Livewell Conversion
 

I was thinking about converting the front cooler under the bow cushion on my 180 Diablo to a livewell. Just wondering if any one has done this , and if so what kinda problems did you run into?

Thanks ,

Larry

Re: Livewell Conversion
 

its gonna make a mess in your boat. most live wells are in the rear where there is lil boat movement from wave action

Re: Livewell Conversion
 

Ranger and other manufacturers have had them in the bow for years. I understand what you are thinking , but if the lid is setup right it isn't going to leak out.
Any other thoughts?
Thanks ,

Larry

Re: Livewell Conversion
 

Most of your bass boats have similar hulls that you might find on a barefoot ski boat. they are designed to ride on only the last 2 feet of the hull at full plane.

our boats wont do that and porpoise more

Re: Livewell Conversion
 

Well , I got to looking and I don't think it would be big enough anyway OD. So I'm thinking about in the rear under one of the seats next to the engine cover. Now I just got to decide what side!
Always something!! Decisions ....Decisions.....Decisions

Larry

Re: Livewell Conversion
 

how many people do you fish when your out ? if just two others, the ballast will be opposite you.

how much water/fish weight are you thinking it will be ?

Re: Livewell Conversion
 

Usually just the wife and myself. I'm looking at a 14gal tank that I think will fit under the seat/sundeck good. I have already moved the battery from the starboard rear corner to the port side right under the glovebox. I have the trim pump on the port side rear and don't think I can move it much.
I'm thinking maybe an additional 150lbs.

Larry

Re: Livewell Conversion
 

Just food for thought, some people use a bait bag for a live well. They can be easily removed when not needed.

http://mmmwebstore.com/img/med/40-0.jpg

Re: Livewell Conversion
 

Whats a typical size fish you go after ?

If you do a 15 gal poly tank (20"-10"-18")

......with water and catch you should be able to stay at 150 lbs

Re: Livewell Conversion
 

Mostly trout , crappie , perch , bass , wipers.
I'm like you... I think I'll be fine.
I did shave about 60lbs of engine weight off of her with aluminum intake and aluminum exhaust manifolds :)
Thanks guys for the input.!

Larry

Re: Livewell Conversion
 

8.34 Lbs per gallon of water....Plus the weight of the tank. You shouldn't need to factor in the weight of the fish because they will replace the water. 150lbs should be pretty close on a 15 gallon tank

Re: Livewell Conversion
 

I got a great deal on a 16gal tank. And it fits better in the space I have than the 14gal unit.
Look out fishy fishy!! :)

Larry

Re: Livewell Conversion
 

I normally just throw a non-baited hook in the water, then drink lots of beer..... I call it "Fishing for red-eye" Much less equipment to haul around all the time.... plus no smelly bait!

Re: Livewell Conversion
 

Yeah , I love my beer too. But...around here it's now bad news if they catch ya drunk while driving a boat! That's why I got the wife....she drives the boat and baits my hook :) :) (I know bad pun , but funny)

Larry