Continious duty cycle live well pump?

tank1949

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2013
Messages
1,911
I am building an internal (to boat) live well to hold salt water and bait (obviously). I need a circulating type pump that may run 6-12 hrs during a fishing trip. My well will be filled using a saltwater washdown system and will NOT have continuous saltwater feeding into it. Of course, I will have to monitor well water and add more when needed, but I will not have to worry about another thru-hull fitting failing and possibly sinking my boat. I have used cheap Rule 500 gal bilge pumps in the past installed inside a portable well, but they seldom last more than two seasons before their bearings start "squeaking." I can mount pump below or above filled water line, but pump will pick up water from the lower part of the well and spray water to become re-aerated. Most pumps that I have examined online do not claim "continuous duty." Any recommendations?
 

wahlejim

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 23, 2015
Messages
884
In saltwater use, I would be happy for 2 seasons with a cheap pump and consider it a throw away item
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,625
I’m still running the OEM Rule tournament series, 1100 gpm on my boat.

Installed a scope type thru hull on the inlet. Typically don’t need the pump on anchor with the tide running.

Just don’t throw the day’s lunch in the bait tank and not close the pump intake
 

Lowlysubaruguy

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 3, 2012
Messages
514
Airation is really important pick a pump that has this feature and your bait will live longer
 

tank1949

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2013
Messages
1,911
Where the well will be located, water constantly coming in will not be an option. Too dangerous...
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,625
Where the well will be located, water constantly coming in will not be an option. Too dangerous...
Not sure I follow you.

Too dangerous? Why is that?

Other than floating someone’s lunch if I forget to pull the drain plug, it doesn’t matter one way or the other if I forget to close the seacock.
 

tank1949

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2013
Messages
1,911
Due to boat's geometry, the live well will be installed center of boat, forward of I/O motors and below flush deck. It will have one drain into bilge area. It will be over 3' deep, 3' wide and about 10" width. It will also be removable and reside next to removable insulated fix box. If I was able to glass it in, I'd feel more comfortable installing a thru-hull to constantly supply fresh sea water. THX
 
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