Original Baitwell

csurf · #1 01-07-2012, 06:19 PM

So being new to this boat I discovered today that there was/is a factory bait well. I noticed the hatch when I bought it but didn't realize what it was since is was screwed and siliconed shut. Today I decided to pop the hatch and found a massive peace of foam inside. Noticing the sides where gelcoat so I deduced it must me a bait well that somebody sealed up. Checking out the specs on the boat from the other section of this site, sure enough that's what it was/is. I'm the first fisherman that has owned this boat so I was not that surprised that it was dormant. Prior to me the boat was mostly used as transportation back and forth to Fire Island.

Since I got the boat I've been scratching my head on how to do a live well and as it turns out it's been there all along. My question is does anybody have any experience operating it? I'm sure it's position is less than ideal being so far aft. But it's there and the boat needs to function as is for a few seasons at least. Any plumbing recommendations? Any insight would be most appreciated.

eggsuckindog · #2 01-07-2012, 10:57 PM

Frankly as I had 2 of those set ups, with the availablity of the new above deck livewells I would that route. Back then we just didn't have those options, you should be able to find a used one reasonable - if not I can help

csurf · #3 01-08-2012, 08:43 AM

Thanks for your feedback ESD. I can see that this setup from many angles is far from great. Aside from being way aft the access is also really lame. But I think it would be best to make it functional rather than sealing it up again. I don't like the idea of a void in the stern of the boat collecting water with no way of draining without hauling the boat. Can you tell me how you operated the two previous ones you had?

As I only do two types of fishing Fly and Live bait this is something that is on the A list to resolve. Any ideas however out there are welcome.

eggsuckindog · #4 01-14-2012, 08:58 PM

OK I have some time - there should be a drain in the bottom first off - into the bilge. Next - I had a 18 and a 23 Sceptre that I just used them on, the problem I see now is the heavier motor weights and draining them. I just ran drains out the transom and it worked fine although the 18 would overflow with 2 or 3 guys in the back. I know some that were done where they pumped out, which maybe the better option today, a regular thru hull scupper with flow adjustment and pump it out. Running is not the issue at rest is when you need the pump but as low as it sits anything pumped out would flow in the pickup just fine IMHO. You may need a some sort of flapper, ball valve or shut off on the drain so it won't back flow when you don't need it. An above floor baitwell which they didn't have back then really would be a better option, as kneeling down digging baits out kinda gets old - not sure where you are but down here pinfish get real smart when that nets comes in and will hide up in the corners - your out of bait until you drain it at the ramp and there 16 in there LOL

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