If you keep fish to eat and wish to keep them alive while fishing, you'll want the well to work. If you tournament fish you'll want the well to work. If you want to keep bait in the well like shiners or the like, you'll want the well to work. If you don't need any of this, don't worry about it and use it as storage or even as a self-draining cooler. LOL

UFM82

 

[Fireman431]

Re: live well? how exactly does it work? do i fix it?

Also, after (if) you get the pump working, you won't need aeration. The water coming from the fill tube and splashing into the water in the well will aerate it more than sufficiently.

If you don't need the livewell for bait afterall, they make for a nice cooler area. On top of that, if it does work, they make adapters to attach a coiled hose/nozzle for use as a raw water washdown.

 

[Stachi]

Re: live well? how exactly does it work? do i fix it?

I agree with checking wiring first...work from the pump back...apply power and ground at the pump terminals directly from the battery. You'll know right then if the pump operates.
On a boat of that vintage...its not a bad idea to put on the 'to do list ' is a complete check of all wiring connections on your boat and engine. Open all connections and clean all of the contacts.It might take a day, it and it is tedious.....but you'll save a lot of headaches down the road ( river ? ).
Welcome to iboats forums and good luck to ya !