Best Livewell Boats: Which Manufacturer Has The Edge?

Livewells, also known as baitwells or bait tanks, are a crucial feature for anglers who want to keep their bait and catch alive and fresh. While some live baits can be kept in a bucket or box, live baitfish like minnows, shiners, mullet, and sardines must be kept in a livewell with clean, aerated water. Livewells come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and different manufacturers offer different features and levels of quality. So, which boat manufacturer has the best livewell? Let's explore the options and discuss the key features that make a great livewell.

Livewell capacity and overall capacity

Livewell capacity is an important consideration when choosing a boat manufacturer, as it will determine how much live bait or caught fish you can keep alive. The size of the livewell will depend on the number of anglers on board and the type of bait being used. For example, you can pack in two or three spots per gallon of capacity, but if you try that with bunker, the fish won't live long. Therefore, it is essential to assess the overall capacity of the boat, rather than the capacity of a single livewell.

Some modern boats have multiple livewells, which can be useful for anglers who want to keep different baits segregated to target different species of fish. In general, bigger livewells are better, but it is also important to consider the pump capacity and water flow. Insufficient water flow can be a common issue, and it is important to check the pumps for their GPH ratings. A good rule of thumb is to look for pump capacities that are about 42 times the gallon capacity of the individual well, as recommended by Dr. Daniel Benetti, director of aquaculture at the University of Miami.

When it comes to livewell location, it is important to consider the impact on the boat's performance and stability. Livewells are typically located in the transom, but having centred wells or ones that counterbalance each other is preferable to a single off-centre well, which can affect the boat's centre of gravity. Additionally, the height of the livewell can also affect the boat's stability, as it raises the centre of gravity. However, livewells located very low in the boat can be inconvenient as they require bending and stooping to access the bait.

Overall, when choosing a boat manufacturer, it is important to consider not only the livewell capacity but also the overall capacity, pump capacity, water flow, and location of the livewell to ensure that it meets your specific fishing needs.

Livewell location and its impact on boat performance

Livewell location can have a significant impact on boat performance, and it is important to consider the weight distribution and centre of gravity when placing a livewell in a boat.

A livewell placed in the corner of a boat's transom can add a substantial amount of weight off-centre, affecting the boat's performance and handling. To mitigate this, it is recommended to have centred livewells or a balanced setup with wells on both sides. Centre console boats often have livewells integrated under the forward console seat, which minimises performance impact.

The height of the livewell also matters. A livewell located along the centre line will raise the boat's centre of gravity, affecting stability. On the other hand, placing the livewell low in the boat will require frequent bending and stooping to access the bait.

Additionally, the location of the livewell can impact convenience. If the livewell is located at the back of the boat, anglers fishing at the bow will need to walk back and forth to access fresh bait. Similarly, if the livewell is under an aft-facing seat, someone may need to move every time bait is accessed.

To optimise performance and convenience, some boats feature multiple livewells in different areas, allowing anglers to fish from various parts of the boat without constantly refilling bait. Ultimately, the ideal livewell location depends on the specific boat design, intended use, and the number of anglers on board.

Livewell drainage systems

Overflow Drains vs. Stand-Pipes

The two main types of livewell drainage systems are overflow drains and stand-pipes. Overflow drains are considered superior as they provide better water flow and help prevent "dead spots" where water becomes stagnant and low in oxygen. However, they require more plumbing and installation costs. Stand-pipes, on the other hand, are simpler and more cost-effective but can be more prone to being jostled or damaged, leading to potential issues with baitfish escaping or the well drying out.

Drain Fittings and Components

When it comes to livewell drainage systems, various fittings and components are available to ensure proper drainage. These include:

• Thru-hull fittings: These fittings allow water to exit the livewell and drain out of the boat. They come in different sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, polypropylene, or ABS.
• Drain plugs: Drain plugs are used to seal the drain and prevent water from flowing out. They are usually made of rubber or stainless steel and can be removed or inserted as needed.
• Drain tubes: Drain tubes are attached to the thru-hull fittings and direct the water away from the boat. They can be made of brass, plastic, or other materials.
• Aerator screens and strainers: These are used in conjunction with livewell pumps to ensure that water is properly aerated before being circulated back into the livewell.

Livewell Pump Systems

Livewell pump systems play a crucial role in maintaining water quality and ensuring a constant flow of fresh, aerated water into the livewell. Here are some key considerations:

• Pump capacity: It is important to ensure that the pump has sufficient capacity to turn over the water in the livewell effectively. As a rule of thumb, look for pump capacities that are about 42 times the gallon capacity of the livewell.
• Water inlets: Multiple water inlets at different heights help prevent "dead spots" and ensure proper water circulation.
• Pump-share arrangements: These are cost-cutting measures where a single pump is used to power either the livewell or a raw-water washdown. They can reduce flow efficiency and place additional strain on the pump.

Manufacturer Recommendations

When it comes to livewell drainage systems, some boat manufacturers have earned a reputation for quality and performance. Here are some recommended manufacturers:

• Flow-Rite: Known for their Livewell control systems, Flow-Rite offers a range of products, including drain control valves, control cables, and premium control cable actuators. Their SeaLok™ Remote Drain Plug allows for convenient control of the drain plug from inside the boat.
• GEMLUX: GEMLUX offers a revolutionary Livewell system that is adjustable from inside the Livewell, eliminating the need to climb into the bilge to adjust ball valves. Their system includes an adjustable feed, adjustable drain, and an optional standpipe.
• Wholesale Marine: Wholesale Marine offers a large selection of livewell systems and parts from leading manufacturers such as Attwood, Johnson Pump, Marine Metal Products, and Moeller Marine. They provide competitive pricing and same-day flat-rate shipping on most items.

Livewell pumps and their GPH ratings

Livewell pumps are essential for keeping bait alive and healthy, and their GPH (gallons per hour) ratings are a crucial factor in pump selection. The pump's capacity determines how frequently the water in the livewell is replaced, which is necessary for maintaining oxygen levels, removing waste, and regulating temperature.

When selecting a livewell pump, it is recommended to choose one with a capacity that can replace the entire livewell's capacity at least six times per hour or every ten minutes. This ensures that the bait remains healthy and attractive to the target fish species.

Various livewell pumps with different GPH ratings are available on the market. For example, Amazon offers a range of livewell pumps with GPH ratings from 350 to 1100. The Seaflo 12v 800gph Livewell Live Bait Tank Aerator Submersible Cartridge Boat Bilge Pump and the Johnson Pumps 48503 500 GPH Aerator/Livewell Pump are two popular options. Meanwhile, Wholesale Marine provides a selection of livewell systems and parts, including aerator pumps, from various marine manufacturers.

It's worth noting that the actual pump capacity may be lower than the listed "peak" capacity due to factors such as the pump's mounting location, the length of plumbing between the pickup and the livewell, and the vertical distance the water needs to travel. Therefore, it's advisable to choose a pump with a higher capacity than the minimum requirement to compensate for these factors.

In addition to capacity, other factors to consider when choosing a livewell pump include the type of bait being used, voltage and amp draw, replaceable cartridge options, size and dimensions, and inlet/outlet dimensions.

Livewell shape and its impact on bait health

Livewells, also known as bait wells or tanks, are an essential feature of fishing boats. They are used to store live baitfish, shrimp, crabs, or game fish that will be released later. The shape of a livewell can impact the health of the bait and the success of fishing expeditions.

Livewells come in rectangular, oval, and round shapes. While the shape chosen may depend on the available space on the boat, it is important to consider the impact of each shape on the health of the bait. Rectangular livewells, for example, can cause bait to crowd into the corners, bumping into each other and the walls. This can be detrimental to the health of the bait and reduce its effectiveness.

To avoid this issue, some rectangular livewells have rounded interior corners. Round or oval livewells are also better at preventing bait from crowding and keeping them alive. Additionally, the size of the livewell matters too. A livewell that is too small for the number of baitfish or the size of the group on the boat can lead to overloading, which can be detrimental to the health of the bait.

Other features to consider when selecting a livewell include the pump, lid, housing or tank, plugs, feed, and standpipe. The pump is crucial for ensuring proper aeration, while the lid prevents water and bait from sloshing out. Clear lids are preferable as they allow for easy monitoring of the bait's condition and let in natural light, reducing stress on the bait. The housing or tank is the main storage area, while plugs are used to control water drainage. The livewell feed is the fitting through which water is pumped into the tank, and the standpipe allows the well to fill before draining.

By considering the shape, size, and various features of livewells, anglers can make informed choices to enhance the health of their bait and improve their fishing experience.

Frequently asked questions