Livewell raw water pickup

jnewmanco1

Cadet
Joined
Jul 8, 2006
Messages
10
How exactly do the livewell raw water pickup systems work and are they a must have on a new boat that has livewells? I'm buying a new Bay Stealth and it has two livewells and somehow in all of the commotion and confusion, the raw water pickup system was not part of the deal. I still have time to add this option so should I? Are they just continually pulling in new water when the boat is underway? Do they drain at a certain level? All I know is that it involves the mounting of a brass stopcock/strainer inlet somewhere. I know I should already know this stuff but sadly, I don't.
 

tedder

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 8, 2006
Messages
41
Re: Livewell raw water pickup

Its a good idea to add the water pickups for both live wells at least one. Keeps fish and bait alive and always a good resale feature.

They will be switched pumps to pull water in to fill the livewells. If possible its also a good idea to add a timer function to at least one livewell. This way you can switch it to auto and it will cycle on every few minutes to pump freash water in and your fish fresh.

There will be an overflow at some level on the side on the well and a drain at the bottom. Sometimes the drain and overflow are combined. Either way not a complicated thing.

Hope that clears it up for you.
 

noelm

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 8, 2005
Messages
761
Re: Livewell raw water pickup

I think you are referring to a pick up that forces water into tank when under way and not a pump, correct?? if that is the case there will be an overflow of suitable size as there is a LOT of water pushed in when going fast, and of course a tap of some sort to turn off flow when no live bait is needed and water in not necessary.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Livewell raw water pickup

Seems like pretty basic setup if the boat needs to be moving to provide water. Every serious fishing boat should have a live well pump and aerator. The pump draws water from below the water line and pumps it into the live well. A stand-pipe or overflow routes excess water over the side. The pump usually has a timer that allows the pump to run for 30 seconds or so and remains off for 3 minutes or so. Some have adjustable time interval. The spray head in the live well provides oxygen to keep fish frisky until its time for them to meet their demise.
 

tedder

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 8, 2006
Messages
41
Re: Livewell raw water pickup

noelm said:
I think you are referring to a pick up that forces water into tank when under way and not a pump, correct?? if that is the case there will be an overflow of suitable size as there is a LOT of water pushed in when going fast, and of course a tap of some sort to turn off flow when no live bait is needed and water in not necessary.

Of all the fishing boats I seen or been in I have never seen a set up like this.. I need to keep an eye open,. Sounds prehistoric and now extinct ??
 

jnewmanco1

Cadet
Joined
Jul 8, 2006
Messages
10
Re: Livewell raw water pickup

Silvertip said:
Seems like pretty basic setup if the boat needs to be moving to provide water. Every serious fishing boat should have a live well pump and aerator. The pump draws water from below the water line and pumps it into the live well. A stand-pipe or overflow routes excess water over the side. The pump usually has a timer that allows the pump to run for 30 seconds or so and remains off for 3 minutes or so. Some have adjustable time interval. The spray head in the live well provides oxygen to keep fish frisky until its time for them to meet their demise.

Upon further review, as well as talking to the dealer on the phone and then going over to see for myself, the system you describe is exactly what is already on the boat. Thanks for the input. I'm glad I found this site because as I said before, this will be my first boat and I'm not afraid to say that I have a ton of things to learn. Don't be surprised to get a number of 'stupid' questions from me in the future. But I am extremely excited about it and can't wait to pull that first bull red or spec out of Galveston Bay in my own boat.
 
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