slow draining live well

[imported_JD__]

My boat has a 45 gallon live well with two fill pumps and two recirculating pumps. With both pumps running it will fill in just a few minutes but because of all the plumbing and the small drain outlet, it takes forever to drain the way its set up (gravity). Would there be an easy way to make it a power/pump drain? Are all aerator/fill pumps designed to pump just one way, can polarity somehow be reversed?<br />Thoughts?<br />JD

 

[ED21]

Re: slow draining live well

Are you sure your outlet isn't partially clogged?<br />Pretty sure impellors on pumps are only meant to spin one way.<br />Get a cheap bilge pump, add some wire & hose & just drop it in the tank when you want to drain it.<br />It could be temporary or mounted in tank. I have one that I use for all kinds of water pumping for boats & stuff.

 

[Barlow]

Re: slow draining live well

just a thought that may not work .. but just reverse one of the pumps .. remove it then turn it around... ??<br /><br />like I said .. just a thought

 

[DJ]

Re: slow draining live well

 

[18rabbit]

Re: slow draining live well

For the very reason you mentioned, revering pumps are often used for live wells.<br /><br />See Jabsco 18680-1000, 6gal/min – sliding vane type pump also used for fuel transfer, reversing switch is on the pump. And 18220-1123, 10 gal/min - impellor type pump also used for ballast transfer, reverse with switch at the helm.

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: slow draining live well

If your drain hole is not blocked, then why not just enlargen it or add another.<br />There are a multitude of irrigation type fittings available.<br />Cheers<br />Phillip

 

[imported_JD__]

Re: slow draining live well

Thanks for the response fellas. The two fill pumps are attached to spray nozzles located at the top of the tank. The two aerator pumps are plumbed into the side of the tank, about 6" up from the bottom. The drain is the only plumbing located in the bottom of the tank with a remote open/closed valve. I suppose the best bet for me is to buy another pump and splice it into the drain hose on the discharge side of the valve.<br />JD

 

[SingleShot]

Re: slow draining live well

Check out this sight, I modified my recirculation circuit to be pump out also.<br /><br /> http://www.flow-rite.com/marine/ <br /><br />JK

 

[imported_JD__]

Re: slow draining live well

Thanks singleshot, you hit the nail on the head. Ironic, the boat I talking about is a Tracker Avalanche. I see you have a Tundra.<br />JD