Livewells input needed

[sparcebag]

I been checkin livewells and their costly,I also considered Valv lots better prices but a long drive and costly gas for a few parts.So does anyone have a portable livewell made from a cooler or any tank? I've decided to go protable and yet have fresh water overflow, aeriator and either drain or pumpout.Advice wanted!!

[PerchJerker]

On a boat I had years ago I added my own livewell, I converted a large cooler. It had an overflow drain, a floor drain, and a spray bar. I used regular marine fittings for the plumbing, they worked okay but you had to be careful when you tightened them because the foam insulation inside the cooler walls crushes pretty easily when you start tightening down fasteners.

It's crucial to make sure you have a good design and tight fittings, as leaky livewells or overflowing livewells or leaky fittings can cause big problems ..... especially if you don't have an automatic bilge pump.

[marine_man]

I believe I've seen Livewell kits that are designed specifically to convert a cooler into a livewell - maybe check with Cabelas' or a marine dealer...

I've seen it done several times, and if you take your time and plan it out it'll work well.

marine_man

[sparcebag]

Thanks; My comcern is with the cooler as is stated.the fittings compressing the insulation and leaking.I dont know if the one MarineM brings up at Cabelas is good to go with holes they do have a contained one.but I want fresh water circulation,which needs a inlet & out.The Marine coolers are they heavy closed cell insulation?? at colmans site they say ??? think 2-2&1/2 inch insulated.I'd hate to buy one and ruin it!