Adding A Livewell To Your Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Livewells are a must-have feature for anglers who want to keep their catch alive, whether for bait or dinner. While some boats have factory-installed livewells, others may require an aftermarket installation or a temporary, improvised solution. For those wanting to install a livewell in their boat, there are several options to consider, from portable units to custom-built solutions.

Portable livewells are a cost-effective option, often made from old coolers with basic DIY modifications. These can be purchased or built at home for around $30, and they are a great way to keep baitfish alive and energetic. For a more permanent solution, boat owners can install a livewell pump system, which typically consists of two pumps: one to exchange water in the well and another to keep fish healthy when the boat is in contaminated water or when the main pump is air-locked.

There are also various approaches to keeping the water in the livewell aerated and moving, such as pumping raw water from outside the boat, recirculating water through a closed system, or pumping air directly into the water. Livewells intended for bait often feature blue interiors, radiused corners, and lighting to keep baitfish calm and improve their longevity.

Choose a suitable container

Choosing a suitable container for your livewell is a crucial step in the installation process. The size, material, and shape of the container will depend on various factors, including the type of boat you have, the available space, and the intended use of the livewell. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a suitable container:

• Size and Capacity: The size of the container will depend on the available space in your boat and the intended use. If you plan to store larger fish or a significant number of baitfish, you will need a larger container. Consider the weight of the container when filled with water, as it can affect the boat's balance. A 40-quart cooler is a good size for transporting baitfish, but choose a size that suits your specific needs.
• Material and Durability: The material of the container should be durable and suitable for the marine environment. Plastic or fibreglass containers are popular choices due to their lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties. Some livewells are also made from aluminium, which is sturdy but may require more maintenance to prevent corrosion.
• Shape and Design: The shape of the container can vary, from standard rectangular or cylindrical coolers to custom-built shapes that fit specific spaces in your boat. Consider the available space in your boat and choose a shape that maximises capacity while ensuring easy access and maintenance.
• Insulation: If you intend to use the livewell for extended periods or in extreme weather conditions, consider a container with insulated walls. Insulation helps maintain stable water temperatures, which is crucial for keeping fish alive.
• Portability: Depending on your needs, you may opt for a portable livewell that can be moved between different boats or storage locations. Portable livewells are typically smaller and may have features like handles or mounting brackets for easy transportation.
• Cost: The cost of the container can vary significantly. You can find inexpensive options, such as using an old cooler, or invest in purpose-built livewell tanks with various features. Consider your budget and the features you require to make an informed decision.

When selecting a suitable container for your livewell, it's important to consider the specific needs of your boat and fishing activities. The container should be appropriately sized, made from durable materials, and designed to maintain water quality and temperature to ensure the health of your baitfish or catch.

Consider water recirculation

Water recirculation is an important consideration when installing a livewell in your boat. Livewells are designed to keep fish alive by maintaining water quality and oxygen levels. Recirculating livewells cycle water in and out of the well, aiding in waste management and temperature control.

To achieve effective water recirculation, you can choose between a one-pump or two-pump system. A one-pump system utilises a pump like the KA700TS or KA1100TS to draw in outside water and aerate it directly into the well. This system works even when the boat is in motion, but it does not allow for water recirculation when the boat is trailered.

On the other hand, a two-pump system provides a backup in case of pump failure. The first pump exchanges water in the well occasionally, while the second pump, typically with a lower gallon-per-hour (GPH) rating, allows fish to remain healthy when the boat is in contaminated water or when the primary pump is air-locked. This setup ensures that fish can be kept in the live well even when the boat is trailered.

When selecting a pump for your livewell, consider the capacity and flow rate. The pump's GPH rating should match the volume of your livewell. For instance, a pump with an 800 GPH rating is suitable for larger tanks, while a 500 GPH model may be adequate for smaller or medium-sized wells.

Additionally, consider the material and durability of the pump. Components made from marine-grade plastic, stainless steel, and other high-quality materials will be more resistant to corrosion and breakage, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

To install a recirculating livewell, follow these steps:

• Identify the best location for the thru-hulls and pump, ensuring easy access and proximity to a water source.
• Cut holes for the thru-hulls, ensuring a snug fit, and drill holes carefully to avoid hull damage.
• Secure the thru-hulls with marine sealant and a backing nut.
• Mount the pump near the livewell, either horizontally or vertically, depending on its design.
• Connect the hose to the pump's outlet using stainless steel hose clamps to prevent leaks.
• Route the hose to the livewell and secure it in place.
• Wire the pump to a power source, following the manufacturer's instructions, using marine-grade electrical connectors.
• Test the system for leaks and ensure proper recirculation before launching your boat.

Regular maintenance of your livewell recirculation system is crucial to ensure optimal performance and the health of your aquatic catch. Inspect hoses and connections bi-weekly for leaks or wear, and clean the pumps and screens monthly to prevent blockages. Verify aerator performance and test the recirculating pump's efficiency at the start of each fishing season.

Install a two-pump system

A two-pump system is the preferred setup for boat builders who want to provide a superior livewell. This simple setup provides a backup in case of pump failure.

First System

Install a standard live well pump such as a 200, 500, 800, or 1100 GPH pump to occasionally exchange the water in the well. When using a 3/4" pump inlet, a 1 1/2" drain is required.

Second System

Install either a 700 GPH or 1100 GPH pump. This setup will allow 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. The live well pump is often installed on the transom, which becomes ineffective when the boat is on a plane as the intake of the pump is out of the water. This system always remains on while fish are in the well.

The two-pump installation is preferable to the one-pump installation since bait or fish can remain in the live well while trailering.

Add aeration

Adding aeration to your livewell is essential to keeping your catch or bait alive. There are several ways to add aeration to your livewell system.

Firstly, you can pump raw water from outside the boat into the well and then drain it back overboard. This method ensures a constant flow of fresh oxygen and helps to remove waste. It also helps to keep the water temperature stable. However, this method may not always be desirable or possible, as it can introduce unwanted water into your tank and uses a lot of electricity.

Another option is to use a recirculating system. This method pumps water in a loop out of the well, through a tube, and back into the well. While basic recirculators don't add oxygen or clear waste, many systems incorporate aerators and filters to do so. However, without fresh water coming in, the water temperature in a recirculating system can become too warm or too cool.

If you're looking to add aeration to your livewell, you can also pump air into the water. Aeration that provides a lot of very small bubbles is the most effective. Bubble aerators with air stones, similar to those used in aquariums, can be effective. Aerators with ceramic diffusers that produce dense clouds of fine bubbles will provide top-end breathing room in your well.

Additionally, spray bars can be used to oxygenate the water by streaming jets of water back onto the surface of the well, creating turbulence. However, this method is not as effective as other aeration options and is better suited for augmenting other aeration systems or for hardy bait or fish.

When adding aeration to your livewell, it's important to consider the species of fish or bait you'll be keeping and adjust the water flow and aeration levels accordingly.

Clean and maintain the livewell

Cleaning your livewell is essential to prevent a fishy odour from building up and to ensure the water is safe for your fish. You should clean your livewell after each use.

To clean your livewell, you can use a scrub brush and some gentle soap, or a 1:1 mix of distilled white vinegar and water. You can also use a dedicated livewell cleaner. It is critical to thoroughly rinse out the livewell afterward to ensure no cleaner residue remains, as this can be toxic to fish.

To prevent clogging, it is important to regularly inspect and clean the intake and overflow drain filters after each trip. Check fittings, hose clamps, switches, plugs, and electrical connectors on a regular basis. If your boat is not in use, periodically add adequate water and run the pump on recirc to keep the impeller conditioned.

If your livewell has a pump, it is important to keep the filters clean. Clean the strainer frequently to prevent the pump from clogging.

For livewells with an aerator, it is important to ensure the aerator is functioning properly. Listen for the sound of air at the Air Control Valve to ensure it is operating correctly.

If your livewell has a light, it is important to ensure it is working properly and not leaking. Check the light bulb and wiring for any signs of damage or corrosion.

In addition to regular cleaning, it is important to perform periodic maintenance on your livewell to ensure all components are in good working order. This should be part of your fishing and boat maintenance routines.

Troubleshooting

If your livewell is not functioning properly, there are a few common issues you can check for:

• If the pump is operating but no bubbles are present, ensure the brown lead is connected to the positive side of the battery and that the battery is fully charged.
• If the suction cups do not stick to the bottom of the tank, use a slick ceramic tile to hold the pump in place.
• If the pump is not pumping water, clean the filter as it may be air-locked.

Frequently asked questions