Installing A Livewell Pump In Your Aluminum Boat

Installing a livewell pump in an aluminium boat is a great way to ensure a constant flow of fresh water and oxygen into the boat. There are a few different ways to set up a livewell pump, but the basic components include a livewell pump, a through-hull fitting, a drain, and an overflow. The livewell pump brings in fresh water, while the drain and overflow work together to remove old water and prevent the livewell from overflowing.

One popular method is to use a two-pump system, which provides a backup in case one pump fails. The first pump is a standard livewell pump that exchanges water in the well occasionally, while the second pump allows fish to remain healthy even when the boat is in contaminated water or when the first pump is air-locked. Another option is to use a one-pump system, which takes outside water and aerates it directly into the well.

When installing a livewell pump, it is important to consider the location of the through-hull fitting. Some people recommend installing it through the transom, while others suggest going through the bottom of the hull. It is also crucial to use high-quality parts and to double-check for leaks.

The preferred system is a two-pump setup, providing a backup in case of pump failure

Installing a two-pump system in your aluminium boat is the preferred setup for boat builders wanting to provide a superior livewell. This simple system provides a backup in case of pump failure.

The first system involves installing a standard live well pump with a gallon capacity of 200, 500, 800, or 1100 GPH. This pump will exchange water in the well occasionally. When using a 3/4" pump inlet, ensure that the drain is 1 1/2".

The second system involves installing either a 700 or 1100 GPH pump. This setup allows fish to remain healthy while the standard live well pump is off when the boat is in contaminated water or when the pump is air-locked. This system is also beneficial if your boat has the live well pump installed on the transom, as when the boat is on a plane, the intake of the pump may be out of the water and ineffective. With this second system, fish can remain in the live well while the boat is trailered.

The two-pump installation is preferable to the one-pump installation, as it allows bait or fish to remain in the live well while trailering. It also ensures that your livewell has a backup in case of pump failure.

When installing your livewell pump, consider the type of bait you will be using, as different baits require different treatments. For example, shrimp and crabs generally need lower levels of flow, while pilchards, menhaden, sardines, and herring require heavier flow and more frequent water replacement. The amount of bait you plan to carry will also impact your pump capacity requirements, as more bait means faster oxygen depletion and increased waste production.

In addition to the pumps, you will also need to install a drain hose and an overflow hose. The drain hose can be the same diameter as the livewell pump hose if you have an overflow hose. The overflow hose should be 1 1/8" to 1 1/4" in internal diameter. You can drain the overflow out of the side of the boat above the water line or below it, depending on your preference.

A one-pump system can be used but requires tilting the pump at a 45-degree angle to allow air escape

A one-pump system can be used to install a livewell in an aluminium boat. However, this requires tilting the pump at a 45-degree angle to allow air to escape. This is because, in a one-pump system, the pump takes outside water and aerates it directly into the livewell.

To install a one-pump system, you will need to follow these steps:

• Drill a hole for the pump base.
• Measure and cut off any excess threads, leaving enough length to attach a strainer. Insert the pump and tighten.
• Drill a hole for the directional discharge and install it using a waterproof sealant.
• Tilt the pump at a 45-degree angle to allow air to escape.
• Connect a smooth vinyl hose between the directional discharge and the pump.

It is important to note that a two-pump system is generally preferred by boat builders as it provides a backup in case of pump failure. The first system uses a standard livewell pump to exchange water in the well occasionally, while the second system allows fish to remain healthy when the boat is in contaminated water or when the pump is air-locked.

When installing a livewell pump, it is crucial to consider the pump's positioning, the need for a drain hose and overflow hose, and the potential impact on the boat's performance and stability.

Common installation problems include pump operation without bubbles, suction cups not sticking, and pump not pumping water

Common installation problems for livewell pumps in aluminium boats include:

• Pump operates but no bubbles: This can be caused by the brown lead not being connected to the positive side of the battery, or a battery that is not fully charged.
• Suction cups do not stick to the bottom of the tank: This can be resolved by using a very slick ceramic tile (approximately 20cm by 20cm) for the suction cups. The weight of the tile will keep the pump in place.
• Does not appear to operate in freshwater: Bubbles are difficult to see in freshwater because they are very small. To check if the pump is working, hold your hand in front of the pump outlet and observe the bubbles collecting on the back of your hand.
• Pump is running but not pumping water: This could be due to an airlock in the pump. Cleaning the filter should resolve this issue.

It is important to remember that the more air added through the valve, the slower the water current will be. Adjusting the water flow with the air control valve is crucial to maintaining the health of the fish. If the water flow is too fast, the fish will tire quickly. Regular filter cleaning is also essential for optimal pump performance.

A livewell pump pumps lake water into the livewell, with an electric motor and a small impeller

A livewell pump is a crucial component of a livewell system, which is a must-have feature for anglers who need to keep fish alive for various purposes, such as bait, dinner, or fishing tournaments. The pump ensures a constant flow of fresh, oxygen-rich water into the livewell, creating a conducive environment for the fish.

The livewell pump, with its electric motor and small impeller, plays a vital role in drawing water from the lake and pumping it into the livewell. The impeller, located at the end of the motor, sits inside a cavity. When activated, the motor's rotational force causes the impeller to spin, drawing water into the pump and propelling it through the livewell system. This mechanism ensures a continuous supply of water to the livewell, maintaining optimal conditions for the fish.

The installation process for a livewell pump typically involves mounting the pump on the transom of the boat, below the waterline. This strategic positioning allows the pump to remain submerged and access water even when the boat is in motion. Drilling a hole through the transom is usually necessary to accommodate the pump and facilitate the connection of tubing or hoses that transport water from the pump to the livewell.

It is important to note that a functional livewell system requires not only a water inlet but also a drain and an overflow hose. The drain hose can be the same diameter as the livewell pump hose, provided an overflow hose is included in the setup. The overflow hose should have an internal diameter of 1 1/8" to 1 1/4". Properly positioning the overflow hose is crucial; it should exit the boat above the waterline to prevent water from continuously flowing into the livewell.

The livewell pump's electric motor requires a power source, typically in the form of a battery. It is essential to ensure that the brown lead from the pump is connected to the positive side of the battery to establish a functional electrical connection. Additionally, a fully charged battery is necessary for optimal pump performance.

Livewell pumps are available in various flow rate capacities, such as 200, 500, 800, or 1100 gallons per hour, allowing anglers to select the most suitable option for their specific needs.

The overflow hose should be drained out the side of the boat above the water line to avoid filling to the water level

When installing a livewell pump in an aluminium boat, it is important to consider the placement of the overflow hose. The overflow hose should be drained out of the side of the boat, above the water line. This is to avoid the hose filling up to the water level, which would occur if the hose was placed below the water line. If the hose is placed below the water line, the livewell will drain down to the water level. This could be problematic if the water level is higher than the livewell, as it could cause the boat to sink.

By placing the overflow hose above the water line, you ensure that the livewell only drains when you want it to. This gives you control over the water level in the livewell, which is essential for maintaining the health of the fish. It also prevents staining on the sides of the boat, as the water will not be constantly running down the side of the boat.

Additionally, placing the overflow hose above the water line reduces the risk of flooding the cockpit or engine. If the cockpit drains are closed when leaving the boat, rainwater can accumulate and flood these areas if the overflow hose is not properly drained.

Overall, placing the overflow hose above the water line provides more control over the water flow and drainage, and helps to prevent potential flooding and staining issues.

Frequently asked questions