Lowe Boat Question

[bobo1]

I recently purchased a 2006 Lowe Sea Nymph V from a private party. It's a 14' fishing boat, model 1467WT. Under one of the half bench seats is what the former owner described as an "ice chest". It's an all metal compartment with a drain hole at the bottom. There's no plug for the drain. This drain apparently connects to a hose that travels to the rear oif the boat and ends up on the left side of the transom. There's no plug for this fitting as well. He only took the boat out once and said he never worried about it. My question is: What is this compartment for? And does it need to be plugged when on the water? How can water NOT enter the opening at the transom, then travel up the hose to the ice chest, then fill the ice chest compartment and eventually swamp the boat? Thanks for any help!

 

[QC]

Re: Lowe Boat Question

Try that again . . . the hose that comes out of this locker/ice chest thing goes to the stern and then through the transom? Some ice chests do drain into the bilge, you say this compartment "apparently" connects to the hose. Are you sure they are related? If you want to use it as an ice chest, buy a little rubber plug. Those things are worthless without a plug. If there is indeed a hose that runs out of your transom, below the waterline, and it is not plugged or check valved in some way, you should be concerned . . .

 

[bobo1]

Re: Lowe Boat Question

Thanks Admiral. The boat has a deck so I can't see exactly where the "ice chest compartment" actually drains into. Because the former owner didn't have a problem when he took the boat out, I assume there is a check valve somewhere. I bought the boat last week from a gentleman who bought it in Oct. 2006 brand new, used it once, then let it sit in his garage since. It's one of those "Do you remember what you did a year ago?" questions. I called the dealer where he got it from. The person that answered the phone was of no help. I emailed the boat maker and got a two word sentence back. I didn't get a handbook with the boat and there are no eletrical connections for a bilge pump. I think it'll be OK. I just wanted to go the extra knot to be sure. Thank you again!

 

[Weldor]

Re: Lowe Boat Question

I'm kinda new around here but this sounds like a live well to me. But I would think that a plug or some type of valve is needed to keep from swamping your boat. If your boat is on the trailer pour some water in it (ice chest thing)and see where & if it comes out.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Lowe Boat Question

Could just be an ice chest with a drain to let out the melted ice.
First thing to do is pour a quart of water into the chest and see where it comes out.If the chest is above the level of the water outside the boat water won't enter the chest.I have to wonder if the chest drains into the bilge and the hole in the transom is to drain the bilge.That hole should have a plug.Let us know where the water comes out.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Lowe Boat Question

pictures http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=224951

 

[arks]

Re: Lowe Boat Question

Bobo-
I also have a 14' Lowe (1446 Big Jon). That compartment was designed to be a livewell but many use it as an ice chest. On my boat the compartment drains straight out thru the bottom. One day last summer I removed the plug just to see how much water would come in and - surprise! - the water barely covered the bottom of the compartment. The reason: as Steelespike saiid, water seeks its own level, therefore the compartment will only fill to the boats waterline and not any higher. Keep in mind these boats all have built-in flotation under the seats. Don't be too concerned about it. FWIW, I keep the plug in, but have it positioned on the inside of the box so I can open it up if I want it to drain.

 

[bobo1]

Re: Lowe Boat Question

Thanks guys for your responses. I appreciate your help.