Understanding Boat Livewells: Functionality And Maintenance

Livewells are tanks on fishing boats used to keep caught fish and bait alive. They work by pumping fresh water from the lake into the tank and then back out. This flow of water keeps the water fresh and oxygenated, allowing the fish to breathe. Livewells can be factory-installed or improvised, and they come in various shapes and sizes. The amount of water going into the well needs to be regulated to avoid creating a current or overflowing the well. Oxygen levels are critical for livewells; too much or too little oxygen will cause the catch to die.

Livewells keep fish alive for anglers for a range of purposes

Livewells are tanks used to keep fish alive for anglers. They are commonly found on fishing boats, deck boats, and pontoons. Livewells are considered a must-have feature for anglers who require live bait or need to bring live catches to weigh-ins, as well as those who fish for food or sport.

Livewells work by pumping fresh water from the lake or body of water into the tank, maintaining a constant flow of oxygenated water that allows fish to breathe properly. This water then needs to be drained and replaced to prevent waste buildup and maintain optimal oxygen levels for the fish, which is typically around 5 parts per million. The water is usually drained through an outlet at the bottom of the livewell, while an overflow drain helps prevent overfilling.

There are different approaches to keeping the water in a livewell moving and aerated. One method is to pump raw water from outside the boat into the well and then drain it back overboard. This ensures a constant supply of fresh oxygen and helps remove waste products. Another approach is to use a recirculating system, where water is pumped in a loop out of the well and back into it. While recirculating systems may not add oxygen or clear waste as effectively as raw water systems, they can still be effective for keeping fish alive.

Livewells can vary in shape and size, and they may be factory-installed or improvised. Some livewells also incorporate features such as blue interiors and lighting, which are believed to calm baitfish and improve their longevity. Regular maintenance and cleaning of livewells are important to ensure they function properly and do not become clogged or contaminated.

Livewells can be factory-installed, aftermarket installations, or temporary

Livewells are tanks used to keep caught fish and bait alive. They can be factory-installed, aftermarket installations, or temporary. Factory-installed livewells are often rotomolded with insulated walls to help maintain water temperatures. They are usually equipped with pumps and inlets to bring in fresh water, and a drain to get rid of it.

If you're looking to add a livewell to your boat as an aftermarket installation, you have a few options. You can use a cooler with a bubbler, but this may not be sufficient to keep fish alive for long periods. A better option is to remove a bench seat, seal the sides to hold water, and cut holes for a pump intake and overflow. You can also install a livewell pump near the transom of the boat and run a hose from the transom fitting to the livewell.

If you're looking for a more temporary solution, you can use a simple styrofoam bucket with a rope handle to keep fish alive. For extra peace of mind, you can add an oxygen tablet from a bait shop.

Livewells need to be regularly maintained

Livewells are essential for anglers, whether for keeping bait or their catch alive. They are tanks that keep the water fresh and oxygenated, allowing the fish to breathe. However, to ensure they continue to function effectively, they need to be regularly maintained.

Firstly, livewells should be cleaned after each use. An effective and safe method is to use distilled white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. After scrubbing any problem areas, fill the tank three-quarters full with fresh, clean water, add a gallon of vinegar and 32 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, and run on recirc for 30 minutes. Then, drain the solution and run another 30-minute recirc with fresh water, before draining and drying the tank.

Secondly, the intake and overflow drain filters should be inspected and cleaned after each trip. These filters are crucial in preventing debris from entering the livewell and keeping the water clean.

Thirdly, fittings, hose clamps, switches, plugs, and electrical connectors should be checked regularly. It is also important to periodically run the pump on recirc with adequate water to keep the impeller conditioned, especially when the boat is not in use.

Finally, it is a good idea to keep a replacement pump on hand as they can fail or malfunction. Livewell pumps typically use cartridge motors, which are easy to replace. Regular maintenance of your livewell will ensure it continues to function effectively, keeping your bait or catch healthy and oxygenated.

Livewells require a constant flow of raw water to keep the temperature stable

Livewells are tanks used to keep caught fish and bait alive. They work by pumping in fresh water from the lake the boat is on, and then pumping it back out. This flow of water keeps the water fresh and oxygenated, allowing the fish to breathe.

There are a few ways to collect raw water. One method is to use a pump that mounts on the outside of the transom, below the waterline, and pumps water through a hose to the livewell. Another approach is to use screened intake holes on the transom combined with a pump inside the boat. A third option is a high-speed pickup, which is a through-hull fitting mounted on the bottom of the boat or at the bottom edge of the transom, allowing water to be scooped up even when the boat is moving at high speeds. It is important to note that high-speed pickups should always be fitted with a seacock or high-quality shut-off valve to control the water flow.

While a constant flow of raw water is ideal for maintaining temperature and oxygen levels, there may be situations where pumping raw water into the livewell is not desirable or possible. In these cases, recirculating systems can be used. However, without fresh water coming in, the water temperature in a recirculating system can be challenging to control, especially in hot or cold weather.

Livewells need to be cleaned with non-harsh products

Livewells are an essential feature for anglers, helping them keep their catch alive and fresh. However, they can quickly become dirty, with bacteria, algae, fish slime, and waste building up and causing harm to the fish. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly clean and maintain your livewell to ensure the health and safety of your catch.

When cleaning a livewell, it is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners, such as bleach, as these can be toxic to fish and leave harmful residues. Instead, opt for natural, non-harsh products like distilled white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, which are effective and affordable. These products can be easily found at any grocery store and are safe for both fish and humans.

The first step in cleaning your livewell is to remove any debris, such as fish scales, leaves, or sand, using a shop vacuum. This ensures that the debris does not get flushed into the pumps and cause blockages. Next, remove the drain screens from the bottom of the well and set them aside to be soaked in the cleaning solution. Set the livewell control to "recirculate" or plug the drain to prepare for the cleaning process.

Combine one gallon of distilled white vinegar and one 32-ounce bottle of hydrogen peroxide, and pour this solution into the livewell. Fill the well with water up to just below the overflow drain. Turn on the livewell aerators and let them run for 10 to 30 minutes to agitate the water and solution, ensuring it flows throughout the system.

After the cycle is complete, drain the livewell of the dirty solution and scrub any remaining stains with a paste made of water and baking soda. Rinse the well with fresh water, running the aerators for another 10 to 30 minutes to flush out any residual vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Finally, wipe down the livewell with paper towels, replace the drain screens, and leave the lids open to let it dry completely.

By following these steps and using non-harsh products, you can effectively clean your livewell, creating a healthy environment for your catch while also maintaining the functionality of the livewell system. Remember to clean your livewell regularly, especially after each use, to prevent any fish care issues and ensure the longevity of your equipment.

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