Live-Well Depth???

chanlo · #1 14-09-2012, 08:54 PM

Im planning a Livewell/Live bait tank. It will be used 50/50. I'm not planning to go in any tournaments.

My problem is I have an esky/seat in behind of the console which is approx 90L in capacity and is 340mm deep. Its a perfect location for live bait because the bait board is located close and its insulated. However it wont be able to overflow out of the side of the boat but rather below deck and have to rely on an automatic bilge to empty the boat. It will hold 90litres of water.

OR

I can fabricate a live well under the front deck front deck and it will be able to drain out the side and not use the automatic bilge. The problem is it will be only 220mm tall. It will be 115L in capacity.

Is 220mm to shallow for a livewell if i use it to keep fish alive?

Which one do you think will be better?
remembering it will be used as a live bait tank.

attached are a couple of pics

redrocket · #2 14-09-2012, 11:08 PM

I wouldn't be relying on a bilge to drain the live well mate, if it malfunctioned u could be it a bit of trouble.
U would be beter off using a stand up drain and running a hose under the floor and come out through the transom just above the water line.
That's what I did with mine and it works a treat.
If I can find the picks I'll show u how I did it

Timmah · #3 15-09-2012, 01:30 AM

Hey bud,

If you are using it as a live bait tank I cant see any issues with the 220mm height. My livewell for my Bream comps is 320mm high and it never really fills to that height. I have attached a few pics for you to see how my one drains.

First pic is of the transom and as you can see the large hole in the middle of my picture is my drain.
IMAG0040.jpg

The second pic is of my stand up drain pipe were the water drain's out. I used to have the drain on the top right where I now have an extra aerator head.
IMAG0041.jpg

Hope this helps.

Cheers
Tim

chanlo · #4 15-09-2012, 02:00 AM

Hi Tim,
I've been talking to you over email, I'm the one (Craig) thats been changing his mind every couple of days!

I could do it deaper in the middle but shorter length as per picture and the dimensions would be 430Lx540Wx350H. That would give me just below 82 litres.
I'd have to fill in the sides to stop overflow into the boat.

Timmah · #5 15-09-2012, 02:31 AM

Looks like it could be the go mate, you could then use a standpipe drain or stick with the side overflow.

Cheers
Tim

chanlo · #6 15-09-2012, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timmah

Looks like it could be the go mate, you could then use a standpipe drain or stick with the side overflow.

Cheers
Tim

is there any advantage of a standpipe over a side overflow?

Timmah · #7 15-09-2012, 03:07 AM

Hey bud,

The only down side would be that you couldn't use it with a valve system. Other than that mate they will both work well in different situations. For example no space under tank to drain or no space at side of tank etc. As long as the drain is larger than the fill it work work effectively. eg 3/4' fill 1-1/8" drain.

Cheers
Tim